Articles by The Center Square

About The Center Square

The Center Square was launched in May 2019 to fulfill the need for high-quality statehouse and statewide news across the United States. The focus of our work is state- and local-level government and economic reporting. A taxpayer sensibility distinguishes our work from other coverage of state and local issues.

Cigar tax state rates to be studied

June 11, 2025 The Center Square

Cigar taxes have been a contested issue in state politics in the last several years, with tax rates on cigars differ considerably from state to state, from as high as 86% in Utah and 75% in New York to 0% in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Rep. McCormick: Corp of Engineers closures reduced at Lake Lanier

May 22, 2025 The Center Square

U.S. Rep. Rick McCormick, R-Ga., said 11 Lake Lanier boat ramps managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will remain open, reducing the number of recreational area closures announced Wednesday.

Staffing shortages shut down Corps of Engineers recreation sites

May 22, 2025 The Center Square

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers blames staffing shortages as it closes or limits access to 31 recreational beaches and campgrounds ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

Homeland Security implements Real ID enforcement

May 8, 2025 The Center Square

The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday the implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints nationwide.

Kemp rules out 2026 U.S. Senate run

May 7, 2025 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a social media post Monday he will not run for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Los Angeles fire budget cut, hundreds of hydrants stolen for scrap before fires

January 9, 2025 The Center Square

Hundreds of fire hydrants were stolen from the ground for scrap metal in advance of the blazes raging across Los Angeles, highlighting the local government’s challenges in maintaining basic order and infrastructure.

Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas investigated as possible terrorism

January 2, 2025 The Center Square

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to seven bystanders. Authorities are investigating the possibility it was terrorism-related.

Potential government shutdown could disrupt key federal services

December 20, 2024 The Center Square

A looming partial shutdown of the federal government could potentially furlough thousands of workers and disrupt certain services ahead of the busy holiday season, including air travel security, Social Security processing and access to national parks, as Congress faces a Friday deadline to pass a funding measure.

Appeals court removes Willis from Trump case; does not dismiss indictment

December 19, 2024 The Center Square

The Georgia Court of Appeals has removed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting the election interference case against former president Donald Trump and others.

Transportation secretary projects high volume of travel

November 22, 2024 The Center Square

Travel is expected to be high for the Thanksgiving holidays.