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.

A gas station in Metuchen, N.J., in October 2017.

Gas shortage and price hike expected this summer

May 11, 2021 The Center Square

A gas shortage is expected this summer not because there won’t be enough fuel but because there aren’t enough highly trained and licensed tanker drivers to transport it.

Texas joins Florida in lawsuit fighting CDC’s ‘unlawful’ cruise industry orders

May 7, 2021 The Center Square

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion on Thursday to join Florida’s lawsuit against the ongoing sailing orders issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which have prevented cruise lines from restarting business.

DeSantis lifts Florida pandemic protocols: ‘We are no longer in a state of emergency’

May 3, 2021 The Center Square

Six days after he signed an executive order extending Florida’s 13-month state of emergency 60 days, Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all pandemic-related emergency orders Monday while signing a “vaccine passport” ban into law.

Louisville hopes for economic boost from Kentucky Derby

May 1, 2021 The Center Square

The Kentucky Derby returns to its traditional First Saturday in May date this year, and while the state’s COVID-19 restrictions will keep attendance down, the 147th Run for the Roses is providing hope for many in Louisville’s hospitality industry.

New York City tourism suffered massive decline during pandemic, report shows

April 29, 2021 The Center Square

Thanks to COVID-19, New York City saw a decadelong growth streak come to an end as the number of visitors declined by two-thirds and their contribution to the economy dropped even more.

New CDC guidance: Vaccinated Americans don’t need masks outdoors

April 28, 2021 The Center Square

New federal guidance around masks will have Americans breathing easier this summer.

A view of the sign for The Metuchen Inn, a popular eatery in Metuchen, N.J., in October 2017.

Murphy plans executive order to increase capacity at indoor catered events in New Jersey

April 26, 2021 The Center Square

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy plans to issue an executive order increasing capacity at indoor catered events, including weddings, memorials and political gatherings.

Atlanta spends $33M for new Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

April 23, 2021 The Center Square

The city of Atlanta will spend $33.1 million to build a new Delta Sky High Club at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs lodging tax bill

April 23, 2021 The Center Square

Hotels, motels, short-term rentals and most lodging facilities in Georgia will be required to pay a $5-a-night excise tax as of July 1.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Lawmakers call for mediation between Lincoln Library and Museum and foundation

April 19, 2021 The Center Square

Illinois lawmakers are urging representatives from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation to work out their differences through mediation.