In today’s newsletter, we’ve got the numbers on NC’s first day of early voting, and our most-read story this week, but first: 

Friday exists for a few reasons. It’s to signal the end of the work week, and it’s to allow Cardinal & Pine to publish Good News Friday.

Good News Friday is our weekly roundup of some of our favorite positive news stories from North Carolina.

Today, we have some great news for folks looking for better transportation to our loving neighbors in the north. 

This week, state leaders touted a federal-state partnership that will infuse $550 million into a proposed Raleigh-to-Richmond rail line. 

We also have some good news about one of NC’s most critically endangered animals, and new recipients of the state’s most prestigious award.

Read Good News Friday here.

Today’s Good News Friday has some great news for folks who love to travel by train. (Wileydoc via Shutterstock)

We’re so grateful you’re reading this newsletter. Early voting is on like Donkey Kong. Get hooked up with Cardinal & Pine’s 2026 Voter Hub to get you ready. 

C&P reader Liz Clerkin is helping us all chill out with this sunset view from Nags Head. 

Do you have a beautiful View from NC? Send it to Cardinal & Pine!

Across North Carolina’s 100 counties, more than 200,000 people voted on Oct. 15, the first day of early voting in North Carolina, according to a vote tracker from Carolina Forward.

Combined with accepted absentee ballots, more than 237,000 votes have already been cast in NC—25% more than at this point in 2022.

Seven of the 10 busiest precincts in the state were in Wake County, the most populous county in North Carolina.

Party registration statistics show that Democrats represent a plurality of those who’ve voted so far, at 47%. Unaffiliated voters, the largest voting bloc in the state, accounted for 33% of first day early voters, while 20% of voters were Republicans.

Click here to stay up to date on voter turnout. 

Make sure you get out and participate!

1. Here’s what NC’s three constitutional amendments actually do

We broke down the arguments for and against all three constitutional amendments on the ballot in North Carolina.  

2. The 22 best gluten-free and vegan bakeries in North Carolina

As you explore the Tar Heel State, refuel at these gluten-free cafes and vegan bakeries in North Carolina serving sweet treats for a variety of dietary needs.

3. North Carolina man sentenced to 6 years in prison for fixing college basketball games

The point-shaving scheme is said to have involved nearly 30 NCAA basketball games, and included schools like DePaul University, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Tulane University, among others.

4. Raleigh resident says a 6-month moratorium on data centers isn’t long enough

Raleigh’s City Council recently approved a six-month moratorium on data centers.

Jimmytws on Shutterstock

Last week in this space, we took you to Apple Country in NC. 

Many of you recognized Hendersonville, but the fastest to reply was Cardinal & Pine reader Mark Bloom. To the victor goes the praise, Mark. 

This week, we have another aerial view. This one comes from one of NC’s fastest-growing places. 

Where are we? Fastest gets the shout-out next week in this space!

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 a story from Ryan Pitkin. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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