Below, we have a lovely Lake Norman View from NC, and a chat with a North Carolina pediatrician about kids and vaccines, but first:

If you’re confused by the constitutional amendments on the ballot this year, that’s kind of the point. 

Oftentimes, amendments are more about one political party getting out their voting base in the election. Because the state Legislature puts amendments on the ballot, you can bet that these amendments are meant to be a honeypot for conservative voters. 

But that doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Never, ever, leave these blank. Most voting rights and progressive groups are urging folks to vote against all three amendments. 

I broke down exactly why in a new Billy Ball Explains NC. Share this video far and wide. 

You asked. We answered. Let’s talk about NC’s confusing constitutional amendments. Watch the new Billy Ball Explains NC here. (Graphic by Kelly Lennon)

This newsletter started with about two people reading it. Me and my mom. Now there are 100,000+ of you. We’re mighty flattered. 

Here’s what you’ll read in it today: 

C&P reader Lysa Craig shared this photo from Lake Norman in Huntersville, NC. 

You bring the sangria, and I’ll meet you there, Lysa. 

Got a better View from NC? Send it in!

Information is displayed during a news conference to announce charges against several people including former college basketball players, in what prosecutors called a betting scheme to rig NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games, Jan. 15, 2026 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa, File)

We take a couple thing really seriously in North Carolina. One of them is college basketball. 

This week, federal prosecutors wrapped up a college sports betting scandal that involved nearly 30 NCAA basketball games. 

The person at the center of it was Jalen Smith, a 30-year-old trainer from Charlotte who allegedly recruited players to purposely underperform and throw games in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons. 

The scam reportedly brought in millions. 

Smith was sentenced to 6 years in prison for his part in the scheme, which involved schools like DePaul University, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Tulane University, among others. No North Carolina programs were named as part of the investigation. 

For more on this story, tap here or on the button below. 

More at Cardinal & Pine:

1. North Carolina sends vague letter to voters flagged by citizenship database. Democracy Docket

“More than 1,000 North Carolina voters will begin receiving letters this week from the state election board requesting they verify their citizenship status — although the board claims compliance is voluntary.”

2. Trump to hold midterm rally in North Carolina next week. WBTV

“Trump’s rally is set for Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Greenville. Organizers have not announced the venue but said doors will open at 3:30 p.m., the event will begin at 5 p.m., and Trump is expected to speak at 7 p.m.”

3. Most in NC say their life has gotten worse since 2024, WRAL/WSOC Poll shows. And most blame Trump. WRAL

“Only 17% of North Carolina adults said their life has improved since the 2024 elections when President Donald Trump retook office, the poll found. Likely voters this year said the main issue motivating them is the economy.”

A local pediatrician spoke with NC Health News about childhood vaccines. (CDC)

There’s been some mixed messaging about childhood vaccines. 

That can be problematic with fall coming on and flu season ramping up. To address the confusion, North Carolina Health News spoke with a trusted pediatrician from Goldsboro to get the facts.

Facts first, folks. Share this with anyone who has questions about vaccines. 

Read it here.

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 North Carolina Health News and the The Associated Press. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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