It’s appropriate that “Giving Tuesday” falls a day after most of the “Black Friday” and holiday shopping deals ship out. 

The latter is a time of crass commercialism. The former is the opposite. 

It’s about finding a cause you care about and giving to it. Your community is filled with organizations that need your support to make the world better. 

To that end, this Saturday, we’ll publish a North Carolina guide on how to give this holiday season. 

We’ll break down why the need is greater than ever this year, and help you find a local cause worth your time and money. Tell your friends and family to sign up for Cardinal & Pine’s newsletter so they don’t miss it.

(Kanishk Agarwal/Unsplash)

Welcome to December. Here’s what’s in Cardinal & Pine’s newsletter today: 

Cardinal & Pine reader Trenia Riggs sent us this nocturnal highway view from Columbus County.

Those of us who spent the holiday traveling know the view well. Hope everyone made it home safely.

Video via @mayaeaglin on TikTok

If you’re worried about ICE and Border Patrol operations in NC, uncertainty is the only certainty right now. 

Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy reported today that a leading immigrant rights group in NC believes ICE sent 50 agents to the state Monday. 

Siembra NC cited records showing that agents had reserved charter flights into North Carolina from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6, the same flights Border Patrol agents booked ahead of the raids in Charlotte and Raleigh last month.

When it comes to immigration law enforcement, schools were once considered safe places. Aside from the disconcerting image of armed officers raiding the drop-off and pickup lines at local schools, the children of undocumented people are often legal citizens of the US because they were born here.

The Trump administration, however, does not consider schools to be protected spaces, which is leading to a surge in K-12 absences during immigration operations.

Durham’s Maisha Sanyika talked recently about her efforts to help out in her community during recent raids. Sanyika drove children to school because some parents were afraid of ICE and Border Patrol operations. Hear what she has to say by clicking the button.

And for the latest on ICE presence in NC, check out Cardinal & Pine’s reporting by clicking the button below. 

1. NASCAR antitrust trial opens with Michael Jordan on hand and huge stakes. The Associated Press

“Michael Jordan’s case against NASCAR could change the shape of stock car racing. Here’s what’s at stake.”

2. Siembra NC warns of potential ICE presence in the Triangle, agency dismisses claims as rumors. WRAL

“Siembra NC claims over 50 ICE agents will deploy in the Triangle area on Monday. However, ICE dismisses these as mere rumors. WRAL News is investigating to verify these reports.”

3. Winter weather advisories issued for several Western North Carolina counties. WBTV

“The advisories were issued on Monday, Dec. 1, from 7 p.m. until noon on Tuesday, Dec. 2, as mixed precipitation is expected.”

4. Federal funding changes could push thousands into homelessness in North Carolina. NC Newsline

“Nearly 3,000 North Carolinians could lose housing under changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s [HUD] competitive grant program for permanent housing, according to an estimate by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.”

The landscape for local news is shifting fast. At Cardinal & Pine, our commitment to you—and to North Carolina—hasn’t changed.

To keep this work strong, we’re working toward a $4,500 goal by Dec. 16 as part of our end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Your support helps us shine a light on the decisions, debates, and leaders shaping North Carolina’s future. We can’t do this work without you.

Franklin Burger Creative Arts via Viking Experience NC.

At the risk of dating myself, the old “Hagar the Horrible” comic strips are probably the most salient information I have about Vikings. 

Yes, they seem cool, and they carry torches and wear their beards in interesting ways, but they didn’t call Hagar “horrible” for nothing. 

You can get a much more well-rounded crash course on Vikings at the Viking Experience, a local event featuring camps and performances throughout the year. 

One of the Experience’s biggest bashes, however, is the Viking Yuletide Experience this weekend in Oxford. 

As Cardinal & Pine contributor Ryan Pitkin writes in this week’s edition of “3 things happening in NC,” the event has vendors, mead, games, axe throwing, a children’s tent, and more. Saturday features a processional, too.

Also in this week’s “3 things,” we take a look at “Iryna’s Law,” which went into effect today, and the official beginning of the 2026 election.

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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 Michael McElroy, Maya Eaglin, The Associated Press, and Ryan Pitkin. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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