If you want to know what makes North Carolina tick, there are a few places you can start. 

For instance, Nash County in eastern NC. In addition to being the home of Roy Cooper, NC’s former governor and current US Senate candidate, it’s also a good cross-section of the state. 

COURIER’s Jessica F. Simmons has a new video series examining the county and why it’s such a bellwether for the state’s politics. If you want to know how the 2026 and 2028 elections are going to go, pay attention to Nash County. 

Take a look. 

Tap to check out “As Nash Goes,” a new video series by Jessica F. Simmons on one North Carolina bellwether county. 

Friday brings its own sun and its own warmth. Here’s what’s in today’s email, NC: 

Loving this sunrise from Kitty Hawk. 

Thanks to Cardinal & Pine reader Terry Williams for sharing. Tap the button below and show us your neck of the woods, NC!

A bird’s eye view of Safe Passage’s primary study area along Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge, near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. (Jake Faber and Southwings)

If it’s Friday, it’s time for Good News Friday. 

Cardinal & Pine contributor Ryan Pitkin has a few pick-me-ups to share this week, including some vital work wildlife enthusiasts are doing out west. 

Folks with the NC chapter of Defenders of Wildlife are working with state transportation leaders to get wildlife crossings along a 28-mile stretch of I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge. 

So far, the state has committed to building five crossings. It will help elk, white-tailed deer, black bears, and other animals cross the busy highway safely, which connects NC to Tennessee.

For this story, and signs of life from NC’s film industry, tap the button below. 

In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we explain why the mammoth facilities are driving up power bills and water consumption, and making the fight against climate change harder.

1. US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs. The Associated Press

“In a major defeat for Trump, the majority on the US Supreme Court found that it’s unconstitutional for the president to unilaterally set and change tariffs because taxation power clearly belongs to Congress.”

2. Army considers Fort Bragg for massive data center project. USA Today via Reuters Connect

“The Army has selected Fort Bragg as one of four sites where commercial data center development is being considered. The growth of data centers in NC comes with concerns about power, water consumption, and climate change.”

3. SBI probing Kentucky distillery tour taken by NC lawmakers and lobbyists. News & Observer

“The State Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into a trip sponsored by a nonprofit with ties to a former powerful lawmaker that took state legislators and lobbyists on a distillery tour in western Kentucky in 2024.”

(Shutterstock)

We are impressed. Every week, I give you a random spot in the Tar Heel State, and every week, somebody blows me away with the specificity of your NC knowledge.

Last week, we took you to the State Farmers’ Market in Raleigh. Lots of folks were fooled by the hog and guessed Lexington. Strong guess. But the photo was actually taken near the Farmers’ Market restaurant. 

Cardinal & Pine reader Margie Reinitz is the new King of NC for getting it right in the fastest time. 

Alright, where are we this week, folks? 

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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, The Associated Press, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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