Below, we’ve got a spectacular view from the Blue Ridge Parkway, a long-awaited proposal to do something about data centers, and an unforgettable story about the photographer who helped to found a western NC jewel.

But first: 

The gas pumps by my house are filled with stickers. On them, President Donald Trump points to the price and says, “I did that.” 

This time, stuff like that hits a little differently, though. 

As Cardinal & Pine’s Jessica F. Simmons points out, you could argue we’re paying for the war in Iran in three ways. First, the cost of military operations. Second, the price at the pump, which is directly related to the fighting.

And third, in the Trump administration’s ongoing rollback of clean energy plans, including here in North Carolina. 

We’re often asked how solar and wind projects would affect energy prices in NC. So we broke it down.

Yeah, we know. The bills hurt to read. (Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock)

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Here’s what’s in the Cardinal & Pine email today: 

Thanks to Rick Becker for sending this view from the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

We sure do have a photogenic state. Share your pictures of it with us.

(AP/Mike Stewart)

North Carolinians are very interested in data centers right now. 

Their rapid spread in NC, combined with the big impacts on local water and power, has many asking for new regulations. 

Some state lawmakers have answered. A new proposal could change how the tech hubs work in our state. 

Here’s how.

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1. NC Democrats propose 7% income tax on the rich to fund North Carolina schools. NC Newsline

“North Carolinians earning more than $1 million annually would pay a 7% marginal income tax under a proposal by Democratic lawmakers, who say the measure could generate nearly $1 billion each year for public schools.”

2. Video: What changed when Republicans took over the North Carolina Supreme Court. Cardinal & Pine

“Before Republicans took over the NC Supreme Court, justices blocked a racist voting law, moved to limit gerrymandering, and ordered the state to fully fund public education. Then Republican justices tossed all of that out.”

3. NC lawmakers say they’ve reached a budget deal, after a year of negotiations. WRAL

“A new budget deal is expected to contain raises for teachers and other state workers. North Carolina is the only state in the country without a new budget.”

A new documentary explores the life of Japanese photographer George Masa, whose work helped to inspire the creation of the Smoky Mountains National Park. (Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library, Asheville, NC)

Here’s a fascinating story. 

George Masa was a Japanese artist born in 1885. He moved to Asheville in 1915. 

His classic photos of the North Carolina mountains helped to inspire the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

This week, PBS NC is premiering a new documentary on Masa’s complex, influential life. Here’s how to watch it.

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 Jessica F. Simmons, Ryan Pitkin, Dylan Rhoney, and NC Newsline. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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