In this newsletter, we try not to tell you things you already know.

For instance, you all know your energy bills are soaring. Mine is starting to feel like a ransom note that comes in the mail every month.

Today, Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy broke down precisely why this is happening. Check it out here.

Happy Tuesday. It’s good to be in your inbox. Here’s what you’ll find below: 

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A hearty salute to C&P reader Deborah Dunn for this perfect moment from the Albemarle Sound Bridge on the way to Edenton. 

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This weekend, a student’s valedictorian speech in North Carolina went viral.

She was interrupted when she spoke out about ICE and the Israeli-Palestine war. Now, the student says the school is withholding her diploma. 

In a special Billy Ball Explains NC, I hopped on camera to talk about it. Take a couple of minutes and watch it here.

1. North Carolina had a shot to buy part of the Carolina Hurricanes. It passed. WRAL

“State treasurer Brad Briner said the business didn’t meet the risk profile of the state pension plan. With the Hurricanes set to play in the Stanley Cup Final, it’s ‘slightly embarrassing.’”

2. North Carolina weighs new limits on data center construction. Axios

“Data center construction has become a political lightning rod in recent months, with municipalities across the state passing construction moratoriums over residents’ concerns about rising electricity cost and environmental impacts.”

3. Can I leave my kids home alone in North Carolina? Here are the laws. Asheville Citizen-Times

“Now that June has begun, the end of the school year is approaching for many North Carolina families; is your child able to stay at home alone this summer?”

Carolina Hurricanes fans celebrate during the third period in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens in Raleigh, NC, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

This is a state that belongs to college basketball. I’ll argue that on my deathbed. 

But right now, the Carolina Hurricanes are making a case as the best sports team in our state. Tonight, the ‘Canes are hosting Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals in Raleigh. 

A sport traditionally associated with Canada and cold weather is getting really hot in the South. And we couldn’t be prouder. 

I don’t consider myself a hockey fan. Sometimes I don’t understand the rules, honestly. But I’ve watched every game of the playoffs this year, and it’s been a blast. 

Tonight’s game begins at 8 pm. We’ll be pulling for the team in black, white, and red. For a breakdown of why the ‘Canes might win the whole thing this year, tap here or on the button below. 

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, Michael McElroy, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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