Billy is out today, so I am stepping in to help out with the newsletter. And if you’re anything like me and your brain and soul are beyond saturated with bad news, I’m happy to share a story that made me cry happy tears earlier.

It’s unusual for us to share news so far outside the Tar Heel State, but I came across it on The Charlotte Observer, so it counts. (Right? It counts?)

Earlier this month, seven dogs escaped from a meat truck in China and began walking together as a group. One dog was visibly injured while another was clearly in charge of the group, looking back regularly to make sure everyone was safe and accounted for.

A gentleman saw the dogs walking and tried to help them, but they paid him no mind. He took a video and shared it on social media, asking the authorities to help the animals. Officials sent volunteers and a drone to track and retrieve the dogs, only to find they’d trekked over 10 miles together to get home safely. And the video that shared their journey with the world? It’s been viewed more than 230 million times across the internet.

Want to see it for yourself? Click here.

Meanwhile, in today’s newsletter:

Phil Berger, candidate for North Carolina State Senate, campaigns at Douglass Elementary in Eden, NC, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Woody Marshall/News & Record via AP)

Phil Berger—the most powerful politician in North Carolina for more than a decade—just lost his primary. He conceded Tuesday after falling to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by just 23 votes.

That’s a big deal. Berger has been the driving force behind the GOP’s takeover of state government since 2011, shaping major policies along the way. Now, with him likely out of the picture, there’s a real question about who steps in—and what that means for where the state goes next.

Related:

1. NC invests $26M to expand high-speed internet into additional rural areas by 2026. Cardinal & Pine

“NCDIT has contracted more than $670 million for broadband projects reaching completion in 2026, according to the statement. These projects will connect more than 252,000 homes and businesses.”

2. Cary-based Epic Games to cut 1,000 jobs, seek $500 million in savings as Fortnite slows. WRAL.com

“In a note to employees, released Tuesday, the company cited slower engagement with its popular Fortnite—one of the world’s most popular titles—as a key contributor to the need to cut costs.”

3. Battleship North Carolina launches specialty license plate campaign. WECT.com

“Under North Carolina DMV requirements, at least 300 pre-orders are needed to produce a standard North Carolina plate featuring the Battleship’s logo. Reaching 500 paid pre-orders allows the plate to enter production with a fully custom artistic design.”

4. Iconic Budweiser Clydesdales coming to North Carolina this week. WBTV.com

“The massive horses will be in downtown New Bern on Friday, March 27.”

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

(Josh Bell/Asheville Citizen Times via Reuters Connect)

The Biltmore Estate is lighting up—literally. A new nighttime experience called “Luminere” will transform the iconic Asheville landmark into a glowing canvas of light, music, and motion, with projections covering the house and gardens. It’s been six years in the making and debuts this spring as part of Biltmore’s 130th anniversary.

The ticketed event runs select evenings from March 26 through October, with an original score featuring the Asheville Symphony. It’s the kind of big, beautiful spectacle that feels very North Carolina—and could bring a welcome boost to the Asheville area, too.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Brook Bolen. Today’s edition includes stories from The Associated Press, NC Newsline, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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