Recent comments by the Israeli prime minister and a Fox News commentator about Cheltenham High School, their alma mater in suburban Philadelphia, have inflamed a debate.

© Rachel Wisniewski for The New York Times

The founders of the initiative, the States Forum, say they hope to extend successful Democratic policies across states and even to the national level.

© Michelle Gustafson for The New York Times

The city’s largest public sector union and the mayor reached a tentative deal, ending a work stoppage that led to piles of trash on the streets.

© Matt Slocum/Associated Press