Politics stories in Raleigh–Durham

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's recent electoral win over Flávio Bolsonaro marks a significant shift in Latin American politics, breaking a streak of conservative victories. This outcome complicates U.S. efforts to strengthen its influence in the region, particularly under the Trump administration.

President Trump cast his midterm ballot in Florida, voting for all Republicans and defending controversial campaign ads. He also discussed potential actions regarding the war in Iran and his support for local Republican candidates.

Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton urges President Trump and Vice President Vance to consider the facts regarding her past abuse after a contentious attack ad from GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The ad features Acton's estranged mother, who claims Acton has lied about her childhood experiences.

A federal appeals court held a rare Sunday hearing regarding the Justice Department's lawsuit against California over voting regulations. This case highlights ongoing tensions between federal and state voting laws.

States are under pressure to reduce their error rates in administering SNAP benefits or risk losing significant federal funding. The deadline for compliance is approaching, raising concerns about the impact on food assistance programs.

Thousands of young protesters marched in cities across Italy, including Milan, Rome, and Turin, as authorities deployed soldiers and police to prevent violence. While the Milan demonstration remained peaceful, clashes occurred in other cities, highlighting widespread discontent over various social issues.

A Marine veteran, advocating for compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims, responds to President Trump's remarks linking payments to Republican election success. He emphasizes that victims should not be used as political pawns.

President Trump continues to support a contentious ad by Vivek Ramaswamy that features the estranged mother of gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton. Acton has publicly discussed her history of abuse and her estrangement from her mother, raising ethical questions about the ad's content.

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee highlighted key town events, including a Get Out The Vote rally featuring Roy Cooper and the approval of over 80 townhomes on Rogers Road. The discussions took place during her interview on 97.9 The Hill.

First Lady Melania Trump announced a temporary ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, set to begin on October 29, to facilitate humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. The ceasefire was agreed upon by both Russia and Ukraine as the city faces a dire humanitarian situation.

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit to prevent the certification of the Alaska Senate race if incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. The suit claims that candidate Dan J. Sullivan's similar name could confuse voters and affect the election outcome.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reveals that the Starlink network is still not fully operational, impacting military operations. He also highlights the urgent need for more Patriot missiles as Russia intensifies missile attacks on Ukraine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the closure of the West Bank following a shooting incident that injured five people. The attackers, two Palestinian gunmen, were killed by Israeli security forces, who believe a larger attack was planned.

Two former FBI intelligence officials, Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides, have been charged with making false statements regarding their investigation into Hunter Biden's laptop. The charges come just days before the midterm elections, raising questions about the timing and political implications.

Russ Overton has been officially sworn in as Cary's town manager after serving nearly a year in an interim capacity. His appointment follows the resignation of former manager Sean Stegall amid financial concerns.

Cary Town Council has officially appointed Russ Overton as the new town manager, following a unanimous vote during the council meeting on October 22. Overton had been serving as the interim manager since December 2025 and previously held the position of deputy town manager.

Early voting in North Carolina has seen over 1.1 million ballots cast, with Wake County leading the way. College students, particularly from NC State, are increasingly engaged in the electoral process, focusing on issues like federal funding and student debt.

Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged at resident Michael Sawka during a council meeting, leading to chaos and calls for the mayor's resignation. The incident stemmed from tensions related to comments made towards the mayor's family.

Over 1.1 million North Carolinians have participated in early voting for the midterm elections, marking a 37% increase from 2022. However, it remains uncertain if this surge will lead to higher overall turnout.

The New York City Council has passed a law to phase out horse-drawn carriages by June 1, 2028, following a tragic incident that highlighted safety concerns. The legislation, named Romanch's Law, received strong support despite opposition from industry advocates.

Jane Brown, Professor Emerita at UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, emphasized the significance of early voting in a recent interview. She highlighted its advantages, including flexibility and simultaneous registration.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has filed a petition with the state Supreme Court to challenge a ruling that upheld a law granting election board power to Auditor Boliek. This legal move comes as early voting is underway and Election Day approaches.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar announced she will move from her Washington, D.C. home following a federal search related to an immigration fraud investigation. Omar, who maintains her innocence, expressed feeling unsafe due to the attention from the raid.

The Durham County Board of Elections is providing a behind-the-scenes look at the secure processes for counting votes as the midterm elections approach. With over 40,000 early ballots already cast, officials emphasize transparency and integrity in the electoral process.

North Carolina is experiencing a rise in absentee ballot rejections compared to the last midterm election. State election officials are investigating the impact of stricter mail-in voting rules upheld by a federal judge.

During a rally in Greenville, President Trump stated that victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination will not receive compensation if Republicans do not win control of Congress in the upcoming elections. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, suggesting that the fate of these claims hinges on the election outcome.

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faces criticism for an ad featuring his opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother. Acton condemned the ad as exploitative, highlighting the personal trauma it invokes.

With no early voting site in Spring Lake, volunteers are providing free rides to residents needing transportation to polling places in Fayetteville. This initiative aims to ensure that every vote counts despite logistical challenges.

Preliminary data reveals that the rate of spoiled absentee ballots in North Carolina has increased to 3.1%, up from 2.6% last year. This rise coincides with new voting requirements that have been implemented, raising concerns about voter accessibility and election outcomes.

In the first six days of early voting for the midterm elections, Wake County has recorded over 100,000 ballots cast. This surge contributes to nearly a million early votes statewide.