Down Ballot Staff Reports RALEIGH – Dry conditions are widespread in North Carolina, according to the latest update from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council released on Thursday. All or parts of 32 counties in central and western North Carolina are considered in severe drought, or D2 conditions. Another 53
Newspaper closure
The news coincides with the closure of the Pittsburgh City Paper last week.
Public Health
The 3 cases are part of a surge in illnesses – chickenpox, whooping cough and flu – that can be prevented or contained by immunizations
Gun violence
Virginia conservation group sues EPA over PFAS, Mamdani builds team in NYC, Faculty at NC colleges report anxiety over threats to academic freedom
Mental Health
Virginia Lawmaker Weighs in on White’s Ferry Impasse; Danville, Va. city council member continuing recovery following attack
Proposed FEMA Downsizing
2 NC municipalities in Carteret and Hertford counties must redo elections; DHS adding funding in hopes of getting more local law enforcement agencies to work with ICE
New Orleans
South Carolina’s Measles Outbreak Shows Chilling Effect of Vaccine Misinformation; Stein restores Medicaid rates in NC amid budget shortfall
Virginia
Mass. AG's suit against Meta at the state's highest court; Jay Lee's family sees justice in Mississippi
Helene
Hendersonville taking applications for participatory budget process until Dec. 19
Asheville
Current manager Debra Campbell announced her retirement earlier this year
Federal Immigration Enforcement
Asheville, N.C. hospital just out of immediate jeopardy could face Medicare termination
Charlotte
Astrid Ramirez Guerrero (Queens University News Service) October 16, 2025 Programs attempt to address the teacher shortage. Are they enough? - Queens University News ServiceSchools across Charlotte continue to experience teacher shortages while the demands of the job become increasingly difficult to manage. Local educators point to low pay, heavy workloads