Below, we have good news for anyone annoyed by social media 🙋‍♂️ and this week’s top story at Cardinal & Pine, but first:

Some breaking news from western North Carolina, where the Trump administration is hosting many of the world’s most powerful financial leaders in the G20, or “Group of 20.” 

Team Trump chose Asheville, they say, to reflect their “commitment” to western NC recovery after Helene in 2024. 

The problem is: Many locals don’t think the federal government has done nearly enough. So far, the Trump administration has put in only about 16% of the estimated cost of Helene. And that’s unusual following a disaster of this magnitude.

In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, I break down what’s happening in Asheville this weekend, and why North Carolinians should care. 

Watch it here. 

President Trump wants a victory lap in western NC. The problem is: Local protesters don’t think he deserves it. Watch the new video here. (Graphic by Desirée Tapia)

You’re one of many, many North Carolinians tuning into Cardinal & Pine. Thanks for being here. Here’s what you’ll find below: 

In Cedar Grove, C&P reader Dan Varner caught this view of the “blood moon” during last night’s cool lunar eclipse. 

We love your neck of the woods. I promise. Show it off in The View from NC.

FILE – NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson in 2024 in Charlotte. Jackson had a series of legal wins this week over mail-in voting and social media addiction. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson had a very good week, with wins in two important legal cases. 

But we’re not in the habit of making Good News Friday about one politician winning stuff, unless North Carolinians stand to benefit too. 

In this case, C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin writes that folks should be celebrating Jackson’s victories over the social media giant Meta and a pending executive order on mail-in voting. 

One could have a big impact on how children interact with addictive social media apps. The other could make it easier for North Carolinians to participate in vote-by-mail. 

Read Good News Friday here. 

More from Cardinal & Pine:

1. The hummingbirds are migrating. Here’s when to stop feeding them in NC. 

“The first cooler days are beginning to descend. Wondering what to do with those hummingbird feeders as temperatures drop?”

2. We looked into Jennifer Balkcom’s past campaign contributions. Here’s what we found.

“As Balkcom introduces herself to the electorate in western North Carolina, Cardinal & Pine looked at who has contributed to her campaigns.”

3. Heat domes are more than hot weather. Here’s what they mean for NC.

“A heat dome can make NC’s sticky heat feel unbearable and dangerous. Here’s why it happens, who’s most at risk, and what to do before it gets worse.”

4. 5 North Carolina activities perfect for early fall (before peak season crowds)

“Brisk breezes begin, sweat-free opportunities for outdoor recreation abound, and autumn crops like apples and pumpkins start popping up.”

Grindstone Media Group/Shutterstock

Last week, we took you into the Triangle. This photo was, of course, the old Chesterfield building in Durham. 

Many of you got it right, but the fastest was C&P reader Kenny Clayton. Props to you Kenny. Want to try for two in a row? 

Where are we this week, NC? It’s especially appropriate for this time of year. Write me with the answer. 

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, Dylan Rhoney, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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