The Center Square

A nonpartisan, public-interest news organization dedicated to the principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

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Independent Illinois gubernatorial candidate Colin Corbett is criticizing the state’s ballot access laws, arguing they make it far harder for non-major party candidates to compete.

Watch on The States.

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What does the Supreme Court’s Hamani ruling actually mean for gun owners?

Watch on The States.

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Two education bills advancing through the Pennsylvania House are fueling debate over accountability and school choice.
Supporters say the measures would improve oversight of scholarship and charter school programs, while critics argue they could reduce educational options for thousands of students.

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https://t.co/vjafmCNkjN

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A Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling has struck down a state scholarship program that provided aid to students based on race and ethnicity, finding it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

State lawmakers are already debating possible alternatives based on income and geographic factors.

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https://t.co/HrbEh79154

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As housing affordability remains a growing concern in Michigan, HUD Secretary Scott Turner toured housing developments in Lansing and promoted public-private partnerships aimed at increasing housing supply.

Lawmakers are also advancing proposals focused on homeownership, housing construction and affordability.

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https://t.co/0l6We1Oqnz

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A new Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll found that 54% of Americans believe building more data centers is not worth the strain on local electricity, water supplies and infrastructure.
Just 29% said expanding data center capacity is more important for national security and competing with China.

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https://t.co/HOdHnlsnuz

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In a ruling, the Supreme Court signaled strong protection for the Second Amendment, warning against broad government authority to deny firearm rights.

Watch more on The States.

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Tristan Leavitt says he had no idea his name appeared in the federal complaint until a reporter contacted him for comment.

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The California Fair Political Practices Commission is planning to fine Gov. Gavin Newsom $31,000 over the late filing of 36 payment reports worth more than $5.5 million.

More on The States.

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A new constitutional amendment on Wisconsin’s November ballot would prevent future governors from using partial veto powers to create or increase taxes and fees.

The proposal follows Gov. Tony Evers’ veto that extended a K-12 funding increase for 400 years.

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https://t.co/aGtKTBKcz0

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A Republican congressional candidate says she and her four children were caught in the middle of a Chicago “teen takeover” while shopping at a Hyde Park grocery store this week.
She argues the solution isn’t new laws, but enforcing the ones already on the books.

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https://t.co/GHFc4AzJMT

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The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll found 62% of voters believe local governments should be cautious about approving new data centers due to concerns over electricity use, water consumption, land impacts and strain on local infrastructure.

Just 24% say communities should actively encourage them for jobs and tax revenue.

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https://t.co/EGIkX2kZBx

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A national parents group is urging Congress to investigate federal funding for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, arguing taxpayer dollars are supporting political advocacy in K-12 education rather than the organization’s scientific mission.

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https://t.co/uZEvEfgrZd

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A growing debate is emerging over whether veterans who served in conflicts not officially designated as wartime are being unfairly blocked from certain benefits.

More on The States.

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Federal prosecutors say a California man raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through purported humanitarian campaigns before allegedly funneling money to Hamas through cash transfers and cryptocurrency.

The case highlights growing concerns among law enforcement about the use of digital assets to finance terrorism.

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https://t.co/TiU1Gi1gnK

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Federal cases in multiple states are shedding light on Mexican-based smuggling rings accused of moving migrants into the U.S. and exploiting them through ransom and labor schemes.

More on The States.

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California lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require protesters to remain at least 100 feet from entrances and exits at religious facilities.

More on The States.

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Healthcare and immigration are emerging as key issues in Colorado’s U.S. Senate race. Sen. John Hickenlooper, challenger Julie Gonzales and Republican Mark Baisley are offering sharply different visions ahead of the June 30 primary.

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https://t.co/eGEMfD1OIV

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The Trump administration has approved a $1.68 billion loan to DTE Gas to modernize Michigan’s natural gas infrastructure. Federal officials say the project could save customers more than $700 million while improving energy reliability across the state.

Read more:
https://t.co/H9xNX4lQvW

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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has filed dozens of lawsuits against the federal government, priding himself on his ability to fight and win cases against the Trump Administration, but he has yet to answer questions about the costs of those lawsuits to taxpayers.

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https://t.co/mZwfzalXbe