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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Eyman loses recall attempt against WA Secretary of State

15 hours ago | thecentersquare.com | Carleen Johnson

(The Center Square) – Thurston County Superior Court Judge Chris Lanese ruled against anti-tax activist Tim Eyman on Friday regarding his request for a recall petition against Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Eyman had filed a referendum to allow voters to veto a law he says guts Initiative 2081, the parents’ bill of rights passed last year by the state Legislature, which was not forwarded to the Secretary of State’s Office.
WATCH: WA Catholic Bishops ask feds to block child abuse confession law

16 hours ago | thecentersquare.com | Carleen Johnson

(The Center Square) – The Catholic Bishops of Washington on Thursday asked a federal court to block a new state law requiring priests to report instances of child abuse or neglect – even when it’s disclosed in confession – before the law takes effect this summer. Senate Bill 5375 makes members of the clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, meaning religious leaders – ministers, priests, rabbis and others – would be required to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
Georgia's fifth measles case reported

20 hours ago | thecentersquare.com | Kim Jarrett

(The Center Square) – A fifth case of measles occurred in Georgia, the state Department of Public Health said on Friday. The unvaccinated individual contracted the disease from a person who acquired it from out of the country, according to a release. That case was reported to the health department in May. Six confirmed measles cases were reported in all of 2024,according to the department. The Health Department said the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is safe and recommended it.
Enrollment up 2.3% at Tennessee's colleges and universities

21 hours ago | thecentersquare.com | Kim Jarrett

(The Center Square) – Enrollment in Tennessee's colleges and universities is up by almost 5,000 students, a jump of 2.3% from 2023, according to a report from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The most significant increases are in the state's community colleges, according to the 2025 Tennessee Higher Education Fact Book, which compares 2024 fall enrollment numbers with 2023 numbers. Chattanooga State Community College is one example of a post-pandemic climb in the number of students.
Murder of 3 Wenatchee sisters highlights complexity of family court cases

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Carleen Johnson

(The Center Square) – The tragic murder of three young sisters near Wenatchee is bringing new attention to the complexities of family court and judicial discretion in complicated custody and visitation plans. The death of the young Decker girls – Olivia, 5, Evelyn, 8, Paityn, 9 – is also traumatizing for families who are in the system and working for change to better protect children.
Washington mom blames lack of VA services for children's deaths

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Carleen Johnson

(The Center Square) – As the manhunt continues for 32-year-old Travis Decker, suspected in the murders of his three young daughters in Chelan County, Wash., more information is coming out about his declining mental state and struggles to access mental health services through Veterans Affairs. Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for Decker after the bodies of 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn Decker were discovered Monday at a campground near Leavenworth.
As Carr aims for governor's job, two Republicans are vying for his

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Kim Jarrett

(The Center Square) – Two Republicans are now in the race for Georgia attorney general. Attorney General Chris Carr is not seeking reelection, instead announcing last year he is running for governor. State Sens. Bill Cowsert and Brian Strickland are running to succeed Carr. The two will face off in the 2026 Republican primary. Strickland is the latest to throw his hat in the ring. He has chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and served as floor leader for Govs. Brian Kemp and Nathan Deal.
Lee praises Chattanooga's riverfront development

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Kim Jarrett

(The Center Square) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Chattanooga has changed since he began visiting as a 10-year-old and more change is coming thanks in part to a $15 million investment from the state. The governor was joined by city and state leaders at a ceremony touting the project which will include a new signature playground, food and beverage options, a pier cafe and lawn spaces for events to the city's Riverfront Park.
Legislative leaders remain positive on progress toward a new budget

1 day ago | thecentersquare.com | Steve Wilson

(The Center Square) – The leaders of the two chambers of the Florida Legislature struck an optimistic tone on Thursday as work continues on a budget deal. "We don't have a final product yet, but we both have the same goal," House Speaker Daniel Perez said. "We want to make sure that we help everyday Floridians and families are important part of our structure, important part of the future of the state of Florida.
Abbott signs bill advancing record funding for public schools, teacher pay hikes

2 days ago | thecentersquare.com | Bethany Blankley

(The Center Square) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed a major education funding bill into law allocating a record $8.5 billion for public schools and $4 billion for teacher and staff pay raises.