Some breaking news below, but first:

Here at Cardinal & Pine, we like our good news like we like our ice cream—NOW. 😂

This week’s “Good News Friday” includes some swell info for fans of eastern North Carolina and/or nature. I hope that’s all of us.

On Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein announced a $2.6 million grant that’s heading for a parks and trails refresh out east, as well as some work on the Croatan Highway.  

Greenfield Lake in Wilmington (below) figures to be the beneficiary as well. In addition to the excellent bird-watching at Greenfield Lake, there are trails, tennis courts, an amphitheater and more. We’ll keep you posted on the upgrades ahead. 

An egret, doing some serious hot-dogging over Greenfield Lake in Wilmington. (Shutterstock)

At long last, Friday is here. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s newsletter: 

Shout-out to Cardinal reader Kaaren Haldeman for sending us this “oh my gosh” photo from Maggie Valley. Thanks Kaaren!

FILE – NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson in 2021. Jackson’s office has partnered with the state public instruction office to challenge frozen education funding from the Trump administration. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

Cardinal & Pine intern Maddie Policastro has some good news for NC schools this week. 

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Friday afternoon that the Trump administration has now reversed course on the entirety of the $165 million it was withholding from North Carolina schools.

“The Department of Education has reversed course and is releasing all frozen funds – $6.8b nationally, $165m for North Carolina – after we filed suit last week,” Jackson wrote on X. “This ends weeks of uncertainty. Our schools can now plan and hire for a strong year ahead. My absolute best wishes to NC’s 1.5m students who are ready to make this their best year yet.”

Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced that it was unfreezing more than $1 billion. But Jackson and other states filing suit against the federal government said they were still seeking what the states were owed.

For the latest on this important story, click below.

1. Video: Why NC’s Senate race could be the most important election of 2026. Cardinal & Pine

“NC’s Senate race in 2026 is not just a normal election. It could decide who’s in charge of the US Senate going forward, Republicans or Democrats.”

2. North Carolina woman found alive months after car found near Death Valley. CBS News

“A missing North Carolina woman was found alive in Colorado more than eight months after her disappearance.”

3. WNC Christmas tree farms see “tree-mendous” rebound after Helene. ABC-13 

“Experts say this growing season has brought ideal conditions for a rebound.”

Shutterstock

Last week, we went historic on you in this section of the newsletter. 

We got a lot of answers but only a few correct ones. Yes indeed, we were in New Bern’s historic district. Credit to Cardinal & Pine reader Carr Ipock for getting it right first. Carr was so accurate he even gave the address. 😂

Same rules, same game this week. Where are we in NC? 

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m a NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

Send us your feedback and news tips to info@cardinalpine.com