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.

Music is on the brink in Music City

September 3, 2020 The Center Square

Mandatory COVID-19 shutdowns are driving Nashville’s artists out of town and pushing the city’s music venues to the brink of collapse.

California could lose more than 450,000 hotel jobs

September 3, 2020 The Center Square

Hotel job losses in California will number 456,570 this year, out of a total of 1,014,600 hotel jobs in the state, according to projections by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

Hurricane Laura batters Louisiana coast, storm surge could reach 30 miles inland

August 27, 2020 The Center Square

The storm surge from Hurricane Laura could reach 30 miles north into Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, the National Hurricane Center warned early Thursday, even as the storm has been downgraded to a Category 2.

A view of New York City from One World Observatory.

New Yorkers pay $6.44 per gallon in taxes on distilled spirits

August 12, 2020 The Center Square

New York distilled spirits drinkers pay the equivalent of $6.44 per gallon in state excise taxes on their stiff drinks, according to a new analysis from the Tax Foundation based on January 2020 data.

Tennesseans pay equivalent of $1.27 per gallon in state wine excise taxes

August 6, 2020 The Center Square

Tennessee wine drinkers pay the equivalent of $1.27 per gallon in state wine excise taxes, according to a new analysis from the Tax Foundation based on January 2020 data.

New York tourism sees improvement, but closure of Canadian border limits recovery

July 15, 2020 The Center Square

Once the epicenter of the pandemic, New York’s COVID-19 numbers continue to stabilize and drop as its tourism sector seeks a gradual recovery.

Texas puts new restrictions in place as coronavirus cases increase

June 30, 2020 The Center Square

Bars are closed and Texas restaurants cannot exceed 50 percent of their seating capacity beginning Monday, down from 75 percent as the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to climb.

Cuomo opposes removal of Christopher Columbus monument

June 11, 2020 The Center Square

Saying it’s more about heritage in New York than the man it honors, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday he would not support efforts to remove the Christopher Columbus monument in Manhattan.

Arizona to residents: Take a staycation and enjoy the Grand Canyon State

June 5, 2020 The Center Square

The Arizona Office of Tourism is launching a campaign aimed at getting Arizonans out and about in their own backyard, supporting businesses and attractions that have struggled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Texas tourism leaders hoping to reopen attractions in the Lone Star State

May 29, 2020 The Center Square

With the summer travel season getting under way, Texas tourism leaders are working with the governor’s office to determine best practices for reopening premier theme destinations.