The house is quieter. The recycling bin is filled with discarded toy boxes. And my bank account is drier than the Sahara.

It must be the week after the holidays. 

I hope you missed us as much as we missed you, North Carolina. There’s been a lot of news since the new year, including an international conflict that could potentially affect our enormous active duty military population and their families. So let’s get to it.

We’ve seen a few reactions from NC leaders in the hours since President Donald Trump launched an attack on Venezuela and seized its president, Nicolás Maduro.

Republicans are generally supportive of the president. Some Democrats condemned Maduro but called the president’s actions unconstitutional. That’s because Trump launched this attack without authorization from Congress. The president and his allies will likely compare his actions to those of former President Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush, who controversially deployed drones in targeted strikes in the Middle East.

But Friday’s attacks on Venezuela, as well as Maduro’s arrest, are on another level.

It’s not immediately clear what role the United States and its troops will play in Venezuela. Trump has suggested America will “run” the South American country, which would almost certainly involve troops. But that message seems to be changing by the hour. Stay tuned.

Protesters gathered in a few of NC’s cities, including Asheville and Raleigh, after the US attacks on Venezuela. Here, demonstrators in downtown Asheville condemned Trump’s attacks. (USA Today via Reuters)

Happy January. We’re happy you made it to 2026 with us. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

Cardinal & Pine reader Nancy Treadgold captured this cool lightning show at the Lake Norman Yacht Club in Mooresville.

NC, share your photos with Cardinal & Pine’s 100,000+ readers by clicking the button below.

Every year at Lake James, the community hosts world-champion ice carvers during the Lake James Ice Festival. (Friends of Lake James)

Every Monday, Cardinal & Pine contributor Ryan Pitkin scans our great, big, beautiful state and finds three things worth your time. 

Not a bad gig. 

This week, he scouted Wilmington’s jazz series, a hedonistic Chocolate, Wine, & Whiskey Festival in Raleigh, and one of western NC’s best-kept secrets, the Lake James Ice Festival. 

The ice festival, which is held in little Nebo, NC, features a world-champion ice carver putting on a show. Make sure to read and share!

1. FBI arrests NC teen accused of planning New Year’s Eve terrorist attack. NC Newsline

“Officials say the suspect was under surveillance and had sought weapons while communicating online with extremists.”

2. For first time in NC history, Republican voters outnumber Democrats. WRAL

“North Carolina voters, for the most part, are politically unaffiliated. But for those who do pick a party, the Republican Party is now outpacing the Democratic Party.”

3. Beloved teacher dies after violent home invasion in North Carolina. WBTV

“’Zoe Welsh, by all accounts, was a special teacher and person,’” the governor posted. “’My heart goes out to her family and students, who have suffered a traumatic loss from another senseless act of violence.’”

Hendrixx Alegend Outen was born at Atrium Health Pineville at 12:02 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, making him one of the first NC babies born in 2026. (Atrium Health)

Every year, there are thousands of babies born across North Carolina. But only a handful of them get to brag about being one of the first of the year. 

Atrium Health has numerous locations across the state. Recently, we reported on their first babies of the year, including little Hendrixx Alegend Outhen above, who entered the world at precisely 12:02 am on New Year’s Day. 

Hendrixx was born in the Pineville area at 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Congrats to his parents, Jataya Stith and Jordyn Outen, on the new arrival.

For more first babies of the year, check out our most recent “Good News Friday” edition.

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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 Ryan Pitkin and USA Today via Reuters. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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