It’s been a year of bad headlines in North Carolina’s largest city. But this week’s “Good News Friday” offers something to be optimistic about in Charlotte.

For the last three years, local organizers have been piloting a program aimed at preventing violence in the historically marginalized Beatties Ford corridor. The program features on-the-ground “violence interruptors,” local residents who head off conflicts before they escalate. 

The Charlotte Urban Institute, which is part of UNC-Charlotte, put out a study Thursday. They say that the Beatties Ford neighborhoods saw a significant drop in robberies, and decreases in nonfatal shootings and homicides compared to similar areas. Fewer community members also reported witnessing or experiencing violence. 

This week’s “Good News Friday” also includes a major honor for groundbreaking veterans and the return of a western NC bluegrass tradition. Read and share. 

The Beatties Ford corridor in Charlotte was ground zero for a new anti-violence initiative. (Shutterstock)

Somehow, there are just 19 days left in 2025. Here’s what’s in today’s edition of Cardinal & Pine: 

Thanks to Eileen Duffy for this peaceful view of the Cape Fear River boat slips in Wilmington. 

Cardinal & Pine is here to give North Carolinians straightforward, easy-to-understand reporting about what’s happening across the state. As our year-end drive continues through Dec. 16, reader support shapes what we’re able to cover in the year ahead.

Your contribution keeps this work free for everyone who turns to us.

Here’s sign #100 that the 2026 elections are going to be wild. 

As Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy reported today, Phil Berger, the NC Senate majority leader, is perhaps the most powerful Republican in the state. But he is being challenged in the 2026 primary election by the far-right sheriff of Rockingham County, Sam Page.

While Berger says he is unconcerned, his friends have tried to cajole, frighten, and shame Page out of the race. 

President Donald Trump endorsed Berger this week and offered Page a job in DC if he left the race. 

NC Sen. Amy Galey dropped by Page’s house unannounced the night before he officially filed to run in the race, WRAL reported, and left him a letter that said, “I am here to beg you to please not file.” 

If Berger were to lose the primary in 2026, it would be one of the biggest upsets in some time at the state legislature. For more on this story, check out our breakdown here or by clicking the button below. 

More NC news from Cardinal & Pine:

1. North Carolina approves $28.4M in film grants for three productions. WCNC

“‘The Hunting Wives’ and two other productions scored North Carolina film grants worth $28.4M. Filming is already underway statewide.”

2. A white Christmas? Will North Carolina get snow for Christmas Day in 2025? What are the odds for snowfall? WXII

“Snow and Christmas just seem to go together, but do you remember the last time it snowed during the holiday in North Carolina?”

3. FEMA ordered to reinstate $200 million in canceled climate resiliency grants for North Carolina. WUNC

“‘Our towns spent years doing everything FEMA asked them to do to qualify for this funding, and they were in the middle of building real protections against storms when FEMA suddenly broke its word,’ wrote Attorney General Jeff Jackson in a press release.”

4. Cary residents demand answers, transparency as town spending draws scrutiny. News & Observer

“Cary residents demanded greater transparency Thursday night, their first opportunity to address town leaders since Town Manager Sean Stegall was placed on administrative leave and town spending has come under scrutiny.”

fotoluminateLLC via Shutterstock

It’s been a few weeks since we quizzed you on your NC knowledge.

Let’s see if you can name this downtown.

For those who are new to the game, here are the rules: First person to get it right gets a shout-out in next Friday’s Cardinal & Pine email. 

Make sure to give us your name and where you’re from when you submit your answer. Good luck! 

Do you want to support Cardinal & Pine’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 200,000+ subscribers?

Contact advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

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 and Ryan Pitkin. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Cardinal & Pine is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.