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.

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.

Ex-zoo employee sentenced to 60 days in jail

September 23, 2024 The Center Square

The third of four defendants indicted on a scheme to defraud the Columbus Zoo of more than $2 million will spend 60 days in jail.

Georgia House committee exploring the impact of credit card fees

September 9, 2024 The Center Square

A Georgia House study committee is looking into the impact credit card fees have on Georgia merchants and consumers.

Teenager in custody following shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County

September 4, 2024 The Center Square

One person was “taken into custody” Wednesday following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, according to reports.

Fulton County jail subcommittee issues 17 recommendations

August 23, 2024 The Center Square

A Georgia Senate subcommittee looking into the Fulton County Jail has issued a report with 17 recommendations for improving the facility’s conditions, including a suggestion that Fulton County Superior Court judges should carry full dockets.

Cooper, for the moment, brushes against long absence

July 26, 2024 The Center Square

North Carolina has been two decades without a representative on a major party’s ticket for president, and 155 years since it last had a native son in the White House.