Oh Friday, you’re looking beautiful. 

Below, we’ve got our Good News Friday roundup, and our most-read story of the week, but first: 

At this time of year, you can buy watermelons and pumpkins in the grocery store in the same trip. 

So in this, the final weekend of summer, you could either spend it hitting the beach—here are our favorites in NC—or checking out a local pumpkin farm to pick your gourds yourself. 

Our fall festival guide notes that NC’s pottery capital in Seagrove celebrates the season with the Potter’s Pumpkin Patch. It’s an opportunity to load up on locally-made ceramic pumpkins, gourds, and sculptures of woodland creatures. Yes, please.

Find our fall festival guide here.

The unique ceramic pumpkins found at the Potters’ Pumpkin Patch are an expert blend of the autumn season with Seagrove’s rich pottery culture. (Erin Younge)

I’m grateful you’re reading C&P. Here’s what’s below:

C&P reader Laurie Weiner sent us this sunrise view from Topsail Beach. It’s especially fitting on the last weekend of summer. 

Do you have a good View from NC? Send it to us!

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Thanks, as always, for reading and being part of the Cardinal & Pine community.

President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a rally at Gastonia Municipal Airport, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Gastonia, N.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

This week, President Trump spoke in Gastonia. He had a lot to say about crime in NC. It’s been well-covered, including by this publication. 

But today, for Good News Friday, C&P contributor Ryan Piktin wrote about the actual crime numbers in our state. There’s a lot of good news there. Obviously, or it wouldn’t be in Good News Friday. 😂

Our roundup also includes a one-of-its-kind Native American fashion show and some amazing sports news. 

Read it here.

1. Michael Whatley, Laurie Buckhout endorsed by twice-convicted sex offender.

“Before this latest revelation, news of Whatley’s appointment of a registered sex offender when he served as the NC Republican Party Chair has dogged his campaign for months.”

2. A fire broke out at the Asheville Flat Iron Hotel. Here’s what to know about the iconic building.

“This week’s fire is the latest chapter in the Asheville Flat Iron Hotel’s century-long history. Here are five things to know about the building and its place in downtown Asheville.”

3. 13 can’t-miss fall festivals in North Carolina. 

“From unique NC foods to one-of-a-kind cultural celebrations, these 13 fall festivals in North Carolina are the state’s best.”

(Wiley doc via Shutterstock)

Last week in this space, we gave you a real challenge. 

The only person to get it right was C&P reader Gloria Rogers, who correctly identified the Tar River. 

Gloria, you’re an absolute champion of NC lore. 

Where are we this week? First one to get it right gets the glory!

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 and Brook Bolen. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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