If it’s Friday, it means that we’re talking about good news in Cardinal & Pine’s “Good News Friday” column.

Today, we’ve got some big business news, including a large investment from North Carolina’s largest employer. But the most fun story is about Uno, a Chatham County police dog, celebrating his third birthday.

Uno will be “celebrating” with a cold plunge into Jordan Lake. Eno’s jump will raise money for Special Olympics NC.

Be honest, folks. This wasn’t Uno’s idea, right?

Per “Good News Friday” writer Ryan Pitkin, there’s no need to worry about Uno’s health. Uno shouldn’t have to worry about hypothermia if it’s a quick dip. For more on the fundraiser Uno was “volun-told” to do, tap below.

Happy birthday, Uno! Seems a strange way to celebrate, though. 😂 (Chatham County Sheriff’s Office)

It’s so cold that I finally swapped out the flip-flops for actual shoes.

Here’s what’s in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter:

Kathy Bambach photographed this lovely sunset recently in Belmont. Does anyone else see a bull with horns?

Tap below and share your view from NC.

It’s been a tumultuous week in politics, after the death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs nurse killed by Border Patrol officers.

North Carolina’s Sen. Thom Tillis is in a unique position. He’s retiring. That tends to make politicians more talkative, because they’re freed from the fundraising and party politics apparatus.

Tillis flexed his freedom this week with this blistering take on the controversy in Minneapolis.

More ICE news:

What’s the hold-up with federal money for Hurricane Helene recovery?

And what’s that got to do with the race for the US Senate between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley? 

Tap the GIF above and find out. 🙏 Make sure to like, subscribe, and share so Cardinal & Pine can spread good information.

1. Winter storm could bring more snow than ice to central North Carolina this weekend. ABC-11

“Snow is expected across the Triangle and much of North Carolina, with the potential for heavy snowfall at times.”

2. North Carolina’s first lady takes on rehabilitation and reentry. NC Health News

“Anna Stein is using her role to spotlight rehabilitation, listen to lived experience and push for stronger support for people leaving incarceration.”

3. Buddhist monks leave meaningful impression as the Walk for Peace leaves NC. WRAL

“Tuesday marked a group of Buddhist monks’ final night in North Carolina before they continue their Walk for Peace through Virginia and ultimately to Washington, D.C.”

Jon Bilous via Shutterstock

It turns out you folks know your speedways. 

Last week, we asked you to name the raceway, and we got a whole boatload of right answers. Fastest to get it, however, was Cardinal & Pine reader Eric Brauer.

Eric, for the next week, you get to lord it over everyone at work and at home. 

Let’s turn to this week’s round. We’re going to test your trail knowledge. Where are we, friends? Fastest one is the winner. 

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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, The 19th, Michael McElroy, and ProPublica. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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