Perhaps the most important politician of 20th-century North Carolina has died.

The family of former Gov. Jim Hunt said Thursday that Hunt passed away at the age of 88. Hunt, who was sometimes referred to as “the education governor,” was a popular moderate Democrat, winning an unprecedented four terms. 

Hunt, who grew up on a farm in eastern NC, made his name focusing on things like public education funding and modernizing the state’s economy. You can see his work all over NC, including his involvement in the creation of the “Smart Start” early childhood education program. 

On Thursday, former Gov. Roy Cooper called Hunt “the greatest governor in North Carolina history.” Sen. Thom Tillis called him “one of the most consequential public servants in North Carolina’s history.”

We’ll have more on this story Friday at Cardinal & Pine. 

Former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt in 2012. (AP Photo/Ted Richardson)

The holidays are upon us, NC. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

Cardinal & Pine reader Dawn Neighbors of Dunn took this shot on Ocracoke Island. 

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at Mount Airy Casino Resort, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Trump is not running for a third term. At least, we don’t think he is. After all, he’s not allowed to under the US Constitution. 

That said, he is holding a campaign-style rally Friday in Rocky Mount. 

Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy reported today on what we’re expected to hear from the president, who’s under pressure to talk about the economy. 

While the White House has not released a topic or specific reason for the visit to eastern NC, Trump has been giving similar speeches across the country, both in rallies and at the White House.

Despite his claims that affordability concerns are a “hoax,” McElroy writes that “food prices are surging, as are the prices for clothing, car parts, school supplies and coffee. Utility prices are rising too, as are the costs of medication. And like evil twins, as these costs go up, federal food assistance is being cut as well.”

Drawing a straight line between any president and these factors is usually a hard thing to do. After all, we live in a global economy. But it’s going to be difficult for Trump to separate himself from these things because of his tariffs’ impact on prices and his party’s direct role in the cuts written into the “One, Big Beautiful Bill.”

Check out our preview of the president’s visit here or by clicking the button below. 

1. NASCAR driver Greg Biffle killed in plane crash at Statesville airport in North Carolina. Yahoo News

“A total of seven people, including members of Biffle’s family, are believed to have died in the crash, according to NASCAR’s official social media account.”

2. Michele Morrow enters crowded GOP field in North Carolina Senate race. WFMY News 2

“Morrow said her campaign will focus on ‘protecting constitutional rights, restoring election integrity, and promoting policies that prioritize American workers and families,’ calling it ‘time to put Americans first,’ WNCN reported.”

3. Republicans redrew a North Carolina district held by a GOP incumbent. A war veteran Democrat is looking to take advantage. CBS News

“CBS News has learned that Allison Jaslow, an Iraq War veteran, plans to file Thursday for North Carolina’s third congressional district seat. The race in the South could become a key contest in Democrats’ quest to win back a majority next fall in the U.S. House.”

Hillsborough’s luminescent Solstice Lantern Walk is a highlight of this time of year. (Hillsborough Photography via Orange County Arts Commission)

One of our favorite holiday traditions returns Saturday in Hillsborough.

The Solstice Lantern Walk & Market invites locals to make handmade lanterns and walk alongside the Eno River. 

Like most winter solstice celebrations, it’s a moment to acknowledge that no matter how dark things might be (literally, we’re in the shortest days of the year right now), there are brighter days ahead. 

The lantern walk is one of the more striking visual displays you’ll see in central NC. And its message is one we can all feel. 

The fun goes down Saturday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 8 pm. More details in this week’s edition of “3 things happening in NC.”

Do you want to support Cardinal & Pine’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 200,000+ subscribers?

Contact advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

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 Michael McElroy and Ryan Pitkin. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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