I’m no Luddite. 

But if even the least disruptive predictions about artificial intelligence (AI) come true, we’re in the middle of a moment of great change. 

So who are the leaders making plans for this new world? It might not be who you think.

Today, we released a new episode of Billy Ball Explains NC. Its focus is AI. In February, we reported on the ways in which the data center boom is impacting your local water and power. 

This time, we’re turning the spotlight on the local, state, and national leaders who are working on ways to regulate AI. The answers might surprise you. 

Tap the image to watch the new Billy Ball Explains NC. (Graphic by Desirée Tapia)

Happy Wednesday, NC. Here’s what’s in the C&P newsletter today: 

The View from NC is one of my favorite parts of this newsletter. I hope it’s a pick-me-up for you, too. 

Today’s view comes from Lee Berger, who captured a sunrise in Franklin. 

Submit your view from NC here.

Martin General Hospital in Williamston shuttered in August 2023, four years after the facility tried to reduce financial pressures by eliminating labor and delivery services. (Jane Winik Sartwell/Carolina Public Press)

The rural health crisis is really quite simple. 

If you have an emergency, time is everything. But in some places, like rural Martin County in eastern North Carolina, help may be far away.

A new report from NC Health News, one of my favorite state news outlets, zooms in on Martin County and Williamston, and the “rural emergency” center plan that’s giving locals hope there. This is a must-read.

1. Educators rally outside NC General Assembly following Leandro decision. ABC-11

“In a 4-3 decision last week, North Carolina Supreme Court judges overturned the ‘Leandro school funding lawsuit,’ effectively preventing judges from requiring the legislature to allocate state dollars for education funding.”

2. Frost advisory issued across western NC, ‘leafing’ plants vulnerable. WLOS

“Sensitive plants could be damaged or killed if left uncovered. Cover or bring in plants before going to bed tonight.”

3. Gov. Stein asks energy task force to consider overhaul or elimination of NC’s data center tax breaks. WUNC

“Under North Carolina state law, data centers that invest at least $75 million within five years are eligible for exemptions from sales and use tax. That means they don’t pay taxes on things like construction materials and servers, but also on the electricity they use.”

4. NC governor warns of ‘exceedingly painful cuts’ as legislative tax cuts reduce future revenue. NC Newsline

“Two weeks before the 2026 North Carolina General Assembly’s short session convenes, Gov. Josh Stein issued a dire warning.”

(NC Historic Sites)

Everybody loves a good breakup letter. 

The Halifax Resolves, which in 1812 signaled North Carolina’s intention to dump the British, is definitely one of those. 

I mean, who doesn’t oppose “War Famine and every Species of Calamity daily employed in destroying the People and committing the most horrid devastations on the Country,” as the resolves put it. 

Of course, many of those same folks decrying British control were enslaving people at the time. It is one of the great paradoxes of our country. 

This week, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this country—and the Halifax Resolves—downtown Halifax has booked three days of events. 

They include historic presentations, music, Indigenous ceremonies, military parades, weapons demonstrations, and a Halifax Resolves Day Ceremony at the Colonial Courthouse Site where the document was signed in 1776.

More on the Halifax celebration here.

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 Ryan Pitkin and NC Health News. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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