If there’s one thing we admire at Cardinal & Pine, it’s educators. 

Everyone has teachers who changed their life. Mine taught me the value of good, local news when we made the school paper and what a difference that makes for communities. 

So it’s cool that this week’s edition of “Good News Friday” includes a shout-out to a groundbreaking rural NC educator who began her career in the segregation era. (Read that story—plus the return of an eye-popping shipwreck— by clicking here.) 

Dr. Altheria Patton, an iconic local educator from Anson County, is getting her due in a new biography. (Photo via Facebook)

Here’s what else is poppin’ in NC right now:

The weekend is here. Thanks for reading. Make sure you share this email. It’s how we grow! 

President Joe Biden makes a stop at Cook Out in Raleigh with Gov. Roy Cooper. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The presidential election runs through North Carolina. Get used to it.

If you need proof, President Joe Biden was in Raleigh Thursday to talk about his economic growth plan. The big news was his announcement of $82 million to support broadband internet access in the state.

We’ve reported before on NC’s broadband struggles. A lack of high-speed internet hits local economies and education hard. 

Biden also talked a lot about the economy. The American economy has rebounded from the pandemic. Biden argued that his policies played a big part in that. Case in point: Federal incentives from his administration finally pushed Medicaid expansion in NC over the finish line. 

The president talked about his new economic plans, including student debt relief, expanded worker benefits, and broadband access. For our story on Biden’s visit to NC, click the button below.  

More NC news:

Janet Jackson performing in 2023. She’s coming to NC in 2024! (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Janet Jackson)

Janet Jackson, with special guest Nelly, is coming to PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on July 14 for the “Together Again” tour. 

You don’t always know how many times you’ll get to see legends like Janet, so mark your calendars now. 

Carolina Beach’s annual Polar Plunge. For the adventurers. (Shutterstock)

Sure, it’s freezing outside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

We made a NC winter bucket list for you, including the Feb. 17 “Polar Plunge” in Carolina Beach, ice skating at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, and more.

It’s time for our new segment. It’s called “Holler at us.” 

What is it? We ask a question about NC. You reply to this email and tell us. 

This week’s question: Which do you prefer? CookOut or Bojangles? Reply to this email with your answer and tell us why. Please include what part of NC you call home, and you might see your answer featured in this email next week!

Every now and then we get lucky and get a winter wonderland. 

Click the image above for a perfect clip of the snow falling in Yancey County, NC. 

Thanks for being such a loyal reader of our newsletter. As we look to grow our community in North Carolina, we could use your help.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

Send us your feedback and news tips to info@cardinalpine.com