Tickborne disease policy: North Carolina-linked advocates celebrated the signing of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, extending federal Lyme and other tickborne disease efforts through 2030. Public health access & fraud: NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $98,474 Medicaid fraud settlement over a Burlington nursing home that allegedly hired an unqualified person as a nurse and billed Medicaid. Newborn screening: NC’s newborn screening program added two new detectable disorders—infantile Krabbe disease and GAMT deficiency—marking 60 years of the program. Domestic violence awareness: Gov. Josh Stein declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urged North Carolinians to wear purple on Oct. 15. Mental health supports: Fountain House and Clubhouse International held a congressional advocacy day for mental health Clubhouses, pushing for federal support. Care systems in NC: Vaya Health and Partners Health Management merged to form Vaya Partners, expanding integrated behavioral health and related services across 47 counties. Health tech & wellness: Chilipad partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, funding sleep support for people affected by breast cancer. Fitness expansion: Onelife Fitness plans a major 110,000-square-foot flagship in the Carolinas region, adding recovery-focused amenities. Measles preparedness: Colleges are urging faculty and staff to gather proof of measles immunity to prevent campus disruptions from potential exposures.