Podcasts about center square

The Federal Reserve faces a major decision this week: raise interest rates or hold them steady as energy prices push inflation higher. Markets are pricing in a strong chance of a quarter-point rate hike, but PhD economist Orphe Divounguy argues the Fed should hold. His concern: the current inflation increase is being driven largely by a supply shock in energy, while the underlying economy is showing signs of weakness. Core inflation is around 2.4%, wage growth is easing, hiring remains near a decade low and recent economic growth has been heavily concentrated in AI investment. Divounguy argues that raising interest rates can cool demand — but it cannot produce more oil or directly fix an energy supply shock. Chris Krug and Orphe Divounguy also examine the growing divide inside the Federal Reserve, inflation expectations, the labor market and whether Chairman Kevin Warsh's hawkish comments at Jackson Hole have created a credibility problem heading into Wednesday's decision. The key question: Is another rate hike necessary to fight inflation, or could it risk over-tightening an already fragile economy? Everyday Economics is hosted by Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy and is brought to you by The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America is pouring money into artificial intelligence — but the productivity gains have yet to fully show up in the economy.Employers added 162,000 jobs in August and unemployment held at 4.1%, but PhD economist Orphe Divounguy says the latest labor market data look more like a stabilization than a true rebound. Hiring remains weak, real wages are falling, long-term unemployment is rising, and the labor force is nearly a million workers smaller.At the same time, businesses are making massive investments in AI infrastructure. Equipment and intellectual property investment accounted for a significant share of recent economic growth, while construction spending has shifted heavily toward data centers.So where is the payoff?Chris Krug and Orphe Divounguy examine whether AI is actually increasing productivity, why businesses are still figuring out how to use the technology, and what could happen to workers as AI changes the skills employers need. They also compare today's transition to previous technological shifts, including the adoption of electricity.Everyday Economics is hosted by Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy and is brought to you by The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Home builders are cutting prices and offering incentives, but buyers are still struggling to get into the housing market. New home sales fell to a 607,000 annual pace in July, while housing inventory jumped to 9.6 months of supply — the highest level since January. Builders are responding with rate buy-downs, closing-cost assistance and price cuts averaging about 6%. PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why the housing market is increasingly split into winners and losers, with luxury homes holding up while the middle of the market — roughly $500,000 to $800,000 — remains stuck. Mortgage rates around 6.7% are making it difficult for buyers to enter the market, while builders in the South and Sun Belt face growing inventories after years of heavy construction. Meanwhile, markets in the Midwest and Northeast continue to face a shortage of housing. Everyday Economics is hosted by Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy and is brought to you by The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The economy may look strong on the surface, but a closer look at the numbers reveals a much narrower and weaker expansion. In his first Jackson Hole speech, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh pointed to a 4.1% unemployment rate, strong business investment and rising corporate profits as signs of a resilient economy. But much of that growth is being driven by the massive AI buildout, while housing, construction and other parts of the economy continue to struggle.PhD economist Orphe Divounguy explains why the U.S. economy is increasingly operating at two speeds, why roughly 80% of second-quarter GDP growth came from equipment and intellectual property spending tied to the AI boom, and why the labor market may be weaker than the headline unemployment rate suggests. With hiring near its lowest level since the aftermath of the Great Recession and the labor force shrinking, the Fed faces a difficult decision over whether to raise interest rates or wait for more data.Everyday Economics is hosted by Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy and is brought to you by The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

American households are feeling the squeeze as inflation continues to push up the cost of everyday life. New personal consumption expenditures data shows income is finally growing faster than spending, but consumers are still spending more than their inflation-adjusted incomes and drawing down savings to keep up. In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphée break down what the latest economic data means for American families — from healthcare and groceries to housing, interest rates and big-ticket purchases. They also examine how government spending, energy costs, tariffs and higher interest rates are affecting consumers, why housing demand is weakening, and what could happen to the economy heading into the fall and next year. In this episode: • Inflation and the rising cost of living • Americans drawing down savings • Household income vs. spending • Housing demand and mortgage-sensitive spending • Government spending and interest rates • Energy and transportation costs • Tariffs and their potential economic impact • AI investment and economic growth • What consumers can do in a slowing economy Subscribe to The Center Square for more reporting and analysis on the economy, government spending and the issues affecting American taxpayers. #Inflation #Economy #Economics #CostOfLiving #Housing #GovernmentSpending #EverydayEconomics Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New political disclosure complaints are escalating Washington's battle over ballot initiatives and campaign activity. Radio host Ari Hoffman, acting as a private citizen, has filed a Public Disclosure Commission complaint involving the Seattle Times and several organizations, alleging that coverage surrounding the 2024 campaign over Initiative 2117 and the Climate Commitment Act amounted to undisclosed political activity. The organizations named in the complaint had not responded to The Center Square's requests for comment by the time the episode was recorded. Meanwhile, Arthur West has filed a separate PDC complaint targeting Washingtonians for Ethical Government, alleging the organization should have registered as a political committee. That organization was behind the earlier complaint involving Let's Go Washington and podcaster Brandi Kruse. Also today, questions are being raised about workplace conditions at Seattle's Plymouth Housing, with state and federal workplace-safety officials being asked to investigate potential employee exposure to drug-related hazards. Finally, Washington received some positive economic news: the state's unemployment rate declined from 5.2% to 5.0%, with 21,100 seasonally adjusted jobs added in July. But questions remain about whether some recent hiring connected to Seattle's World Cup activity will prove temporary. Washington In Focus Daily breaks down the latest developments. #SeattleTimes #WashingtonPolitics #PDC #Seattle #ClimateCommitmentAct #WashingtonState #SeattleNews #PlymouthHousing #Homelessness #WashingtonEconomy #Unemployment #WAJobs #WApolitics #WashingtonNews #WashingtonInFocus #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Washington Public Disclosure Commission investigation involving Let's Go Washington and podcaster Brandi Kruse is moving forward, raising questions about where political commentary ends and campaign advertising begins. Kruse and Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood deny any payment arrangement and argue the complaint threatens protected political speech. Meanwhile, a nearly decade-long water-rights battle between a Grant County family farm and the Washington Department of Ecology is heading to the Washington Supreme Court. Ron and Robin Foti say the fight has devastated their farming operation, while the National Federation of Independent Business is backing their case over concerns about government regulation and small businesses. Plus, King County recorded 19 drug-related deaths over a five-day period — the highest weekly number since The Center Square began tracking the data in May — including the death of a 15-year-old girl. The numbers are renewing debate over Washington's approach to addiction, drug enforcement and taxpayer-funded programs. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for continuing coverage of Washington politics, government accountability, public safety, taxes, agriculture and the 2026 election. #WashingtonState #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #BrandiKruse #LetsGoWashington #PDC #FreeSpeech #Election2026 #WashingtonElection #WaterRights #WashingtonFarmers #WAEcology #WashingtonSupremeCourt #Agriculture #SmallBusiness #KingCounty #Seattle #DrugCrisis #OverdoseCrisis #PublicSafety #GovernmentAccountability #WApolitics #WashingtonInFocus #CenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Were Democratic attorneys general preparing to wage a legal battle against Donald Trump before voters even went to the polls? On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor is joined by The Center Square investigative reporter Adam Herbets to discuss documents showing that more than 20 Democratic state attorneys general entered into a common-interest agreement as early as April 2024—months before Donald Trump won the presidential election. The agreement allowed the states to coordinate on what they called “federal accountability projects,” which Herbets says have since resulted in roughly 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration. Herbets explains how the states coordinated their legal strategies, why questions are being raised about taxpayer resources and public-record transparency, and whether these lawsuits are becoming a political and fundraising tool. He also details how states including California and New Jersey allocated additional money toward legal challenges involving the Trump administration. Tudor and Herbets also examine the growing role of money in politics, Gavin Newsom’s fundraising relationships with nonprofits and major corporations, government contracts, and the increasingly blurred line between political influence and public policy. The Tudor Dixon Podcast takes a closer look at the money, political power, and legal battles shaping government—and asks what taxpayers deserve to know about what is happening behind the scenes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government borrowing is never free — and taxpayers ultimately pay the bill. The Center Square publisher Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphe Divounguy break down the three ways government debt can hit American households: higher taxes, higher interest rates and higher inflation. The discussion examines why massive government borrowing can put upward pressure on Treasury yields, mortgage rates, car loans and business borrowing — while rising interest costs consume an increasingly large share of federal spending. Federal spending reached roughly $5.52 trillion, compared with $4.15 trillion in revenue, while interest costs have become one of the largest components of the federal budget. What does America's debt mean for your household, mortgage, business and purchasing power? And can economic growth actually help the country grow its way out of the debt problem? Watch the full discussion to understand how government borrowing can ultimately affect the taxpayer. #GovernmentDebt #Inflation #Taxes #InterestRates #Taxpayers #Economy #FederalDebt #MortgageRates #Finance #economics Support this podcast: 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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. job market isn't collapsing — it's stuck. July payrolls fell by 23,000, while unemployment held at 4.1%. But deeper revisions to May and June erased more than 100,000 previously reported jobs, raising bigger questions about the strength of the labor market. On this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and PhD economist Orphée Divounguy break down what the latest jobs numbers really mean for workers, businesses and the U.S. economy. They discuss: Why the July jobs report may be less alarming than the headline suggests How revisions erased more than 100,000 jobs from previous months Why hiring and layoffs are both unusually low What "stall speed" means for the labor market Why low labor-force participation is keeping unemployment at 4.1% The risks of weak job-to-job movement and slower wage growth Whether AI and data-center investment can drive a productivity boom Why future productivity gains could create new jobs — and new labor shortages Everyday Economics is brought to you by The Center Square, helping you understand the economic forces shaping your everyday life. #Economy #JobsReport #LaborMarket #Jobs #Inflation #FederalReserve #AI #Economics Support this podcast: 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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illinois Democratic State Rep. Carol Ammons is facing a bipartisan Illinois House investigation after being federally charged with wire fraud and making false statements, with the special committee examining whether there are grounds for discipline or removal while Ammons maintains her innocence. Ammons and her husband, Aaron Adam Ammons, have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, with a trial scheduled for September. Prosecutors allege the case involves nonprofit contracts and questions surrounding campaign contributions, while the House committee emphasized that it is not determining guilt or innocence. Also, in this episode: The committee voted to contact the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois before proceeding further, seeking guidance on whether the state investigation could interfere with the ongoing federal case. The investigation draws comparisons to the Illinois House's previous special committee examining former Speaker Michael Madigan, who was later convicted on federal corruption charges and sentenced to 7½ years in prison. The States also examines energy prices and the conflict in Iran, a newly uncovered effort by state attorneys general to coordinate litigation against the Trump administration, and the growing debate over data center expansion and taxpayer costs. Plus, America's Talking: California: https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_28a745de-6c13-4df1-88df-c0c150193eb7.html Wisconsin: https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/article_9cede801-b522-4172-9d2e-b8d50301bfad.html Georgia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_1db1ef45-8b75-4144-928a-7d670680111a.html Arizona: https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_b2a0c25a-f6ef-465c-ad4c-de89ea70d2f3.html   The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: You will have a new way to watch Blue Angels flyovers this SeaFair // Steven Portnoy on the Congressional hearing questioning Dr. Anthony Fauci over the response to COVID-19 // TJ Martinell from the Center Square on a communication breakdown between Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson in the immediate aftermath of the deadly shooting on Sunday // Charlie Harger Commentary on Washington's flawed "catch and release" system with violent offenders // Journalist Kylie Mohr on prediction markets being used to bet on wildfires // Jim Ryan on public pushback to "flock cameras"

Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major stories shaping politics and public policy across Washington. First, Let's Go Washington has officially appealed the ballot language that would accompany Initiative 645, arguing the Public Investment Impact Disclosure for the income tax repeal measure is inaccurate and should be revised before November's election. Next, controversy erupted during a Seattle Storm game after supporters of the Protect Girls Sports initiative said they were confronted by a team co-owner while attending the game in support of WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. Finally, with Washington's annual teacher union opt-out deadline approaching, the Teacher Freedom Alliance discusses why some educators are choosing to leave their unions and the services it says it provides as an alternative. The Washington Education Association's perspective is also noted where available. Stay up to date with Washington politics, elections, public policy and government accountability coverage from The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major stories impacting public safety, elections and housing policy. First, pressure continues to build on Seattle leaders following the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting. New details have emerged as the Seattle police chief responds to questions about his absence during the incident and city officials continue to face scrutiny over their response. Next, King County Elections provides an update on early voter turnout ahead of Washington's August 4 primary and responds to questions about election integrity and voter registration. Finally, the Building Industry Association of Washington is urging residents to weigh in on proposed residential energy code changes, arguing the new requirements could further increase the cost of building new homes and reduce consumer energy choices. Stay informed with the latest Washington news, public policy and government accountability coverage from The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington state is moving forward with an $800,000 taxpayer-funded study examining how to replace the clean energy generated by the four Lower Snake River dams—even after President Donald Trump revoked the Biden administration's effort to remove them. The study, funded through Washington's Climate Commitment Act, will evaluate what it would cost to replace the dams' power production and transportation infrastructure if they were ever removed. Critics argue the study is unnecessary because the ultimate decision rests with the federal government. Also in this episode, new crime data from Federal Way show major reductions in several categories, including an 80% drop in motor vehicle thefts since 2023. Mayor Jim Ferrell credits the improvements in part to Washington's restored police pursuit law, while acknowledging that law enforcement agencies continue to struggle with staffing shortages. Finally, prison reform advocate Ginny Burton has begun a 300-mile walk across Washington to raise awareness and funding for the OUT Impact Coalition. Burton says her rehabilitation program helps incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives before release, reducing recidivism while saving taxpayers money compared with repeated incarceration. Watch for continuing coverage of Washington politics, public safety, energy policy and taxpayer issues from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #SnakeRiverDams #PublicSafety #FederalWay #Crime #PrisonReform #EnergyPolicy #TaxpayerAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington politics continues to heat up as the race for Congressional District 4 turns into a dispute over President Donald Trump's endorsement, with Republican candidates Amanda McKinney and Jerrod Sessler offering competing claims while Democrat John Zeller argues the Republican division could reshape the race ahead of Washington's August primary. This episode also covers the Association of Washington Business (AWB) and Washington Roundtable Economic Future Solutions Summit, where former Gov. Gary Locke and Bellevue Chamber CEO Joe Fain raised concerns about Washington's fiscal future, the state's new income tax, long-term budget sustainability, government spending, business investment, and the risks of relying on a narrow tax base. Finally, Spokane Valley taxpayers are questioning a nearly $185,000 marketing campaign promoting the city's Auto Row, raising broader questions about economic development, taxpayer-funded marketing, government priorities, and whether public dollars should be used to support private industry. Featured topics include: Washington income tax Initiative 645 Gary Locke Joe Fain AWB Washington Roundtable Washington economy Business climate Government spending Budget discipline Spokane Valley Auto Row Taxpayer spending Congressional District 4 Amanda McKinney Jerrod Sessler John Zeller Trump endorsement Washington primary election Government accountability Subscribe for daily reporting from The Center Square covering Washington politics, taxes, business, elections, public policy, and government accountability. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new statewide poll suggests Washington voters remain strongly opposed to the state's new income tax, while also expressing concerns about the direction of the state and Gov. Bob Ferguson's job performance. In this episode, we break down the latest polling showing opposition to the income tax, examine the messaging from both supporters and opponents ahead of the expected Initiative 645 ballot fight, and look at what the results could mean for Washington taxpayers. The program also examines Gov. Ferguson's proposal to require high school seniors to complete the FAFSA as a graduation requirement, including questions about student privacy, college readiness, and financial aid access. Finally, Spokane officials debate a proposal that could significantly increase commercial sewer rates for some businesses beginning in 2027, raising concerns about the impact on employers and the local economy. Featured Stories Washington income tax Initiative 645 Bob Ferguson Washington poll Washington taxpayers Washington economy FAFSA Education policy Student privacy Washington schools Spokane utility rates Spokane businesses Commercial sewer rates Government accountability Washington politics Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington's economy, taxes, elections, education, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #IncomeTax #WashingtonEconomy #BobFerguson #Initiative645 #Taxpayers #FAFSA #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington's battle over the state's new income tax officially entered a new phase as Gov. Bob Ferguson launched the campaign urging voters to reject Initiative 645, the measure that would repeal the recently enacted tax on high-income earners. In this episode, Ferguson outlines why supporters believe the tax is needed to fund education, child care, and public services, while opponents—including Let's Go Washington, entrepreneur Brian Heywood, and tech founder Jesse Powell—argue the tax is unconstitutional and could eventually expand beyond millionaires. The program also examines Washington's upcoming August 4 primary election, featuring an interview with Erika Craig, the Republican candidate running for the open Senate seat in the 42nd Legislative District. Craig discusses small business, education, and why she believes Olympia's policies are making it harder for employers to stay and grow in Washington. Featured Stories Bob Ferguson Washington income tax Initiative 645 Income tax repeal Let's Go Washington Brian Heywood Jesse Powell Washington politics 42nd Legislative District Erika Craig Washington Senate race August primary Small businesses Whatcom County Government accountability Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, elections, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle's plan to provide free school lunches to every public school student is facing new political opposition as City Council President Joy Hollingsworth proposes redirecting some of the funding toward food security programs serving Black children. This episode also examines Spokane's proposal to require landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units, a mandate critics warn could cost property owners hundreds of millions of dollars and increase housing costs. Finally, Federal Way is launching a major crackdown on illicit massage parlors tied to alleged human trafficking, with new ordinances aimed at reducing crime, protecting victims, and increasing business oversight. Featured Stories Seattle free school lunch proposal Katie Wilson Joy Hollingsworth Seattle City Council Spokane air conditioning proposal Spokane landlords Rental housing Human trafficking Federal Way Illicit massage parlors Public safety Washington politics Washington housing The Center Square Subscribe for daily coverage of Washington politics, public policy, housing, public safety, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #Seattle #SchoolLunch #Spokane #Housing #HumanTrafficking #PublicSafety #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(The Center Square) – An Illinois state representative faces multiple counts of wire fraud and providing a false statement, according to a federal indictment released Tuesday night. State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, was charged with eight counts of wire fraud surrounding an alleged kickback scheme involving campaign contributions. She was also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. Her husband, Aaron Ammons, the Champaign County clerk of courts, also faces charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of evidence. Neither Carol nor Aaron Ammons responded to The Center Square's request for comment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has not directly addressed Washington's new income tax despite repeated interview requests from The Center Square. Republican challenger Sen. John Braun and the RNC argue voters deserve a clear position. Opponents have gathered more than 500,000 signatures seeking a repeal vote. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-should-rep-marie-gluesenkamp-perez-publicly-state-her-position-on-washingtons-new-income-tax/ #WashingtonIncomeTax #MarieGluesenkampPerez #3rdCongressionalDistrict #WashingtonState #ClarkCounty #Politics #2026Election

Washington's Supreme Court race continues to spotlight major questions about judicial decision-making, public defender caseload standards, county budgets, and the separation between interpreting the law and making public policy. The show also examines newly released records surrounding Washington's income tax legislation after the Attorney General's Office dismissed previous reporting as "no story." Investigative reporter TJ Martinell explains why the documents continue to draw statewide attention. Finally, we highlight the remarkable success of Jenny Burton's Out Impact Coalition. Former inmate Tone Williams shares how the program helped transform his life after serving 13 years in prison, while retired Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden explains why rehabilitation can improve public safety while reducing taxpayer costs. Featured in this episode: Washington Supreme Court race David Stevens interview Public defender caseloads Washington Attorney General Income tax records Senate Bill 6346 TJ Martinell Washington politics Prison reform Jenny Burton Out Impact Coalition Tone Williams Eric Barden Criminal justice reform Washington news Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, public safety, criminal justice, courts, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonSupremeCourt #IncomeTax #PrisonReform #PublicSafety #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus #CriminalJustice Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle's housing crisis takes another turn after a proposal to temporarily reduce mandatory housing affordability (MHA) fees for developers appears to collapse, raising concerns that thousands of planned housing units could be delayed or canceled. Meanwhile, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is advancing a proposal to ban so-called "junk fees" in rental agreements, drawing praise from tenant advocates while landlords question how the new rules would affect rental housing. The show also features an exclusive interview with Washington Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad, who responds to criticism over the state party's newly adopted platform, including provisions related to reparations and Israel. Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh also weighs in with a sharp response. In today's episode: Seattle housing affordability MHA fee proposal Seattle development Housing construction slowdown Katie Wilson rental fee proposal Seattle landlords Washington Democratic Party platform Reparations debate Israel policy controversy Jim Walsh reaction Washington politics Seattle housing crisis Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, housing, taxes, business, public policy and government accountability from The Center Square. #SeattleHousing #Seattle #HousingCrisis #KatieWilson #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonDemocrats #JimWalsh #Reparations #SeattleNews #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June's unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, but does that really mean the U.S. economy is improving? In this episode of Everyday Economics, Chris Krug and economist Orphe Divounguy break down why the latest jobs report may be sending mixed signals. They discuss weak private-sector hiring, shrinking labor force participation, healthcare-driven job growth, downward payroll revisions, and what the new Federal Reserve chairman's communication strategy could mean for interest rates, inflation, and the economy. Topics Covered: Why unemployment fell despite weak hiring June jobs report explained Private-sector job growth stalls Labor force participation declines Healthcare vs. private-sector employment Federal Reserve policy changes Interest rates and the U.S. economy Economic outlook for 2026 Subscribe for weekly, data-driven analysis of the economy from Everyday Economics and The Center Square. #JobsReport #Economy #Unemployment #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #EconomicNews #EverydayEconomics #TheCenterSquare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington businesses are raising new concerns about the state's economic direction as rising taxes, labor costs, and regulations continue to impact employers. A new National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) report finds Washington small business owners are significantly less optimistic than the national average, citing labor costs, taxes, and government regulations as major obstacles to hiring and expansion. The episode also examines the Pasco City Council's effort to formally oppose state and local income taxes while Washington's income tax repeal initiative moves through the signature verification process. Finally, a new WalletHub study ranks the best and worst cities for renters across America, with several Washington cities performing poorly because of affordability and quality-of-life factors. In today's report: NFIB Washington Small Business Survey Washington business climate Rising labor costs Washington income tax Pasco City Council resolution Income tax repeal initiative Washington affordability WalletHub rental rankings Seattle renters Spokane, Tacoma and Vancouver housing Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, business, affordability, elections, and government accountability from The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington's income tax repeal campaign has reached a major milestone after Let's Go Washington delivered more than 500,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State in an effort to place the new income tax before voters this November. The Center Square was on scene in Tumwater as supporters gathered to celebrate the signature submission. While state officials will spend the next several weeks validating signatures, organizers say they are confident they have collected well above the number required for ballot qualification. The episode also examines the growing political battle surrounding Washington's new income tax as Republican leaders continue criticizing the measure and congressional candidates prepare for one of the state's most competitive elections. Pressure is mounting on Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez as Republicans seek to make the income tax a central issue in Southwest Washington's 3rd Congressional District race. Finally, The Center Square profiles Ginny Burton, a former drug addict and convicted felon who has built one of Washington's most successful prison reentry programs. Her nonprofit, Out Impact, reports that 54 of its first 55 graduates have successfully remained out of prison, potentially saving taxpayers millions in incarceration costs. Burton is now preparing to walk more than 300 miles across Washington to raise awareness and funding for the program. In today's episode: • Income tax repeal signature update • Let's Go Washington petition drive • Secretary of State certification timeline • Marie Gluesenkamp Perez congressional race • John Braun discusses the income tax • Ginny Burton's prison reentry program • Reducing recidivism in Washington • Taxpayer savings through rehabilitation Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, elections, taxpayer issues, government accountability, public policy, and investigative journalism from The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A six-month Center Square investigation found dozens of Washington state daycares receiving hundreds of thousands in taxpayer subsidies with little or no evidence of children present. A state audit identified $37 million in questionable payments — yet no official has launched a fraud investigation. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/business/video-state-fails-to-investigate-daycares-with-no-children-despite-media-reports/ #WashingtonState #DaycareFraud #DCYF #ChildcareSubsidies #GovernmentAccountability #PublicSafety #WaLeg #TaxpayerMoney #ClarkCountyToday

Seattle welcomed the U.S. Men's National Team back to Lumen Field as fans from across the country and around the world gathered for a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Visitors praised Seattle's waterfront, walkable downtown, public transit, restaurants, and overall fan experience, with many calling it one of the best host cities of the tournament. The Center Square also spent the day speaking with local residents, business owners, soccer fans, and visitors about Seattle's ongoing transformation during the World Cup. While many praised the city's appearance and atmosphere, others questioned whether recent cleanup efforts will continue after the international spotlight fades. Also in today's episode, The Center Square publishes the results of a months-long investigation into Washington state's taxpayer-funded daycare subsidy program. Reporters visited dozens of licensed daycare locations after reviewing public payment records and examining concerns surrounding oversight, accountability, and verification of taxpayer-funded child care payments. The investigation includes responses from state agencies and elected officials while raising additional questions about government oversight. Finally, new developments have emerged in the Washington State Senate race involving Sen. Nikki Torres. Newly released police documents indicate investigators are examining allegations involving campaign-related activity connected to an ongoing stalking investigation. The case continues to develop ahead of Washington's August primary election. In today's episode: • Team USA returns to Seattle for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 • Fans rank Seattle among the tournament's best host cities • The Center Square releases a major daycare investigation • New developments in the Nikki Torres investigation • Washington politics and government accountability updates Subscribe for daily coverage of Washington politics, taxpayer issues, investigative reporting, transportation, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square.    #Seattle #WorldCup #USMNT #SeattleNews #WashingtonPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #InvestigativeJournalism #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 637 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features a roundtable with Austin Karp, the media writer for Sports Business Journal and Jane McManus, an editor at Storied Sports and the author of "The Fast Track: Inside the Surging Business of Women's Sports." In this podcast we discuss the preliminary U.S. audience numbers for the USMNT's knockout win Wednesday over Bosnia and Herzegovina; what it means to have the most-watched English-language soccer telecast and the most-watched Spanish-language soccer telecast in U.S. history; what is realistic for viewership of the U.S.-Belgium on Monday; Telemundo's EVP/Sports & Head of Streaming telling Karp that it may entail a scenario where “we combine with both languages” by adding the English rights to the Spanish rights the company already has across Telemundo and Peacock; the never-ending discourse surrounding Caitlin Clark; why every argument about Clark feels like a cultural war test; the failure of WNBA officials to be proactive on this topic; whether this is having any business impact on the WNBA; Adam Herbets, an investigative reporter for The Center Square, obtaining the body-worn camera footage of New Jersey police officer that spoke with Dianna Russini; whether that act would be a prompt a suspension at The Athletic; McManus on the stark differences of male reporters covering the NFL space versus female reporters and more.You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says higher proposed Illinois Tollway rates are for many users that travel to and from other states. Illinois Tollway officials are proposing a toll increase of about 45 cents per toll for IPASS users and a 30% rate hike for commercial IPASS users. At a ribbon cutting for building solutions company Amrize in Chicago on Tuesday, a reporter from The Center Square asked the governor about the potential burden on companies that move materials in Illinois. “I want to be clear that many of the trucks, many of the cars that are traveling on our tollways are actually from out of state and going to other states, so they're actually not Illinois companies and not Illinois individuals,” Pritzker said. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Day Break | The State of America: Policy, Politics, and Global Power --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:13 – Bob Livingston, former U.S. Representative and author of The Rainbow Chaser: The Man Who Gambled for Success and Broke Even. Livingston discusses his new memoir, reflecting on his career in business and politics, lessons learned from success and failure, and his perspective on the evolution of American political life. 28:13 – Michael Lucchese, founder of Pipe Creek Consulting, associate editor of Law & Liberty, and contributing editor to Providence. Lucchese discusses his new book, On America: How to Understand the Legacy of 1776, examining the enduring influence of the American founding and how the principles of 1776 continue to shape the nation's identity and institutions. 38:23 - Monologue 47:25 – Mike Britton, Co-Founder of Artillery Tea. Britton discusses the origins of Artillery Tea, what sets the company apart from other tea brands, and the contents of its Patriot Starter Kit. The conversation highlights the company's mission, products, and special offers for new customers. 57:41 – Rep. Tim Walberg, U.S. Representative for Michigan's 5th Congressional District and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee. Walberg discusses the No Aid for Ghost Students Act, legislation aimed at preventing taxpayer funds from being distributed based on inaccurate or fraudulent student enrollment figures. 1:06:36 – Colonel William Dunn (Ret.), President of Strategic Resilience Group and author of Gunfighters Rule!. Dunn discusses escalating tensions with Iran following reports of retaliatory U.S. military strikes after an American Apache helicopter was reportedly shot down. He analyzes the military, strategic, and geopolitical implications of the conflict. 1:16:33 - Monologue 1:25:55 – Steve Dulan, professor and attorney. Dulan reviews recent actions by the Trump administration that supporters view as strengthening Second Amendment protections, discussing their impact on lawful firearm ownership and constitutional rights. 1:36:07 – Elyse Apel, reporter for The Center Square covering Michigan and Minnesota. Apel discusses a recent Michigan court decision overturning a conviction connected to the Whitmer kidnapping case, examining the legal reasoning behind the ruling and its broader implications for the case and related prosecutions. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... Episode 18 is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/nS_iwvO5SgY

Newly obtained unredacted communications between Sen. Jamie Pedersen and the Washington Attorney General's Office are continuing to fuel scrutiny over how the state's new millionaire's tax was crafted and defended legally. Center Square reporters TJ Martinell and Carleen Johnson attended a state Supreme Court swearing-in ceremony this week hoping to question Chief Justice Debra Stephens and Gov. Bob Ferguson regarding: The income tax Supreme Court conflicts Attorney General coordination Efforts to block a referendum vote Martinell attempted to ask Stephens about communications showing a former Supreme Court clerk speculating that justices might prefer avoiding a direct constitutional ruling on whether income is property. The broader legal battle centers on: Washington's long-standing precedent treating income as property Whether a progressive income tax violates the state constitution Potential conflicts involving recently appointed justices Questions are also being raised over whether Justices Theo Angelas and Colleen Melody should recuse themselves due to prior professional ties involving: Gov. Ferguson Sen. Pedersen The Attorney General's Office  DCYF FACES CONTINUED SCRUTINY OVER DAYCARE PAYMENTS DCYF Secretary Tana Senn gave an update Thursday to the department's oversight board following a recent audit that identified approximately $37 million in questionable childcare subsidy payments. Senn argued: The audit findings represented extrapolations rather than confirmed fraud Many childcare providers felt unfairly targeted Public scrutiny created stress and anxiety throughout the childcare community According to Senn: “A lot felt like they were under attack probably for no very good reason.” Center Square reporters noted they have spent months investigating providers receiving: Tens of thousands of dollars monthly Large taxpayer subsidies Payments tied to locations where little or no evidence of childcare operations was visible Oversight Board members, including Sen. Nikki Torres, reportedly expressed frustration that the audit discussion received limited time during the meeting.  LONGVIEW SUPERINTENDENT ARRESTED Longview School District Superintendent Karen Cloninger was arrested Thursday morning following an investigation into allegations surrounding the district's boys basketball program. According to Longview Police: She faces charges including witness tampering Additional allegations involve obstruction and failure to report More charges may be forthcoming involving other district officials Police allege district officials may have: Obstructed the investigation Discouraged staff from cooperating Failed to fully report allegations The case has generated growing outrage from parents and community members in Longview.  WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Washington tax policy Supreme Court legitimacy concerns Childcare oversight Public education accountability Government transparency Several of these issues are expected to remain major political stories across Washington heading deeper into 2026. WHAT'S NEXT Constitutional challenges to the income tax continue Questions over judicial recusals may intensify Additional DCYF oversight hearings expected Longview criminal investigation remains active   #WashingtonState #Politics #IncomeTax #DCYF #Longview #SupremeCourt #BreakingNews #Education #Taxes #USNews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington's political and economic battles over the newly enacted millionaire's income tax are intensifying as Let's Go Washington reports overwhelming public interest in its repeal initiative campaign. During Tuesday's episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson examined: The rapidly expanding repeal effort Business concerns surrounding the income tax Ongoing constitutional questions Washington's growing drought debate New climate change projections ⚖️ TOP STORY: INCOME TAX REPEAL CAMPAIGN EXPANDS One week after launching the initiative drive to repeal Washington's newly enacted income tax, Let's Go Washington says public response has exceeded expectations. The organization is attempting to qualify Initiative to the People 2066-45 for the ballot by gathering: ➡️ At least 309,000 valid voter signatures ➡️ Within a 51-day signature window Organizers reportedly hope to collect closer to: ➡️ 400,000 signatures to account for invalid or duplicate signatures. According to Let's Go Washington: “They've never had a response like this.”

Washington's political and economic battles over the newly enacted millionaire's income tax continue intensifying as lawmakers, business groups, and advocacy organizations clash over the future of taxation, constitutional law, and economic competitiveness in the state. During Monday's episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson spoke directly with State Senator Jamie Peterson — the sponsor of Washington's controversial income tax legislation — while also examining growing concerns surrounding business relocation and economic uncertainty. ⚖️ TOP STORY: SENATOR JAMIE PETERSON RESPONDS TO TAX QUESTIONS Johnson questioned Peterson about: Legal challenges to the millionaire's tax Internal Attorney General's Office communications The ongoing referendum and initiative fight Concerns surrounding wealthy residents and businesses leaving the state Peterson defended the legislation and argued: ➡️ Consultation between lawmakers and the Attorney General's Office is normal ➡️ Washington's constitution already excludes tax measures from referendum authority ➡️ The issue is ultimately constitutional and legal in nature Peterson also maintained that the Washington Supreme Court has already clarified the referendum question surrounding tax legislation.

Washington state officials have released a complete list of daycare providers who received nearly $58 million in childcare facility grants after questions emerged over previously unnamed recipients. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, we examine the newly released childcare grant data, the growing debate over parental rights and school district compliance with House Bill 1296, and renewed concerns from business leaders surrounding Washington's income tax and economic climate.

(The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to blame. AAA listed the average price for regular unleaded at $4.53 a gallon on Wednesday, up from $3.41 a year ago and $3.98 one month ago. Molly Hart, spokesperson for AAA, said the conflict with Iran is playing a role. “What a lot of people don't understand is about 60% of what we pay at the pump has to do with the price of a barrel of crude oil. So when that price keeps going up, we see the pain at the pump,” Hart told The Center Square. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AIRLINK GUEST - TJ MARTINELL. Center Square reporter, former justice raise more questions as WA's ‘millionaire’s tax’ heads to court. "everybody gets taxed" // GUEST-Amy Gibson. Trump speeds review of psychedelics after Joe Rogan texted him about ibogaine. ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it’ // More with GUEST-Amy Gibson on ibogaine 

TJ Martinell from the Center Square on new documents uncovered surrounding the motive behind the Millionaires' Tax // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: A new Chick-Fil-A location in Mill Creek could cause some serious traffic disruptions // David Fahrenthold on the war in Iran, and the Trump administration's plans to repay billions in tariffs // Charlie Commentary on spending in WA schools, and dropping test scores // Ian Sherr on the new Apple CEO // Gee Scott on what the Seahawks should do with their 4 picks in the NFL Draft

(The Center Square) -- State lawmakers expressed public, bipartisan concern again Wednesday over an Illinois commission's efforts to increase access to state contract money for businesses that are owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities. The lawmakers' concerns are largely based on the reporting of The Center Square in recent months, which has found that the commissioners have fewer responsibilities than their counterparts elsewhere in government and that their decisions have led to a dramatic decline in businesses that are certified for contract preference. Support this podcast: 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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Washington in Focus Daily | Tuesday April 7, 2026 Tim Clouser hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today's show, Gov. Bob Ferguson's new state income tax is headed to the state Supreme Court for a hearing over the ability to challenge the law with a ballot initiative, Puget Sound Energy is proposing another rate hike in Washington, and The Center Square's TJ Martinell shares an investigation into the state's public works account funds being redirected to cover budget deficits. Read more 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 Center Square reveals Washington state's diversion of $375 million from a vital infrastructure loan fund to cover the operating budget. Local and statewide groups warn repeated withdrawals risk long-term damage to city and county projects. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/fiscal-fallout-375-million-bond-debt-indirectly-funding-operating-budget/ #Washington #infrastructure #budget #bonds #publicworks #PWAA #statepolitics #government #publicfunding #taxes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched a fair-housing investigation into the Washington State Housing Finance Commission's Covenant Homeownership Program. This program, created to address historical housing discrimination, offers 0% interest loans for down payments and closing costs to racial minorities. The investigation, triggered by a letter obtained by The Center Square, questions whether the program violates the Fair Housing Act by discriminating based on race and ancestry. HUD's assistant secretary, Craig Trainor, likened the program to 'Animal Farm,' suggesting some Washingtonians are being treated as 'more equal than others.' The program distributed $60.2 million in loans in its first year, funded by a real estate document recording fee. The expansion of eligibility raises further questions about fairness and equal opportunity in housing.

Rebuilding the statehouse beat: Inside The Center Square's growing newswire model The decline of traditional newsroom staffing has thinned one of journalism's most important beats: statehouse reporting. As fewer reporters cover legislative chambers and the policy decisions shaping taxpayers' lives, new models have emerged to fill the gap. Among the fastest-growing is The Center Square, a nonprofit newswire focused on government accountability reporting that publisher Chris Krug says was built to address what he sees as a structural hole in the American news ecosystem. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/rebuilding-the-statehouse-beat-inside-the-center-squares-growing-newswire-model,260877  

An Interview with Chris Krug, Publisher, The Center Square One of the keys to a healthy American democracy is an informed citizenry. Yet the decline of local news has left millions of Americans without reliable coverage of the institutions, policies, and elected officials that shape their daily lives. Statehouse reporting in particular has withered — leaving citizens in the dark about the decisions being made in their state capitals. Our guest today has dedicated his career to changing that. He leads one of the most ambitious efforts in the country to fill the local news void with high-quality, government accountability journalism that puts taxpayers first. Our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom is Chris Krug, Publisher of The Center Square, a nonprofit news organization launched in 2019 to provide statehouse and statewide coverage across the United States. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the media industry — from sports journalist to major market editor and publisher — Chris has built The Center Square into one of the country's most expansive sources of state and local government reporting. Topics Discussed on this Episode: Chris's path from sports journalism to leading one of the country's most ambitious local news organizations What it means for communities and democracy when local news disappears How The Center Square's taxpayer-first sensibility shapes its coverage Earning reader trust and what keeping that trust means to The Center Square How The Center Square navigates the pressures of AI, social media, and the struggles of legacy news organizations What gives Chris optimism about the future of local journalism

Seattle is facing a tough decision: delay or defer vital transportation projects to fund anti-ICE signs. This move raises questions about the city's priorities and financial management. According to an article in The Center Square, the city might have to put off much-needed infrastructure improvements. This decision is sparking controversy, especially among residents who rely on these transportation projects. The potential delays could impact commute times, accessibility, and overall economic growth in the region. Critics argue that the funds could be better allocated to address more pressing issues like homelessness or public safety. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local governments in addressing federal issues. This situation is a symptom of a larger problem of mismanagement and misplaced priorities in Seattle.

(The Center Square) – Chicago Police say they are monitoring the U.S. conflict in Iran. Residents and visitors observed a significant increase in police presence at O'Hare International Airport and on area passenger trains this week. In a statement to The Center Square, the Chicago Police Department said it is monitoring the situation in Iran. “While there is no actionable intelligence related to Chicago at this time, we are paying special attention to places of worship and will adjust resources if necessary as we continue to follow the rapidly unfolding events,” the CPD statement said. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Bishop, Illinois editor for The Center Square, hosts Illinois In Focus Daily, a review of some of the top Illinois headlines with timely and relevant news and interviews.  Read more at TheCenterSquare.com/illinois Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square, host Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square investigative reporter Jared Strong about his continued investigation into Illinois diversity contracting commission, including a commissioner not disclosing the entirety of their other employment outside of being a commissioner.  Read the story here: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_63956a13-5235-4a23-92e7-06203fbad8d9.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There is a Hall of Fame for just about everything in this country. But where is the Hall of Fame celebrating the inventors, the creators, the entrepreneurs that have made America so great? Well, there isn't one yet. However, the great social entrepreneur John Tillman is working on a $350 million project aimed at building a hall of fame for entrepreneurship and American innovation, which he is calling the Hall of Giants. John joins Giving Ventures to share his vision and provide a peek at the special soft launch it has coming up on the mall later this summer. John is the chairman and former CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute. He's also been founding or reviving other organizations from Center Square, Bearing Tree, Iron Light. And before all that, he was a business entrepreneur himself.

It's Tuesday, December 30th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Trump bombed Nigerian ISIS camps It was a first in United States history. President Donald Trump authorized US military action against ISIS-linked camps in northwestern Nigeria for the purposes of defending Christians who have been the brunt of a genocide that's taken place over the last decade. At least two camps, run by the Muslim terrorists, were hit by 18 precision missiles last Thursday on Christmas Day, reports The Guardian. Nicaragua banned Bibles Nicaragua has banned Bibles at the border.  Tourists may not carry Bibles in any form into the country, according to new regulations. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the list of forbidden items now includes Bibles, newspapers, magazines, books of any kind, drones and cameras. The Nicaraguan government has also shut down 1,300 religious organizations since April 2018. Repression has picked up since the 2021 election when Daniel Ortega was elected for a fourth consecutive term in office.  Leading opposition candidates were jailed before the sham election.   Nicaragua has the fourth worst economy in South America, just above Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti. Scottish pro-life grandmother arrested outside abortion mill A 75-year-old grandmother is the first to be arrested in Scotland for coming within 656 feet of an abortion mill. This comes after an anti-protesting law was passed last year.   The Times reported that Rose Docherty was holding a sign that simply stated: “Coercion is a crime. Here to talk, only if you want.” In John 3:20, Jesus said, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Puerto Rico recognizes pre-born baby as a person Puerto Rico will now recognize the human fetus as a natural person from conception. That's the substance of a new law which is intended to provide the unborn child with dignity, rights of inheritance, and legal recognition. Sadly, the country still allows abortion for reasons connected to the alleged “life and health of the mother.” Iran's skyrocketing inflation and war with U.S., Israel, & Europe External and internal pressures are increasing on nations worldwide. Iran has edged up into 53 percent year-on-year inflation. That's the fifth worst in the world.  The economy is exasperated by water and energy shortages. And the nation is dealing with rising numbers of protests and strikes. In a published interview late last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was in a "full-scale" war with the U.S., Israel and Europe. Russia's unrelenting attacks on Ukraine And Russia continues its war on Ukraine. Russia Today reported an additional 32 settlements in the Donbas area came under Russia control in December. United States sold $11 billion of arms to Taiwan Following the U.S. sale of $11 billion of arms to Taiwan, the Chinese armed forces have initiated an aggressive military exercise in the South China Sea.  It's the largest scale blockade and attack simulation ever conducted to date. The communist nation is conducting live-fire exercises extremely close to the shores of Taiwan.  The official People's Liberation Army news site announced that the drills include “task forces of bombers, amphibious assault ships, and anti-ship missiles.” But keep in mind Isaiah 40:15. The prophet wrote, “The nations are as a drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust on the scales; [The Lord]  lifts up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.” U.S. blocks Venezuela's oil exports Things are heating up in Venezuelan waters — as the U.S. military continues its blockade of the nation's oil exports.  Tankertruckers.com reports  about $1 billion of oil, or about 8-10 tankers, have been held up in the Caribbean by the current blockade.   The Venezuelan government relies on oil exports for about two-thirds of its financing. Venezuela is pushing 250 percent inflation, year-over-year. That qualifies as the absolutely worst conditions in the world. Private Texas schools applying for $10,000 government grants Now, in stateside news, private schools in Texas are signing up for state funding. At least 600 private schools have applied for grants under a new law, for the 2026-27 school year, according to Center Square.  The pilot program is offering $10,000 grants to 100,000 students in the Lone Star state. U.S. dollar less desirable Will the dollar retain supremacy in the world market? The U.S. dollar is less and less desirable by national banks around the world.  The percent of the world's foreign exchange reserve, held in U.S. assets, has dropped off from 72 percent to 57 percent since 1999.  Oklahoma college teacher fired for penalizing Biblical worldview The teacher at the University of Oklahoma who had given a Christian student a zero score on her paper for advocating a biblical view of gender has been fired.  The university issued a statement charging the teacher assistant, by the name of William Curth, with arbitrary grading. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, had appealed to the Bible in her essay, noting that, “God created men in the image of His courage and strength, and He created women in the image of His beauty. He intentionally created women differently than men.” Dad rescued daughter from kidnapper on Christmas And finally, a Texas dad rescued his daughter from a kidnapper on Christmas Day, reported WDBJ7.com.   The 15-year-old was walking her dog, when she was abducted at knife point. Her father traced her location by the phone — and found his daughter in the suspect's truck, rescued her, and called the authorities. Praise God she was not physically harmed.  What a courageous father! Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, December 30th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.