Wealth Tax Proposals in Congress | The Center Square Daily

Major Gun Rights Cases Could Reshape Firearm Laws Nationwide | The Center Square Daily

Gun control lawsuits, World Cup economic promises, Nevada's primary election, unemployment rankings, and taxpayer accountability debates across the states lead today's edition of The Center Square Daily.  Gun owners across the country continue to watch major Second Amendment cases working their way through the courts while state legislatures consider new firearm restrictions and regulations. U.S. Law Shield President Kirk Evans joins the program to discuss pending U.S. Supreme Court cases, legal challenges to firearm purchase waiting periods, proposed handgun restrictions, FOID card changes in Illinois, and the broader legal landscape facing gun owners heading into the 2026 elections.  With FIFA World Cup matches set to begin across North America, taxpayers and local communities are weighing the promised economic benefits against the public costs of hosting major sporting events. The Center Square's Jon Styf joins to discuss what economists and policy analysts are saying on whether host cities will see the projected economic windfalls or whether much of the spending simply shifts dollars that would have been spent elsewhere in local economies.  Square Up the Vote:  - Nevada voters prepare to choose party nominees in a closely watched gubernatorial primary.  - Governor Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford remain key figures in a race that could shape the state's political future.  - Candidates continue to debate affordability, economic policy, and the direction of state government ahead of November.  Economic Snapshot:  - The U.S. added 172,000 jobs in May while unemployment remained at 4.3%.  - South Dakota, North Dakota, Hawaii, Vermont, and Alabama posted the nation's lowest unemployment rates.  - The District of Columbia, Nevada, Delaware, California, and Washington ranked among the highest unemployment rates.  - Labor force participation declined from 62.6% to 61.8% over the past year.  America's Talking:  - Michigan lawmakers push for greater transparency in Medicaid error and improper payment rates.  - New York legislators debate redistricting and concerns about political map drawing.  - Statehouses across the country continue discussing government spending, taxpayer accountability, and election-year policy priorities.  The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused reporting on government spending, elections, public policy, and the issues impacting communities across America. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump Admin Prioritizes Treatment Programs in $4B Homelessness Funding | The Center Square Daily

Illinois lawmakers face criticism over transparency, spending, and tax increases following the end of legislative session, federal housing officials propose a major shift in homelessness policy, and The Center Square reports from the White House on economic and public safety issues.  Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie joins The Center Square Daily to discuss the state's record-setting budget, legislative pay raises, new taxes and fees, and concerns about transparency during the final hours of session. McCombie argues taxpayers are paying more while receiving little relief from rising costs, criticizing the state's spending priorities and warning that continued tax increases could further strain Illinois families and businesses.  The Center Square's Tim Clouser explains the Trump administration proposing significant changes to federal homelessness programs by shifting billions of dollars away from permanent housing subsidies and toward treatment, recovery, and accountability-based services. Supporters say the move could improve outcomes and reduce long-term taxpayer costs, while service providers and local governments weigh the impact on existing homelessness programs and funding structures.  At the White House & America's Talking:  - President Donald Trump discusses ongoing negotiations with Iran and the potential economic impact of Middle East tensions.  - The president criticizes sanctuary policies and public safety leadership in major cities, including Chicago.  - Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker continues to position himself as a leading critic of the Trump administration ahead of the midterm elections.  - North Carolina opts into a federal education tax credit program that could provide families up to $1,700 per child beginning in 2027.  - Pennsylvania lawmakers consider legislation targeting AI-generated "nudification" technology.  - Louisiana lawmakers leave several carbon capture and energy-related bills unresolved as the legislative session ends.  - Federal transportation officials investigate security concerns within Atlanta's transit system ahead of upcoming World Cup events.  The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused coverage of government spending, public policy, elections, and the decisions impacting families, businesses, and communities across America.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gun Laws, FOID Cards, and State Restrictions: What's Changing | The Center Square Daily

California primary election results, Louisiana's newly approved state budget, and gun policy debates from Congress to city halls across America on today's edition of The Center Square Daily.  California voters narrowed the field in key congressional, statewide, and local races as the state’s top-two primary system once again shaped the November ballot. Republican and Democratic candidates advanced in several closely watched contests, including the governor’s race and congressional districts that could influence the balance of power in Washington. The results also highlighted ongoing debates over California’s unique election structure and voter priorities heading into the general election.  Louisiana lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session by approving a roughly $47 billion state budget. While state leaders describe operating spending as largely flat, taxpayers will also be funding increased spending on construction projects, higher education, workforce development initiatives, judicial operations, and employee pay raises. Lawmakers say the investments are designed to support economic growth and workforce readiness, while questions remain about long-term spending trends and future taxpayer obligations.  America's Talking: Guns  - Congressional Republicans praise federal efforts to expand Second Amendment protections and review firearm regulations.  - The Department of Justice highlights enforcement actions targeting illegal firearms trafficking, explosives, and violent offenders.  - Illinois lawmakers advance legislation affecting FOID card reinstatement procedures, mental health evaluations, and firearm reporting requirements.  - New York lawmakers consider restrictions on flare gun sales and proposals addressing parental liability.  - Rhode Island advances legislation to exempt firearm safety equipment from state sales taxes.  - Texas educators seek additional taxpayer funding to meet school security requirements.  - Local governments nationwide debate gun violence prevention programs, public safety initiatives, and lawful firearm carry policies.  The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused reporting on elections, government spending, public policy, and the issues shaping communities across the country Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How the Government Spends Your Tax Dollars to Manipulate Votes | The Center Square Daily

Illinois lawmakers pass a record $56 billion budget with tax increases and legislative pay raises, California voters weigh local tax measures amid concerns over taxpayer-funded election messaging, and voters head to the polls in six states for primary elections.  Illinois lawmakers concluded their regular legislative session by approving the state's largest budget ever, including new taxes on social media platforms, predictive markets, and other revenue sources. The spending plan also raises legislative salaries above $101,000 annually. Supporters say the budget remains balanced despite federal funding uncertainty, while critics argue taxpayers continue to face growing government spending, higher taxes, and rising energy costs. With nearly 400 bills passed, attention now turns to gubernatorial action and the fall veto session.  As California voters consider more than 100 local ballot initiatives, questions are being raised about whether taxpayer-funded communications are being used to influence election outcomes. The Center Square investigative reporting examines enforcement actions by the California Fair Political Practices Commission, previous fines levied against local governments, and concerns from taxpayer watchdog groups about public resources being used to promote tax increases and ballot measures.  Square Up the Vote: California voters participate in the state's top-two primary system while considering dozens of local tax and funding measures. Iowa voters cast ballots in key congressional and U.S. Senate primary races ahead of the 2026 midterms. Primary elections are also underway in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Nevada prepares for next week's primary elections, with debates focused on health care, public land sales, AI data centers, and federal spending. Local ballot questions and tax referendums remain a major issue for voters nationwide.  The Center Square Daily delivers taxpayer-focused coverage of government spending, elections, public policy, and the decisions affecting taxpayers across America. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Investigation Reveals Bernie Sanders’ Luxury Travel Spending, Republicans Clash Over DHS Funding

On this edition of the Center Square Radio Hour, Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, has spent nearly $608,000 on private jets, chauffeured cars, and upscale hotels since last year during his anti-oligarchy tour. Congress headed into recess this past week without passing a major $72 billion immigration and homeland security funding package, exposing divisions among Republicans over ICE, CBP, and Department of Justice funding priorities. Lawmakers in Louisiana voted Tuesday to approve legislation designed to shield Louisiana energy companies from future climate change litigation while leaving existing lawsuits intact, potentially signaling a victory for the state’s trial lawyers in high-stakes battle over coastal erosion lawsuits. While some are pointing out parallels between today's economy and the lead up to the Great Depression, there are some key differences. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx [https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.