Virginia
Fairfax Co. Police say Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, then himself Thursday morning
Under bill passed by state Senate, New Orleans’ elected court clerk might not be able to take office
Latest
North Carolina
Extreme drought expands in North Carolina
The N.C. Forest Service’s ban on all open burning remains in effect until further notice.
Charlotte
When the Crowd Gets Quiet: The Hidden Pressure of College Athletics
By Natalie Dempsey (Queens University News Service) Publication Date: March 19, 2026 On game nights at Queens University of Charlotte, Curry Arena is alive. Students jump to their feet, music pumps through the gym and every made 3-pointer is met with a cheer. That energy was even higher earlier
Immigration
We teach at a Florida university that agreed to cooperate with ICE – and we worry that it is making our students feel less safe
At least 15 Florida state universities and colleges have signed agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that authorize campus police to carry out immigration enforcement.
Northern Virginia
SCC approves Loudoun transmission line, nixes undergrounding; final route to be determined
By Shannon Heckt (Virginia Mercury) Published: April 10, 2026 After months of fierce debate and community rallies, the State Corporation Commission on Thursday approved the above-ground construction of the Golden-Mars high-voltage transmission line in Loudoun County. There are two options for the final route of the line,
North Carolina
RAWtools South Turns Guns Into Garden Tools in the Mountain South
In Asheville, North Carolina, RAWtools South brings together blacksmiths, gun owners, and faith communities to transform surrendered guns into art.
Federal Immigration Enforcement
Labor shortage expected for construction season after immigration enforcement in Minnesota
ECU Health’s plan to reopen hospital offers hope to an eastern NC county; Arizona universities quietly altered DEI offerings after the current U.S. president threatened funding cuts; After four patients died, Idaho governor approves restoring cut Medicaid mental health programs.
North Carolina
Emergency crews responding to forest fire in Brunswick County
Down Ballot Staff Reports Emergency crews are responding to an active forest fire in the area of Funston Road and Old Mill Creek in Winnabow, according to a news release from Brunswick County. This is an evolving event and conditions are subject to change. Brunswick County is in southeastern North
North Carolina
Durham tenants form unions to fight for repairs, respect from NC landlords
By Greg Childress (North Carolina Newsline) Published: March 27, 2026 Residents of Willard Street Apartments and nearby Ashton Place in downtown Durham formed tenant unions Thursday to fight against what they contend are poor management and shoddy building maintenance practices. The newly formed Willard Street United and Ashton Seniors in
Georgia
Georgia’s New Public Service Commissioner Says She Will Put Affordability and Transparency First
Alicia Johnson, the first Black woman ever elected to statewide office in Georgia, discusses rate hikes, transparency and her priorities for the Georgia Public Service Commission. By Ryan Krugman April 2, 2026 This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy
rural healthcare
Federal Rural Health Funding Could Trigger Service Cuts
Mardi Gras clean-up workers paid late once again; Housing program in Massachusetts helps break generational poverty by promoting self-sufficiency; Clean water was a top issue for McDowell County, WV voters in 2024. They’re still waiting for help.
Mental Health
Medicaid cuts could add pressure to already-stressed psychiatric units
by Nada Hassanein, Stateline March 23, 2026 Federal Medicaid cuts could exact a heavy toll on psychiatric units at hospitals across the country, many of which are already struggling to keep their doors open but provide essential mental health care to people who need it. Psychiatric units are costly and,