We’ve got a new political sex scandal, an NC county’s fight to make polluters pay, and some hero postal workers.

But first, here’s proof that we read your comments and your emails. 😀

Last week, when we dove into the massive North Carolina teacher protest in Raleigh, you asked a great question about the NC Education Lottery.

How could schools be hurting while the state is taking in billions in education lottery sales? 🤔

The truth is: When it comes to public school funding, the lottery is kind of a hoax.

In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we explain how the lottery is, at best, incorrectly named. At worst, it’s a trick. This is why.

Make sure to share and like this video to help spread good, factual information.

We heard your questions about the Education Lottery. Get your answers here. (Graphic by Kelly Lennon)

Happy Wednesday, Cardinal & Pine readers. Lots of meaty stories to get to below. Here’s what you’ll get: 

I can practically hear the seagulls in this shot from Randy Fenninger out in Duck, NC. 

Got a nice picture from your neck of the woods? Send it to us!

US Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) has been accused of lavishing gifts and attention on two young female staff members. He denies any wrongdoing. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

A North Carolina congressman has been accused of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Here’s what to know about the allegations facing US Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican representing western NC.

Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy has the latest.

More NC news:

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1. Trust in North Carolina elections shaky a year after shift in control. WRAL

“Nearly one-third of North Carolinians say election administration in the state is becoming less trustworthy—despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud and efforts by the elections board to tighten election security.”

2. Can North Carolina women’s lacrosse star Chloe Humphrey be the best ever? ESPN

“With Chloe Humphrey, there is a lot that is different. Her skill set. Her vision. Her competitiveness.”

3. NC Senate pushes vote on 1-year property tax assessment freeze. ABC-11

“The measure would effectively pause the ability for most counties in the state to raise property taxes through new assessments—or updating the value of homeowners’ property.”

(National Association of Letter Carriers)

You’ve probably never thought of your local mail carrier as helping to fight hunger.

But this weekend, that’s just what they’ll be doing.

Many local mail carriers are participating in something called the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Get it? Stamp? 😂

They say it’s the nation’s largest single-day food drive. And you don’t have to do much to help out. Here’s how.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Today’s edition includes stories from Ryan Pitkin, Michael McElroy, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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