Billy Ball writes about North Carolina politics and culture as Senior Editor at Cardinal & Pine, a left-leaning, online newspaper.  Whether Ball is covering water quality in rural North Carolina, school funding disparities, or writing about the sounds of the cicada during summer time, his writing is steeped in authenticity.   Billy talks about growing up in eastern North Carolina, his early love of journalism, and his approach to covering complex issues in a way readers can understand and relate to.  He also talks about the tragic loss of his son earlier this year, the attacks he endured afterwards, and the challenges of the holidays.   Skye and Brian also unpack week 2 of candidate filing, a Trump endorsement, no GOP gubernatorial debates, a 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate, #TOTW, Christmas cards, and a trip to Capitol Hill.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.