Below, we have viral dot cakes and where to find them, plus a scavenger hunt for the famous Jimothy the raccoon, but first, we begin with Good News Friday.

As always, C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin has rounded up several positive news stories from around the state. The point is to help you feel good heading into the weekend.

This week, Pitkin found a reunion with a rescued fawn in Sanford and a glow-up for the Carolina Panthers’ home.

He also found an inspiring story about the largest gift in Fayetteville State University’s 158-year history. The anonymous $6.5 million gift will help support the 30-60-90 Free Summer School program at the historically Black college.

We’re big believers in education at C&P, and access to it. This one gets three cheers. Read Good News Friday here.

Brooklyn Edwards, a senior nursing student, took part in the school’s 30-60-90 Free Summer School program. The program got a big boost this week from an anonymous donor. (Photo by FSU)

Whoever invented Fridays is a genius. Here’s what’s in today’s C&P newsletter:

David White photographed this moon over Lake Norman.

Speaking of the moon, an upcoming new moon is going to make this year’s Perseid meteor shower more spectacular. And for more celestial light shows this year in NC, check out our recent guide. 

Have a view from NC to share with Cardinal & Pine’s readers? Send it to me!

President Donald Trump’s tariffs not only drove up prices for fertilizer and other necessities, but they resulted in retaliatory tariffs that cut off the vital foreign markets that many North Carolina farmers depend on. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke, File)

C&P’s Michael McElroy breaks down a new report examining the impact of the war in Iran and tariffs on agriculture. The report says they are “killing” farms. 

As McElroy points out, the report was compiled by an advocacy group aligned with Democrats. But it pulls together real data to analyze the way Trump administration policies are squeezing the state’s farmers. 

“The war with Iran, which closed off access to the Strait of Hormuz, blocked easy access to oil, gas, and fertilizer, driving up prices for all of these necessities,” McElroy writes. “Trump’s tariff policies also increased the costs of a wide range of goods and supplies that farmers need, including parts for tractors and other heavy machinery.”

For more, tap here.

More at Cardinal & Pine: 

The new Billy Ball Explains NC takes on the anti-press shenanigans in this year’s Senate race. (Graphic by Desirée Tapia)

1. ICE detention center in North Carolina to be among largest on East Coast. The New York Times

“The new complex near the Virginia border signals that even as ICE has retreated from its plan to buy warehouses, the agency remains determined to increase its detention capacity.”

2. New $2.3M ad campaign ties Whatley to convicted sex offender as NC’s US Senate race tightens. NC Newsline

“As the Senate race heats up, a campaign by a Democratic-aligned outside group attacks Michael Whatley for appointing a convicted sex offender.”

3. Downpours bring flooding, chaos in North Carolina as Bertha dumps heavy rain to Texas. CBS News

“A storm system brought heavy rain and flooding to North Carolina and West Virginia.”

(Oak City Drone/Shutterstock)

Last week’s edition of “Where are we in NC?” could have been any downtown in NC. 

But C&P reader Chuck Darsie nailed it. It was Elm City, a little city in Nash and Wilson counties. You know your stuff, Chuck. 

Let’s play again, NC. Where are we today? Fastest correct answer 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, Michael McElroy, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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