Below, we have an incredible view of the “blue ghost” fireflies, an important vote in the NC House, and viral food stars of NC, but first: 

If I want our new video series, Billy Ball Explains NC, to do anything, it’s to help you filter out the noise.

We are surrounded, trapped, entombed by information—both good and bad info. This series should help you separate the wheat from the chaff. 

This week, we took a look at the most important 2026 election in North Carolina. 

I promise. It’s not what you think it is. Tap here to watch.

This is the election to watch in NC. Full stop. (Graphic by Kelly Lennon/COURIER Newsroom)

If this video series resonates with you, make sure to show us by hitting “like” and “subscribe.” That’s what helps it grow in a crowded media ecosystem. 

Here’s what else you’ll find in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

View from NC repeat champion Elena Gallenberger took this time-lapse of the “blue ghost” fireflies in western North Carolina. 

If you haven’t seen these elusive bugs before, here’s a good explainer. 

Got your own view from NC? Send it my way.

Two former Democrats—including Charlotte lawmaker Nasif Majeed (pictured here)—voted with Republicans to help provide federal tax credits to anyone donating to private school scholarship funds. (The Associated Press)

Important breaking news from the North Carolina legislature. 

C&P’s Michael McElroy reports that the state House of Representatives on Wednesday overrode one veto of Gov. Josh Stein on an education bill. The bill helps provide federal tax credits to anyone donating to private school scholarship funds.

It will help private schools continue to expand. 

The margins are very tight in the legislature. So Republicans got the votes they needed with the help of two Democrats who lost their party primaries in March and changed their party affiliation to “unaffiliated” soon after. 

They are Rep. Carla Cunningham and Rep. Nasif Majeed. 

The interesting thing is that Majeed voted against this bill when it first came up 10 months ago. But now that he’s no longer a Democrat, he’s voting for it, even though it is no different than the one he opposed. That’s politics, huh?

Here’s what you need to know about this bill.

1. NC appeals board to review disqualification that cost track team a state championship. WRAL

“An appeals panel, appointed by North Carolina’s top elected education official, will review the disqualification of Mallard Creek High School’s 4×400 relay team after a celebration penalty ended the team’s hopes for a state championship. The case has drawn national attention.”

2. NC insurance commissioner accused of sending ‘uncomfortable’ texts to an ex-staffer. News & Observer

“April Taylor says N.C. insurance commissioner Mike Causey sent suggestive texts while she worked as a an employee; Causey says he has no recollection.”

3. North Carolina lawmakers push bills to require AEDs in public schools. NC Newsline

“The House has passed its version of the legislation, the Rep. Becky Carney Cardiac Arrest Act, by a 111-1 vote with bipartisan support. The bill would require at least one automated external defibrillator, or AED, in every public school, and mandate CPR and defibrillator training for school personnel.”

Customers lined up for Hibachi Papi’s food truck. (Hibachi Papi)

You’ve probably seen the North Carolina restaurants that have gone viral. 

The ones that, through some skillful combination of social media wherewithal and/or great taste, turned Instagram or Facebook into a knockout promotional tool. 

We want to know what they’re actually like. 

C&P contributor Ellery Weil has written a guide to the viral food stars of North Carolina, where they are, and whether they’re worth the hype. 

From Hibachi Papi (photographed above around Durham) to Charlotte hotspot Restaurant Constance, there’s a lot here. 

Check it out.

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 Ellery Weil. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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