A new OMES market review finds Oklahoma state pay well below comparable jobs, and lawmakers are weighing longevity boosts and a 9% plan with big price tags. Turnover and budget trade‑offs will shape what passes this session.

Pinellas County Utilities lifted the boil water notice for Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Tierra Verde, assuring the water meets safety standards.

A House tax committee voted 9‑2 to advance H.B. 337 after a lengthy hearing; the bill would raise cigarette taxes and retax many nicotine products while projecting tens of millions in new revenue.

City memos show about $106 million in unbudgeted housing funds just as lawmakers debate a $600 million Moda Center plan to keep the Trail Blazers.

A Board of Governors letter to the LCME has widened Florida’s accreditation fight, raising real risks for medical schools, federal aid and residency pipelines.

More than 241,000 North Carolina voters were mailed notices after ID numbers on their registrations failed validation. Officials say ballots remain valid and outline ways to update records.

A judge refused an emergency bid to remove Audrey Martinez from the general-election picture, citing mailed early ballots and sending the residency dispute to a full injunction hearing.

House Bill 2500 would let Tennessee agencies charge to inspect public records and shift redaction costs to requesters, prompting warnings from open-government advocates.

A federal jury in Fort Worth awarded more than $600,000 to a former Tarrant County deputy after finding racial discrimination. The verdict follows claims he was retaliated against for reporting misconduct.

Federal civil‑rights investigators have opened a compliance review of Indiana University’s scholarship awards after a DOJ letter requested student demographics and selection records.

Adrian Tijerina will become Red Oak's new police chief on March 2 after a competitive search. A public meet‑and‑greet is scheduled for March 9.

Common Council President José Pérez says he reported himself to ethics authorities after voting on a liquor license for a tenant who rents from a property he owns.

Amy Acton accepted a major union endorsement in Columbus and demanded immediate property tax relief while criticizing last year’s income-tax cuts.