The State Department ordered nonessential U.S. diplomats and family members to leave Lebanon amid rising tensions with Iran; the Beirut embassy will operate with reduced staff.

Gov. Josh Stein announced $43M in rural infrastructure grants that officials say will ready buildings and sites to attract jobs across North Carolina. The awards target sewer, site and building work in distressed counties.

Two days before the Feb. 24 special election, Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. laid out his stances on immigration, taxes and homelessness at a community forum. The race will fill Josh Siegel’s seat through November.

Sen. Paul Rosino filed Senate Bill 1570 to create a Department of Child Safety and Wellbeing that would move DHS child‑welfare and juvenile services into a new agency.

Senate Republicans in Georgia defeated two Democratic amendments to expand Medicaid, saying the proposals needed more vetting and cost analysis. Democrats vow to keep pressing the issue through SB 380 and committees.

A cluster of state bills moved forward this week to hand HCDA new powers over Hilo’s Banyan Drive, fund planning and give the state tools to buy key parcels. Committees advanced measures while demolition and master‑planning work proceed.

Crain's 2026 ranking shows the U.S. government still leads the Chicago-area job list, with CPS and the City close behind while hospitals and firms fill out the top 10.

A UT Austin professor petitioned the Supreme Court to decide whether employer threats that silence faculty count as unconstitutional retaliation. The filing asks the justices to resolve a circuit split.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit St. Kitts for a one‑day CARICOM summit to press security, trade and stability after the U.S. operation in Venezuela. The trip is meant to reassure Caribbean leaders and lock in cooperation on drug interdiction and economic ties.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has endorsed Sen. Ed Markey in the Democratic Senate primary, giving the incumbent a major local boost as he prepares to face Rep. Seth Moulton.

House of Blues Houston has scheduled a conservative comedy stop for June 12 during the state GOP convention — and the venue's announcement drew heavy online criticism.

The UNC Board meets Feb. 25 6 to decide tuition increases and a systemwide academic‑freedom definition that could change teaching and prices across campuses.

Washington University agreed to sever a partnership with a minority-focused mentoring program under a federal resolution. The change follows national Education Department reviews of race-focused campus partnerships.