Is Seattle Ready for the World Cup? | The Center Square Daily

Seattle's World Cup preparations, Illinois' new student cell phone restrictions, and taxpayer-funded programs under scrutiny in Ohio on today's edition of The Center Square Daily. Seattle is preparing to host six FIFA World Cup matches, including a marquee U.S.-Australia matchup. While local business leaders remain optimistic about the economic impact, questions remain about whether international tourism will meet expectations. City officials and business groups are also debating security measures, homelessness, drug activity, graffiti, and the use of surveillance cameras near stadium venues. The discussion comes after Washington taxpayers invested $47 million in stadium upgrades and transportation improvements tied to the tournament. Illinois lawmakers have approved legislation requiring public schools to restrict student cell phone use during the school day beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The measure gives local school districts flexibility in implementation, including possible exemptions for high school students during lunch and passing periods. The debate also highlights broader budget discussions in Springfield, where lawmakers worked until the early hours of the morning finalizing the budget. Also in today's episode: Virginia bus crash leaves five dead; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy questions CDL standards after reports the driver could not speak English. New Jersey enforces curfew and makes arrests amid ongoing confrontations outside an ICE detention facility. Ohio audit finds approximately $1 million in overpayments to taxpayer-subsidized childcare providers, resulting in the termination of agreements with multiple centers. The Center Square Daily brings you taxpayer-focused reporting from across the country, covering the policy decisions, spending debates, and government actions impacting taxpayers across America. Virginia: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_9fd04da8-329f-4a1c-8111-d076ee12dfce.html New Jersey: https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_jersey/article_79ff52ee-502c-454d-888c-2d6e90bf4cbe.html Ohio: https://www.thecentersquare.com/ohio/article_7f1ab6ff-f4bb-4cd6-87f5-32b50db9db5a.html ____________ 👉 Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com 📩 Sign up for the newsletter for daily updates 00:00 Intro 00:42 World Cup 10:08 Student Phone Ban 17:10 America's Talking