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.

Tennessee released report on claimed 2022 tourism numbers

September 18, 2023 The Center Square

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development again released large claims about tourism in the state, this time saying the state saw $28.9 billion in direct visitor spending in 2022 after estimating that number at $27.5 billion in March.

Officials encourage travel to Maui areas not affected by fire

September 1, 2023 The Center Square

The fires that devastated the western portion of Maui will significantly impact tourism, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism said Thursday.

Green: 99% of area affected by Maui fires searched

August 29, 2023 The Center Square

Searchers have combed about 99% of the area affected by this month’s fires in Maui except for some areas near the waterway that the Coast Guard is searching, Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday.

White Sox consider move away from Chicago

August 29, 2023 The Center Square

The Chicago White Sox could leave the southside for either the suburbs or out of state completely, joining the Bears in their potential move, according to a report.

Report: Visitors to Mount Rushmore spent nearly $4 million in 2022

August 24, 2023 The Center Square

Visitors to South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore National Memorial spent $385.6 million in the surrounding areas during visits in 2022, according to data from the National Park Service.

Urban attractions bolster North Carolina’s tourism statistical surge

August 24, 2023 The Center Square

In the Raleigh area, 64 conventions drawing 100,050 room nights in 2022 officially marked a full comeback from the pandemic, generating what officials estimate as $70 million in economic impact from conventions alone.

Southwest Airlines adds Nashville as 12th crew base

August 22, 2023 The Center Square

Southwest Airlines announced it will add its 12th crew base in Nashville during the second quarter of 2024. The base will have between 150-250 pilots and 500-700 flight attendants.

Green: Maui recovery could take billions and several years

August 14, 2023 The Center Square

Hawaiian officials pledge to rebuild parts of Maui devastated by a fire, but Gov. Josh Green said Thursday it could take billions to rebuild.

Report shows Kentucky tourism rebounds in 2022

August 14, 2023 The Center Square

Tourism in Kentucky rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 and then some, according to a report Gov. Andy Beshear released Tuesday.

Georgia Lottery says it’s returned $26.5B for education since 1993

June 29, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia lottery officials said the program has transferred more than $26.5 billion to the state for education since its inception 30 years ago.