Somewhere in every kid, there’s a kernel of a seed of a dream of flying to the moon. 

It takes a really, really special person to actually do it. Like Christina Koch. 

Koch, who headlines this week’s Good News Friday, was born in Michigan, but we’re claiming her as a North Carolinian. As C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin writes, Koch grew up in Jacksonville, NC, and studied at the NC School of Science & Math and, later, at NC State University. 

Here’s why her mission is so special. 

Astronaut Christina Koch—a graduate of NC State who grew up in Jacksonville, NC—is part of the Artemis II mission. (Courtesy of NASA)

Happy Friday to all. Let’s take a moment for the news:

Thanks to C&P reader Morgan Ling for this gorgeous view from the central Piedmont. 

Send us your views, folks. 

Thursday’s decision in the Leandro court case was not surprising, but it is a really big deal. 

Here’s another important aspect:

Anita Earls was one of three NC Supreme Court justices who dissented. The other two were Justice Allison Riggs and Justice Richard Dietz.

Here’s why Thursday’s big public education ruling puts an even bigger spotlight on her re-election campaign.

More Billy Ball Explains NC:

1. ‘Hopefully hundreds of new Leandros.’ Namesake of historic education lawsuit talks what’s next. WRAL

“Robb Leandro was a Hoke County ninth grader in 1994 when his parents sued North Carolina over education resources. In an interview with WRAL News, he reflected on his education and what the case meant to his family and shared what he thinks should happen next.”

2. Drilling down on AI use in dentistry. NC Health News

“Dental associations are looking at the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in dentistry.”

3. North Carolina governor steps up push for marijuana legalization as state commission issues new report. Marijuana Moment

“The group is recommending that the state move away from a criminalization-based approach to cannabis and toward a system of ‘robust’ regulations that provide for adults’ legal access to THC products.”

For the next two weeks, Asheville’s Biltmore Estate will be putting on its Luminere light show daily, showing off the historic estate’s history. (Visit NC)

A big shout-out to Cardinal & Pine reader Margie Reinitz. Not only did she identify Apex last week in this space, she named the street corner. 

Margie, your NC knowledge is strong. 

This week, let’s take a trip out to Biltmore in Asheville. For the next two weeks, this historic western NC estate will be putting on the Luminere light show daily. 

Luminere shows off the mansion’s history in a dazzling display. See the picture above. 

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. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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