The race for state representative in Massachusetts’ 13th Norfolk District, representing parts of Needham, Medfield and Dover, comes with a political novelty attached.

Josh Tarsky won the Democratic primary in September against three other candidates, but will still face a challenger, after Bill Dermody made it to the general election ballot as an unenrolled candidate.

“When I decided to get in the race, it was past the primary time where I had to sign up with one of the parties to run in the primaries,” explained Dermody. “So I found out you could run as unenrolled so I moved forward with that path.”

Asked if that was savvy political posturing, Dermody replied, “No! I wish I was that smart! I would’ve run in the Democratic primary, it was just timing.”

But Tarsky isn’t upset about the late entry, seeing it as part of the democratic process.

“I’ve taken it in stride,” he said.

On the issues themselves, the pair share similarities and differences.

Ballot Question 2 brings out different opinions. Dermody thinks the MCAS should stay, as a “benchmark,” while Tarsky said the test “needs improvement. I just don’t think we should do it the way we are.”

Ballot Question 1, which would allow the state auditor to audit the Legislature, also drew a contrast.

“It makes me have to defend my decisions, which I think actually helps refine my decisions. I would support that,” Tarsky said.

“The Legislature has to be held accountable,” Dermody said, but he’s “not sure on the constitutionality” of the proposal.

Other issues, like the MBTA Communities Law and housing needs, bring forward agreement.

“We need more housing, and even if you rezone, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen,” Dermody said.

“Just because zoning is passed in these areas, doesn’t mean we get the type of building we want. Locally I want to empower local leaders,” Tarsky said.

Those are priorities they hope to champion on Beacon Hill.

“I feel I have Democratic values but an independent voice,” Dermody said.

“As a Democrat, if elected, that will allow me to caucus with leadership,” Tarsky said.

Severe fall drought conditions in Massachusetts have worsened, expanding across communities that have been stricken by stubborn wildfires in recent days, according to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

An updated map released on Thursday morning showed at least 56 percent of the state in a moderate drought, and 13.6 percent of the state suffering from a severe drought, a drastic jump from last week.

Parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties are in severe drought, while nearly all of central and western Massachusetts is seeing moderate drought conditions.

Northern Bristol and Northern Plymouth counties are experiencing an abnormally dry season, while southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands aren’t impacted, the map showed.

This weekly update comes as firefighters continue to monitor dozens of wildfires across the state that have burned up hundreds of acres of land in recent days.

A big problem spot for brush fires has been the North Shore, which is now experiencing severe drought. Crews in Salem remain on high alert for brush fires as holiday revelers flock to the city to celebrate Halloween.

Smoke is still lingering in Salem from two brush fires that were knocked down on Wednesday, causing air quality concerns and the smell of smoke in the air.

Warmer temperatures on Thursday, and the possibility of gusty wind, could cause flare-ups to these brush fires, officials warned.

“The air drying, the wind picking up, and not to mention the drought worsening this week, it’s a day to be vigilant in terms of that wildfire threat,” Boston 25 Meteorologist Tucker Antico said.

Earlier this week, the state Department of Fire Services said nearly 50 brush fires were burning statewide.

Total rainfall in the Boston area is down more than 5 inches below where we should be since the start of the season, while the Worcester area is down 7 inches, Antico said.

The latest forecast from the Boston 25 Weather team shows very little to no rainfall in the extended forecast, with more warmth ahead.

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After Thursday, hundreds of Stop & Shop customers will have to find a brand new place to get their groceries. The supermarket chain is closing several stores in Massachusetts.

This will impact a number of communities. Seven stores in all are closing Thursday in Massachusetts, including the following locations:

• 932 North Montello St., Brockton
• 36 New State Highway, Raynham
• 341 Plymouth St., Halifax
• 539-571 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
• 415 Cooley St., Springfield
• 545 Lincoln St. Worcester
• 24 Mattakeesett St., Pembroke

That’s on top of the store on Needham Street in Newton that already closed in August.

Over the summer, the Quincy-based chain announced it would close underperforming stores. It’s part of a broader shift by Stop & Shop’s parent company to focus on improving performance and lowering costs.

Workers at the impacted stores will be offered jobs at other locations.

In a statement, the president of Stop & Shop said, “We remain committed to nourishing our associates, customers and communities.”

In all, 32 stores are shutting down across the Northeaster, including stores in Connecticut and Rhode Island.