Below, we have one incredible phone call from the GOAT, a surfside view at Carolina Beach, and signs of a political sea change in western NC. But first: 

In 2024, Carolina Beach—one of North Carolina’s most popular vacation spots—was flooded by an unnamed tropical system. 

Within weeks, Helene’s damage in western NC made the Carolina Beach story seem like an afterthought. But the damage out east was huge for businesses along the beach town’s famous boardwalk. 

Today, in our weekly 3 things happening in NC column, we take a look at the boardwalk’s resurgence. It kicks off with a season-long Boardwalk Blast this week. 

Here’s how to go.

The 2024 flooding at Carolina Beach. (New Hanover Fire Department)

That’s not all you’ll find in 3 things happening in NC. We also dig into the effort to head off more Medicaid crises, and a major cycling event in Winston-Salem. 

Here’s what else you’ll find in today’s C&P newsletter: 

Speaking of Carolina Beach, C&P reader Robert Pleasant took this shot from there. 

Have a View from NC you want to share? Send it to me now!

Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic congressional candidate Jamie Ager in Fairview on May 18, 2026. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

North Carolina’s 11th Congressional district isn’t supposed to be competitive. 

But the strong fundraising from the Democratic candidate—a local farmer named Jamie Ager—coupled with sexual harassment allegations against the Republican incumbent, has Democrats dreaming big. 

The proof is in Monday’s visit from a potential presidential candidate. Here’s what went down.

1. NC attorney general sues to block new student loan restrictions. WUNC

“Jackson says the changes could make it harder to recruit nurses and other healthcare workers.”

2. Chicken lawsuit gives window into North Carolina’s biggest farm industry. Axios

“A federal antitrust lawsuit targeting the broiler chicken industry is nearing settlement, putting one of North Carolina’s biggest agricultural sectors in the spotlight.”

3. Analysis: NC lawmakers consider six more constitutional amendments as midterms loom. NC Newsline

“How do you get Republican voters to the polls in a difficult political climate? Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are hoping a slate of up to seven constitutional amendments might do the trick.”

A longtime Wilmington high school teacher got a surprise phone call from the Port City’s most famous graduate, Michael Jordan. (Lower Cape Fear Life Care Instagram)

This is a space that loves teachers, so we love it when they get their flowers. Here’s an incredible story from Wilmington.

Ms. Etta taught at Wilmington’s Laney High for 40 years. She’s in hospice now. She told her caregivers that she wanted to talk to her school’s most famous alumnus, Michael Jordan.

Recently, she got a call from Jordan. Here’s what happened.

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 Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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