Mysterious packets of seeds are arriving in mailboxes across the southeast. Do not plant them

People around the country, including in the southeast and mid-Atlantic, are receiving packets of seeds from China that they did not order. Experts are warning the public not to plant the seeds because they could be a pathway for introducing invasive species, insects, and plant diseases.

According to a news release from the N.C. Department of Agriculture, the seeds are likely a product of an international internet scam known as “brushing,” in which foreign, third-party sellers use your address and Amazon information to generate a fake sale and positive review to boost their product ratings. 

New report shows some NC beaches tested positive for fecal matter in 2019

An analysis of North Carolina beaches showed that 93 of 209 beaches tested were deemed potentially unsafe for at least one day in 2019. Beaches were considered