The Center Square

The Center Square was established in May 2019 to address the demand for reliable statehouse and statewide news throughout the United States. Our primary emphasis is on reporting related to state and local governments, as well as economic matters. What sets us apart is our taxpayer-focused perspective, which allows our audience to stay well-informed about the workings of state and local administrations and the financial implications for the citizens who fund these governmental actions through their taxes. Our team at The Center Square consists of seasoned editors and reporters who bring a wealth of professional journalism experience. We aim to provide our readers with important news, data, and insights – all delivered promptly and consistently. We share our journalism through three key channels at no cost to our partners or our audience: a newswire service for traditional publishers and broadcasters, TheCenterSquare.com, and various social media platforms. The Center Square operates under the 501(c)(3) Franklin News Foundation, which is based in Chicago.

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Trump admin extends olive branch to Iran despite combative rhetoric

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) – Despite less-than-friendly language from the Iranian president and mixed messages over a diplomatic meeting, the Trump administration is continuing to speak of peace with the Middle Eastern power.
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday June 26th, 2025

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Greg Bishop

(The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop delves into the latest U.S. Census data showing Illinois leading the nation in the rate of decline of people 18 and under as older populations increases. Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski shares his perspective of the demographics. Bishop also talks live with Stephanie Trussell, a Republican running for the 42nd Illinois House District.
WATCH: Census data: IL losing 18 and under at faster rate than NY, CA

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | Greg Bishop

(The Center Square) – The latest data on Illinois’ population trends shows the state losing more people 18 and under at a faster rate than any other state. That spells trouble ahead according to one analyst. Illinois’ population is growing older with fewer working age people than before, according to the latest U.S. Census data released Thursday. Gov. J.B. Pritzker told members of Congress earlier this month the state is growing.
Senate GOP: China fronts efforts to undermine American energy independence

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) – China coordinates with the “radical left” and uses climate activism as a cover to undermine American energy independence, Republicans said at a U.S. Senate committeehearing Wednesday. Chair of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on federal courts, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, said China has masqueraded behind a feigned concern for climate change to influence American education and legal and political systems through organizations like the Energy Foundation China.
Sound Transit unlikely to alter ST3 plans as part of revised financial plan

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – While Sound Transit plans to revisit its financial plans in response to increased project costs, even if and when ST3 is fully completed the agency’s system will still make up a small percentage of daily transportation trips, according to regional forecasts. The Puget Sound Regional Council develops policies and coordinates transportation, growth management decisions within the central Puget Sound region, which includes King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday June 25th, 2025

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | Greg Bishop

(The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares reaction to recent rhetoric from Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates about education philosophy. Jonathan Greenberg from Empower Illinois says Davis Gates' comments to the City Club of Chicago give more reason to support school choice. Bishop also previews some of what could be discussed as it's expected Illinois Gov.
California found in violation of Title IX for males in female sports, spaces

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | Tate Miller

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Education said Wednesday that both the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation are in violation of Title IX for allowing males into female spaces and sports.
Ohio’s EdChoice scholarship program struck down

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | J.D. Davidson

(The Center Square) – Parents receiving taxpayer money for school choice won’t lose it immediately, as the state plans to appeal a ruling that declared Ohio’s EdChoice program unconstitutional. Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page ruled late Tuesday in favor of 200 of the state’s public school districts that sued over the voucher program, which was expanded to any Ohio family that wanted to use it. The state’s current budget included $1 billion for the program.
WA may have to dip into emergency reserves, despite historic tax increases

3 days ago | thecentersquare.com | TJ Martinell

(The Center Square) – Despite passing the largest tax increase in state history amid record revenue levels, Washington state’s wallet may be empty by the end of the 2025-27 biennium, according to a new report by the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. While ERFC members noted during its Tuesday meeting that the news comes just as the state is entering the biennium, State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, a former legislator, pointed out that the state can also turn to its rainy day fund.
Federal court system seeks more funding amidst heightened scrutiny

3 days ago | thecentersquare.com | Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) – While the Trump administration continues to respond to the legal firestorm challenging many of the president’s executive actions, a House committee spoke with federal judges Tuesday about the proposed fiscal year 2026 federal courts budget. The judicial branch is under increased scrutiny from Republicans in recent months as President Donald Trump has repeatedly leveled accusations of judicial activism against judges who have ruled against his administration.