Below we have eight fun and free things to do this Labor Day, and some breaking news in an eastern NC congressional race, but first: 

The world’s financial leaders are in Chapel Hill today, as the G20 meetings decamp from western NC to the Triangle. There, they’ll be talking about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the economy. 

I went to the downtown Chapel Hill inn where they’re gathering to talk about what’s on the docket, why it matters for the future of NC, and more. 

Watch the new Billy Ball Explains NC here. 

Some of the world’s biggest tech leaders are in Chapel Hill. Here’s what to know. (Graphic by Luis Castaneda)

I’m grateful you’re reading Cardinal & Pine. Here’s what’s in the newsletter today:

Thanks to UNC Asheville/Emmanuel Figaro for today’s sunset view from the western NC campus. It’s gorgeous. 

Got a View from NC that beats this one? Send it to us! 

Photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

C&P’s Dylan Rhoney has some breaking news on a new development in one key Congressional race in eastern NC. 

Laurie Buckhout is the Republican candidate in US House District 1. In November, she’ll face Democrat and incumbent Congressman Don Davis. 

Buckhout is facing some scrutiny for placing bets on her own campaign via the trading platform Kalshi. The betting company says it fined Buckhout $2,590 and banned her for three years. 

She defended herself this week.

Read the story here. 

More from Cardinal & Pine:

1. NC teen dies after getting a brain-eating amoeba. WRAL

“A North Carolina teen who developed a rare illness caused by a brain-eating amoeba died on August 31, according to The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.”

2. How a federal grant brought mental health services into schools across 6 North Carolina school districts. NC Health News

“Across six North Carolina school districts, Project AWARE has expanded access to school-based mental health care while helping build systems designed to last beyond federal funding.”

3. Here’s why more NC community colleges are moving to 8-week terms. Ed NC

“Often dubbed ‘Great in 8,’ eight-week terms can provide students with greater flexibility and increase their academic momentum as they focus on fewer courses at a time, complete courses more quickly, and have more frequent on-ramps to take the courses they need.”

The Enka Mill Strike in 1941 is a notable example of labor unions in North Carolina fighting for better working conditions. (The New York Public Library/Unsplash)

Labor Day isn’t just a barbecue.

It’s a chance to get a little smarter about workers’ rights and our state’s history, like 1941’s Enka Mill Strike in western NC (pictured above), when thousands of textile workers walked off the job. They were looking for better pay and holiday leave. Sound familiar? 

At C&P, we’ve published a guide to enjoying this Labor Day, which is Monday, Sept. 7. 

Our guide includes eight fun and free ways to celebrate it in North Carolina. 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 Dylan Rhoney and Karishma Desai. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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