Below, we have an important update on hurricane season and a remarkable program connecting veterans with NC agriculture, but first:

I took a poetry class in college. (Yeah, I’m that kinda guy.)

And one of the things I remember most about my teacher, the beloved (and recently passed) poet James Seay, was his recommendation for writers considering the autumn leaves. 

Let them be, he told us. They’re clichés. 

He wasn’t wrong. But there’s a reason why they’re a trope. People love the sight of them, and what they say about us and the seasons. 

If you’re one of those folks, C&P contributor Brook Bolen has written an excellent guide to fall foliage—when it happens, why, and where to go for the best views. 

Read it here and share.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, flexing like a champion in fall. (Nathan Anderson/UnSplash)

I’m grateful you’re reading our small but mighty newsletter. Here’s what’s in it today: 

C&P reader Kathy Prickett photographed Bodie Island Lighthouse recently. What a sight it is. 

The View from NC is 100% created by Cardinal & Pine readers. Have your photo featured here. 

Tropical Storm Bertha was captured by NOAA’s GOES East (GOES-19 satellite) on July 22, 2026. So far, no storms have reached hurricane strength in the Atlantic Ocean region. (Image credit: Tropical Storm Bertha captured by NOAA Satellites)

We have officially hit the peak of hurricane season. Blessedly, it has been a quiet one. 

But there’s a reason for that. 

Today, we published an incisive new report from NC Local on what’s behind the slowdown and what to expect going forward. 

For more on the science behind this year’s hurricane season, check out an episode of Billy Ball Explains NC that I filmed in July. 

Read the story here.

More at Cardinal & Pine:

The new Billy Ball Explains NC is an important one. Check it out here. (Graphic by Desirée Tapia)

1. Chemical companies reach $455m settlement with North Carolina over ‘forever chemicals’ claims. The Guardian

“Chemours, DuPont and Corteva on Thursday reached a $455m settlement with ⁠North Carolina and 11 local entities over Pfas contamination claims tied to ⁠Chemours’ Fayetteville Works ⁠plant and other historical discharges.”

2. NC South Asian communities rally behind those affected by Nepal flood. The Daily Tar Heel

“The Nepal Center of North Carolina organized a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of the 2026 Nepal-Tibet floods. Community members shared personal stories and fundraising initiatives for those affected.”

3. Will North Carolina’s US Senate race feature any debates this year? WUNC

“With less than two months to go in this year’s U.S. Senate campaign, former Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley haven’t yet agreed to a debate.”

4. Asheville leaders make it illegal to collect rent when housing is unsafe. NC Newsline

“The Asheville City County unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s housing code on Tuesday to give tenants more protection against landlords who don’t make critical repairs to rental units after receiving notices of violations from the city.”

Graduates of The Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina’s agricultural training program pose with staff members outside the organization’s farm facility in Harnett County, North Carolina. (The Veteran’s Farm)

Sometimes we all need to touch the soil and put some plants in the ground. 

Today, we published a fascinating feature about a rural nonprofit that specializes in working with veterans on a North Carolina farm. 

The organization is called The Veteran’s Farm. As NC Health News reports, the farm has been operating since 2015. One of its many goals is to help vets ease into civilian life. 

Read the story 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 Brook Bolen, NC Local, and NC Health News. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

Cardinal & Pine is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.