LND topic: states-policy-center page 1

states policy center

State Schools Get a Boost as Lawmakers Shift Funds

March 7, 2026

The Utah Legislature has wrapped up its 2026-2027 budget for public schools, choosing to reallocate money in a way that mirrors moves made in higher education the previous year. In 2025, state universities were required to divert a portion of their budgets toward high‑value fields like health care a

technology

Ukraine’s Drone Factory Eyes Gulf Markets as Middle East Tensions Rise

March 7, 2026

Ukrainian companies that build cheap drones to shoot down enemy aircraft say they can ship many units overseas. The idea grew after the U. S. and Gulf states asked for help when Iran started firing drones at allies. Russia’s own production of Iranian‑style Shahed drones keeps Ukraine busy defe

politics

Social Media Scrutiny Hits Texas Senate Candidate

March 7, 2026

A 36‑year‑old state representative has just secured the Democratic nomination for Texas Senate, but his online history is now under fire. The candidate, who has amassed more than two million followers on Instagram and 1. 6 million on TikTok, used his digital presence to win over voters during the

politics

U. S. Approves $151M Arms Deal for Israel Without Congress

March 7, 2026

The United States has decided to sell a large amount of bombs and related supplies to Israel, worth about $151. 8 million, without asking Congress for approval. This move was announced by the State Department on Friday. Israel wants to buy 12, 000 general‑purpose bombs that weigh one ton each. The d

politics

College Sports at Risk: Money, Media and the Future of College Athletics

March 7, 2026

The United States faces a potential collapse of its college sports system, according to a recent high‑profile discussion at the White House. Leaders from Congress, NCAA officials and conference commissioners met to debate how player‑pay rules are draining budgets and threatening the survival of many

politics

Americans Leave the Middle East on Charter Flights

March 7, 2026

The United States has carried out more than twelve charter flights to pull thousands of its citizens from the Middle East, the State Department announced on Saturday. The move comes after a week of growing tension in the region, when U. S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran triggered Iranian retalia

business

Big Y’s 90‑Year Road to Expansion

March 7, 2026

The Big Y grocery chain, now nine decades old, is looking ahead to a future with more stores and smarter technology. In West Springfield’s busiest outlet, shoppers can choose between self‑service checkouts that offer AI help or a friendly cashier. The AI assists by looking up product codes and guidi

politics

Russia Urges Peace in Middle East Crisis

March 7, 2026

A conversation on Friday night saw Russia’s leader reach out to Iran’s head of state, offering sympathy for the heavy losses in the current conflict. The dialogue highlighted concerns over many civilian deaths linked to what Russia calls “armed aggression” involving Israel and the United States. Pre

politics

U. S. Military Cuts Ties With AI Firm Over Safety Rules

March 7, 2026

The U. S. Department of Defense has officially labeled the AI company Anthropic PBC a “supply chain risk. ” This move means Anthropic can no longer work on government contracts, and other businesses that deal with the military may also drop them. The decision follows a long‑standing disagreement abo

politics

Science and Democracy Rally in Kane County

March 7, 2026

Local groups plan a protest on Saturday to defend science and democratic values. The event will start at 10 a. m. outside the Kane County Circuit Clerk’s Office and run until 11:30 a. m. The organizers include Indivisible Fox Valley Rising, Fox Valley Activists, Batavia Democrats, Geneva Democrats,