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Pennsylvania congressional races and their campaign funding,  Federal Reserve rate hike, and an alleged cover up in Colorado. Guest host Dan McCaleb talks with The Center Square's Christen Smith about key congressional races in Pennsylvania where candidates including Brian Fitzpatrick and Rob Bresnahan are fight for their party's control of the U.S. House. Campaign finances have become a focus as democrats out raise their republican opponents and PACs invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in these races. The Center Square Publisher Chris Krug and Ph.D. Economist Orphe Divounguy discuss the heating up of inflation in the past month and whether it means the Federal reserve should hike rates at the end of October. Plus, America's Talking:Colorado: https://www.thecentersquare.com/colorado/article_54f2adf4-bf75-48d3-af56-b6f0f380b220.htmlNational: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_e47364fc-de6a-40f7-af6b-9fc280fe01af.htmlLouisiana: https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_ce922386-23de-49b4-8c08-49184eedda2f.htmlCalifornia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_766cd4c9-befa-4d47-8341-3b1b49ba5e15.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

FEMA says it is 95% finished closing its COVID-19 public assistance program years after the pandemic ended, and it blames government shutdowns and fraud reviews for the delays. A bipartisan bill in Congress, the American Affordability and Jobs Act, would make data centers pay for the grid upgrades needed to connect them. Adam Herbets hosts today’s episode of The States, filling in for Greg Bishop. A Center Square investigation into Los Angeles Opera’s FEMA grants prompted a statement from FEMA on its COVID-19 reimbursements. FEMA attributes the delays to “reckless Democrats in Congress” for three funding lapses totaling more than 120 days. Democrats including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans, and in April Sen. John Fetterman called the delays inexcusable once reviews are complete. FEMA has not answered follow-up questions. Congressional reporter Therese Boudreaux explains how the American Affordability and Jobs Act compares with the Ratepayer Protection Act, which failed in the Senate. The new bill would require data centers drawing more than 20 megawatts to pay associated grid upgrade costs. Critics say its limits on environmental reviews and litigation could make it harder for communities to oppose data center projects. The Senate is expected to take it up after the midterm elections. On Everyday Economics, publisher Chris Krug and economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy examine the luxury housing market. With mortgage rates around 7.4%, most buyers are priced out, but the luxury segment remains competitive in Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and Jacksonville. In Seattle, the luxury buyer pool is down 14% amid an H-1B fee, tech layoffs and Washington’s new 9.9% income tax on high earners, which Initiative 645 would repeal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tax filings for a nonprofit tied to Detroit megachurch pastor Marvin Winans have been amended after The Center Square reported they listed him as receiving a salary over $500,000. The Center Square’s Voter Voice poll shows cost of living, inflation and corruption topping voters’ concerns ahead of the 2026 midterms. Investigative reporter Jared Strong hosts today’s episode of The States, filling in for Greg Bishop. The Tennessee firm Chitwood and Chitwood prepared the filings for Perfecting Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit tied to Perfecting Church that recently received a $500,000 Michigan state grant. The firm now says the salary listing was its mistake and that the money went to employees. The Center Square found further discrepancies in the amended filings, which the firm declined to discuss. Winans and church officials did not respond to interview requests. A full audit is underway and new filings are expected. The IRS declined to comment, citing privacy laws. Mike Noble of Noble Predictive Insights breaks down the latest Voter Voice poll results. Democrats now lead the poll’s generic ballot by 5 points, up from 1 in March. Noble estimates Democrats have about an 80% chance of winning the House and calls Senate control a coin toss. In early 2028 polling, JD Vance leads the Republican field at 44% and Kamala Harris leads Democrats at 29%. In America’s Talking: Pennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_d7a18e35-1ace-4f0c-a235-808d437929b7.htmlLouisiana: https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_82ed9fe7-e99a-4450-a10a-42bdc8ce8da4.htmlWisconsin: https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_7e45a879-346b-46ec-b28b-6aa14a57e101.htmlNational: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_ebafc04f-1b24-420a-b7ad-b43df4d920d1.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Superintendent candidates face off in California and Arizona, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spends $200,000 on an 8 day trip to Asia, election integrity questions swirl in Arizona's Maricopa county, and more. On today's episode of The States, guest host Esther Wickham looks at the races for State superintendent in California and Arizona which candidates discussing different issues from school choice to AI in schools to getting politics out of the classroom. California voters will choose between Democrat Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education, and Republican Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education. In Arizona, voters will choose between Republican Yee and Democrat Ruiz for superintendent of public instruction. Wickham also talked with The Center Square's Elyse Apel about Michigan Gov. Whitmer's trip to Asia funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Gov Whitmer has taken several trips abroad costing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars during her tenure as governor. And MEDC has faced ongoing scrutiny about the taxpayer dollars it funnels to businesses and whether there has been a return on those investments. Plus, America's Talking:Arizona: https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_06f4e48c-0966-496a-a874-3b11f1ebf253.htmlNorth Carolina: https://www.thecentersquare.com/north_carolina/article_7c9c8b79-6266-4d59-870c-82db83e7fa95.htmlInvestigations: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_679b90f4-c2ef-474e-85e7-d41a76937778.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to take up a case determining whether a court is able to issue sweeping orders against executive advisory bodies, like the Department of Government Efficiency. The Georgia Department of Human Services, which oversees the state's child welfare agency, paid more than $950,000 for just one Chevrolet Traverse. As public education remains a concern for taxpayers, supporters of school choice programs argue that giving families more educational options can improve student outcomes at a lower cost. And PhD Economist Orphe Divounguy digs into the housing market Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Third Circuit Court of Appeals gives two rulings on felons and firearms, polling on data centers, energy, and license plate reader cameras, and mortgage rates locking in sellers. On today's episode of The States, host Greg Bishop looks at two cases out of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals with opposite rulings on whether a felon has a right to possess a firearm. The two cases looked at different defendants with different charges and came to different conclusions base primarily on whether the individuals had violent histories. Bishop also spoke with The Center Square's Jon Styf about The Center Square's Voters' Voice Poll which found the majority of voters think data centers should pay for the energy and infrastructure they need rather than other ratepayers. A more even split showed up in the question of whether to have a moratorium on data centers. And different views prevailed on the question of whether Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers are beneficial enough in fighting crime to outweigh potential privacy concerns. Plus, The Center Square Publisher Chris Krug and Ph.D. Economist Orphe Divounguy talk about the housing market, renting versus selling, and when it is worth leaving a 3% mortgage rate even if your new rate will be higher. America's Talking:ENERGY: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_9fad52d7-b3f1-4048-84f6-fac03378b6aa.htmlCalifornia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_cb4d1fd1-bf5a-4482-812a-56062ede59db.htmlPennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_5e062fc0-cdbc-433e-959d-7c96fa904268.htmlWashington: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_82f3a678-e7f1-4d52-b82e-c9b0d3df45d4.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration announced the Justice Department’s first nationwide tax fraud surge, and HHS is ending subsidies for 189,000 Affordable Care Act enrollments. Also on The States: campaign finance filings for Democratic Socialists of America candidates, and California’s climate law turning 20. Assistant U.S. Attorney General Colin McDonald said the DOJ surge brought prosecutorial actions against 76 defendants in 45 days, with more than $490 million in intended losses. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said CMS is terminating subsidies tied to duplicate and deceased enrollments, which the agency estimates will save more than $1.5 billion a year. Enrollees have 30 days to dispute a termination. A Center Square investigation compares large and small donations to DSA-endorsed and aligned candidates. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raises about 90% from small donors. Abdul El-Sayed and several other DSA-aligned candidates raise roughly equal amounts from large and small donors. The investigation also examines funding behind Justice Democrats and the Working Families PAC. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gov. Gavin Newsom marked 20 years of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, crediting it with emissions cuts and economic growth. Pacific Research Institute economist Wayne Winegarden counters that Californians pay much higher energy costs and that other states cut emissions without California’s approach. Plus: an OCC report on debanking at nine major banks, a 3.6% Social Security COLA for 2027, Illinois’ SNAP error rate, and a $837 million Port of Philadelphia expansion. What do you think? Leave a comment below, and subscribe for daily coverage of the stories impacting taxpayers across the states. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illinois tax referendums, Jon Ossoff & Mike Collins face off in Georgia Senate debate, and Supreme Court DOGE case. On today's episode of The States, host Greg Bishop looks at the Illinois Governors debate and talks to Ted Dabrowski about tax referendums on ballots all across the state. Bishop also reviews clips from Georgia's Senate debate where incumbent Sen. John Ossoff (D) and Rep. Mike Collins (R) got heated over immigration, healthcare, and other issues. The Center Square's Andrew Rice joined to discuss the latest out of the U.S. Supreme Court with them taking up a case on DOGE records requests, an immigration case over whether being a cook counts as 'material support' of a terrorist organization, and oral arguments weighing whether the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act applies to streaming services. And Everyday Economist with The Center Square publisher Chris Krug and Ph.D. Economist Orphe Divounguy discussing how current rates are helping savers and investors but pinching renters and those with credit card debt. Also, America's Talking:ECONOMY: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_f8675ac7-1546-4632-abe9-d6d3ca3629da.htmlACCOUNTABILITY: https://www.thecentersquare.com/north_carolina/article_fddcd484-d313-4b19-9b55-6129d281e88a.htmlIMMIGRATION: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_6a63348a-d007-4400-a742-12be7993232b.htmlCALIFORNIA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_efe13517-4b3b-4227-95e8-27885146718f.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Virginia steps back on Flock Cameras, ATF announces rule changes for suppressors, Georgia Department of Human Services spends $1M on a Chevy, and polling shows many are concerned about Socialist candidates. On today's episode of The States, host Greg Bishop looks at Virginia cities ending their Flock contracts and talks to West Virginia Delegate Tristan Leavitt about his efforts to get on the record answers from Flock as concerns continue to rise about the license plater reader technology and data security. Bishop also looks at an announcement from the ATF that they will not be enforcing suppressor registration requirements. Reactions range from gun control groups who say these changes pose a danger to public safety to Republican Attorneys General who celebrate it as a win but raise concerns that it could be only temporary. The Center Square's Johnny Edwards joins to discuss the Georgia Department of Human Services and their expensive technology that is raising 4th amendment concerns. And the latest Voters' Voice Poll shows inflation and the economy are still the biggest issues for voters but some voters say they are concerned about Socialist candidates getting elected, about the impact of tariffs, and the potential for non-citizens voting in the midterm election. Also, America's Talking:Washington: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_d48b82d9-ee68-42c1-a30c-1c86310da76e.html Illinois: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_72e24954-ef41-4aea-9a8c-742eb1138a39.htmlPennsylvania: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_ce90f18c-738e-475e-bfa8-34be6a6612aa.htmlLouisiana: https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_ad80a815-c472-4697-8a68-7618969e67b3.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Election integrity concerns, PJM energy grid costs, school choice and the highest-paid state officials. On today's episode of The States, host Greg Bishop looks at early voting, talks about fair elections with Executive Director of Popular Democracy, DaMareo Cooper, and goes over the Department of Homeland Securities response to critics' claims that ICE will be stationed at polling places to intimidate voters. Bishop also looks at a new agreement from 13 governors to address electricity costs and grid reliability throughout PJM's sprawling territory running from Washington D.C. to Illinois. The Center Square's Esther Wickham joins to explain how school choice advocates think their cause will both save taxpayer money and improve student outcomes. And a report from Ballotpedia shows that most of the highest paid public officials are unelected education executives. Also, America's Talking:Tennessee: https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_2c40332c-84cb-4f93-86ee-508dc71b088f.htmlWisconsin: https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_47d0d210-216c-48db-b8a9-bba76048ae19.htmlCalifornia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_4cd1af26-46be-4ed3-a414-21f97e316748.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, Georgia drivers are paying 33 cents less for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline than they did last week, courtesy of a fuel tax suspension by Gov. Brian Kemp. Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are sounding the alarm over potential election insecurity issues caused by a federally indicted Central Illinois county clerk. A nonprofit operated by a Detroit megachurch pastor recently amended six years of tax filings after The Center Square reported the eye-popping salaries the original filings listed for him. And PhD Economist Orphe Divounguy weighs in on dynamic pricing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A California county drops carry permit gun restrictions in a Second Amendment Foundation settlement, 12 Illinois counties vote Nov. 3 on separating from Cook County, and an analyst warns of tens of thousands of potential residency violations in Georgia elections. On The States from The Center Square, host Greg Bishop covers gun rights, elections and taxpayer issues across the country. Gun rights: Bill Sack of the Second Amendment Foundation explains the Contra Costa County settlement ending the sheriff’s restrictions on red dot sights, flashlights and 1911/2011-style pistols for concealed carry permit holders. He also discusses Santa Clara County permit fees, pending ATF guidance on suppressors and short-barreled rifles after an NFA court ruling, and the Supreme Court weapons ban case set for Dec. 2 arguments. Illinois separation: Voters in Adams, Coles, Gallatin, Hamilton, Henderson, Macoupin, McDonough, Monroe, Piatt, Saline, Warren and Washington counties will decide a nonbinding question on forming a new state separate from Cook County. Thirty-three counties have already approved it. Supporters explain what the question does and doesn’t do, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s past comments are included. Georgia elections: The Center Square investigative reporter Johnny Edwards reports on analyst Mark Davis’ estimate of about 31,000 potential residency violations based on change-of-address data, his proposed Arkansas-style fix, and pushback from Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office. Everyday Economics: Publisher Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy discuss dynamic and personalized pricing, from grocery stores to airlines, and the trade-off between privacy and convenience. America’s Talking: Vice President JD Vance on work visa abuse and recouping taxpayer dollars, USDA’s record farm aid payouts, and Texas’ $50 million ibogaine trial program. Should more Illinois counties vote to separate? Is Georgia’s voter address issue a simple fix? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for daily state news from The Center Square. #SecondAmendment #IllinoisSeparation #GeorgiaElections #FarmAid #TheStates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Arizona Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs makes his case for governor against Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs as early voting begins. Pennsylvania State Police warn skill games could be seized after the state Supreme Court’s Oct. 13 deadline. Host Greg Bishop covers these stories and more on this Oct. 8 episode of The States, powered by The Center Square. Andy Biggs interview: Biggs discusses the Colorado River and groundwater, immigration enforcement and responds to clips from Hobbs. He also covers data center guardrails, eliminating Arizona’s income tax, right to work and Proposition 141, which would ban mileage-based taxes. Pennsylvania skill games: Lawmakers have filed a King’s Bench motion seeking more time as the deadline passes before the legislature returns. Rep. Kate Klunk pushes to legalize online raffles for nonprofits. State police warn of machine seizures, criminal charges and liquor license action. Gas tax holidays and e-bikes: North Carolina lawmakers pass a pause of the 41-cent gas tax through Nov. 30, paid from state reserves. Ohio lawmakers plan a bill to require e-bike registration and safety classes. Detroit nonprofit amends filings: The Center Square investigative reporter Jared Strong reports that a nonprofit led by Pastor Marvin Winans amended six years of IRS filings after The Center Square reported salaries listed for him. The amended filings show no salary, and Strong lays out the questions that remain. America’s Talking: Colorado: Campaign finance investigations in the governor’s race.Pennsylvania: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacy Garrity debate.California: Steve Hilton’s tax cut pitch at a forum Xavier Becerra didn’t attend.Michigan: Jocelyn Benson and John James hold their first debate. Who has your vote for governor? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for daily state and local news. Know of a nonprofit you suspect is misusing public dollars? Contact The Center Square at thecentersquare.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

States are looking at mileage-based user fees to replace shrinking gas tax revenue, and President Donald Trump has ordered a waiver of the federal diesel excise tax and dyed diesel penalties through year's end. Host Greg Bishop covers these stories, ballot errors in Champaign County, Illinois, and Tennessee's failed execution of Christa Pike on this Oct. 7 episode of The States, powered by The Center Square. Mileage-based user fees: Reason Foundation transportation policy analyst Jay Derr reviews the permanent road usage charge programs in Utah, Oregon, Virginia and Hawaii. He covers collection costs, in-state versus out-of-state miles, privacy protections and why a mileage fee should replace the gas tax rather than add to it. Pennsylvania: Protesters call for a three-year statewide moratorium on data centers. An Oct. 13 deadline for Skill game regulation will arrive before lawmakers return to Harrisburg.  Pittsburgh and Allegheny County councils back striking IBEW Local 29 workers. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato proposes a 2027 budget with no tax increase and no layoffs as the county's pension shortfall goes unresolved. Champaign County ballot errors: The Center Square's Sean Reed reports on about 600 misprinted ballots that swapped Illinois House races. He also covers calls for Clerk Aaron Ammons to step aside and the federal case against Aaron and Carol Ammons, set for trial Dec. 7. Reed also covers former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin's endorsement of Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Darren Bailey's response. Tennessee execution: Christa Pike survived a Sept. 30 execution attempt, Correction Commissioner Frank Strada resigned, and House Speaker Cameron Sexton says lawmakers will review execution methods in January. America's Talking: IL: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_01721fe2-6867-4fed-884e-a5d8b20b9f95.html FL: https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/article_897d2f4d-327d-437f-9caa-8946091cfb66.html NV: https://www.thecentersquare.com/nevada/article_703d883e-c8fe-417b-8ab8-020d856beaba.html CA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_dbe9cfd3-c574-4dc4-97f7-e76b19a4e3c0.html Should a mileage fee replace the gas tax? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for daily state and local news. Get these headlines free in your inbox with The Center Square newsletter at thecentersquare.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. Supreme Court denied 48 firearms-related cases and took up no new Second Amendment cases on the first orders list of its new term. Georgia drivers are paying about 33 cents less per gallon after Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas tax. Host Greg Bishop covers these stories and more on this Oct. 6 episode of The States, powered by The Center Square. Supreme Court gun cases: The court denied 37 challenges to the federal felon-in-possession ban and declined Johnson v. Jacobson, a case on whether Minnesota must recognize out-of-state carry licenses. Nine firearms cases remain pending, and the Cook County gun ban challenge will be argued Dec. 2. The court also heard arguments in Suncor v. Boulder County over climate lawsuits. RISE education rankings: Dr. Terry Stoops of Defending Education discusses the group's new rankings of state policies on classroom ideology and parental rights. Tennessee ranks first and Illinois ranks near the bottom. Pennsylvania legislature: The House passed first-time kratom regulations with a 12% excise tax, along with House Bill 2380, which requires utilities to procure battery storage. Both bills head to the Senate. Georgia gas tax suspension: Center Square Associate Editor Kim Jarrett explains what drivers are saving and how the state's $14.6 billion surplus covers the lost revenue. She also discusses what declining gas tax collections mean for road funding. Filibuster debate: Democratic Senate candidates Juliana Stratton and Jamie Davis disagree on ending the filibuster, while Republican Don Tracy and Majority Leader John Thune support keeping it. America's Talking: Congress: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_3ae0ef57-8a0e-4a64-8cb0-a8c995da41ce.htmlNC: https://www.thecentersquare.com/north_carolina/article_32a64b80-7bcf-408f-96b3-40e95213e1ac.htmlCA: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_ee46f9ac-95ed-44cb-b01b-74f8e5256487.htmlOH: https://www.thecentersquare.com/ohio/article_5f72244e-85e3-491e-85cd-3b79378e2e8c.html Should the filibuster stay? Would you want a gas tax holiday in your state? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for daily state and local news. Get these headlines free in your inbox with The Center Square newsletter at thecentersquare.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.