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.

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.

Coronavirus claims more than 400,000 hotel-supported jobs in California

May 29, 2020 The Center Square

Coronavirus-related losses of jobs supported by the hotel industry in California numbered 414,069 out of a total of 1,014,600 hotel-supported jobs, according to a hotel industry estimate.

Arizona saw spike in travel over Memorial Day weekend

May 29, 2020 The Center Square

Arizona residents took road trips of varying lengths at a 40 percent higher rate than the week before.

Walt Disney World announces July 11 reopening date

May 28, 2020 The Center Square

Walt Disney World plans to reopen its Orlando gates July 11, but even in the Magic Kingdom, the specter of COVID-19 will require a range of safety measures and protocols.

Nevada prepares to reopen casinos next week

May 28, 2020 The Center Square

As 18,102 more Nevada residents filed new unemployment clainms for the week ending May 23, the state is preparing to reopen casinos and other businesses deemed nonessential during the COVID-19 pandemic.