Below, we have details on the Orionid meteor shower and how to see it in NC, plus an important update on a looming voter registration deadline, but first: 

Michael Jordan, His Airness, the GOAT himself, got the good news train started early this week. 

On Monday, we learned that Jordan, who grew up in Wilmington, was making a large contribution to the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work. 

Jordan is reportedly giving $10 million in honor of his mother, Deloris. It is the single largest gift in the School of Social Work’s history. 

Read the story here.

Team owner Michael Jordan looks on during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Darlington, S.C. This week, Jordan announced a $10 million donation to UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work in honor of his mother. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Michael, since you’re feeling so generous, let me give you the mailing address for Cardinal & Pine. 

Here’s what else you’ll get in today’s C&P newsletter: 

Today’s check-in comes from Forrest Chambless in Lincolnton, NC. 

This photo from the Catawba River featured Forrest’s dog, Talulah. It’s an honor, Talulah. 

Do you have a top-flight View from NC? Send it our way.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., arrives for a hearing on Capitol Hill, July 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

North Carolina’s retiring Sen. Thom Tillis is stepping up his criticism of the Trump administration. It’s because he is releasing a book, called “How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents.”

Tillis reportedly said that his “biggest regret” was voting to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

One of the most important lines in The Associated Press report on Tillis? It’s this one: 

“(Tillis) joins a long list of Republicans who have ratcheted up their public denunciations of Trump once they had less to lose politically.”

Tillis also spoke this week about his concerns that America is sliding into a dictatorship. Watch his comments here. 

For more on Tillis’ new book, tap here. 

More at Cardinal & Pine:

1. With food costs in mind, federal and state officials offer fuel relief to NC farmers. WRAL

“President Donald Trump is easing limits on the tax-free use of red-dyed diesel, a decision he said would reduce costs for farmers and other businesses. The move followed similar action by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein last week. The efforts aim to lower the cost of goods.”

2. Forests are dying along North Carolina’s coast—and it’s speeding up. NC State University

“The study also found that North Carolina lost more than 20% of its coastal forest between 1985 and 2021.”

3. Opinion: An assault on freedom and the Constitution in southeastern North Carolina. NC Newsline

“North Carolinians were reminded of this sobering fact yet again recently when it was reported that law enforcement officers of some ilk had established a ‘license checkpoint’ on a public road in Columbus County and arrested or detained 10 people.”

4. NC Head Start programs could face major changes under proposed federal rules. NC Newsline

“North Carolina officials warn the Trump administration’s proposed changes could mean larger classrooms, shorter hours and fewer services for thousands of children.”

There are plenty of “dark sky” spots in North Carolina to watch the Orionid, one of the brightest meteor showers of the year. (USA Today via Reuters)

It’s a really good idea to look up. Just in general. 

The coming evenings offer some excellent opportunities to look up and enjoy it, as the Orionid meteor shower comes to a peak in late October.

You can already catch the Orionid shower though in NC. 

Today, we’ve published a look at the Orionids, one of the brightest meteor showers of the year, as well as certified “dark sky” locations to catch it. For a comprehensive map of dark sky sites, meaning sites without light pollution, go here. 

Read it here.

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 The Associated Press, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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