Christen Smith

Christen Smith is the Pennsylvania News Editor for The Center Square and has more than a decade of experience covering state and national policy issues from all angles.

Culture
Report: School apologizes after transgender athlete uses girls’ bathroom

(The Center Square) – Staff at a district in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, told parents and students that news of a transgender athlete using the girls’ bathroom left them “surprised.” The… Read More

September 12, 2025
Public Education
More school choice leads to greater educational options, study finds

(The Center Square) – States with universal school choice policies see more growth in educational options for families, according to a new report. EdChoice, a nonprofit organization that researches school… Read More

May 21, 2025
Government
Watch: PA Dem state senator: ‘We are in big trouble’ without school choice

(The Center Square) – Democratic Sen. Anthony Williams, of Philadelphia, crosses the aisle to back an educational scholarship program historically opposed by the rest of his party. Read More

May 7, 2025
Politics
Watch: PA’s Ward says budget leaves kids trapped in failing schools

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s top ranking Senate Republican Kim Ward said that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget may spend a lot on public schools, but still doesn’t rescue kids… Read More

February 17, 2025
Politics
Trump returning to Butler on Saturday

(The Center Square) – On Saturday, former President Donald Trump will return to the same rally stage in Pennsylvania where he stood when a would-be assassin opened fire in July,… Read More

October 4, 2024