Second Illness Infects Meningitis Sufferers – People recovering from meningitis in an outbreak sparked by a contaminated steroid may experience a second ailment. The new problem, called an epidural abscess, is an infection near the spine at the site where the drug — contaminated by a fungus — was injected to treat back or neck pain. It’s different from meningitis, and even powerful antifungal medicines can often not prevent abscess growth. The New York Times

Outside groups spend over $500 million in October – More than half a billion dollars went to flooding mailboxes with political flyers and tying up phone lines with election-related calls. In all, 57 different outside organizations — mostly conservative ones — spent at least $1 million in October to promote or attack federal political candidates. “ POLITICO.com

As Election Day looms, it’s survival vs. citizenship for storm-hit communities – Many New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are occupied by tasks more elemental than voting preparations, such as seeking shelter, warmth or gas. Many in the Northeast, which was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy last week, say the Nov. 6 election isn’t at the front of their minds. The Washington Post

Early voting drew about 40,000 – Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter said more than 39,000 voted early at three county polling locations. Early voting turnout was down from about 53,000 for the 2008 election. Early voters waited in line for 15 minutes to two hours to cast ballots before election day. The Independent Florida Alligator