Below, we've got some good news about NC public school students and our most-read story of this week, but first:

The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed and to help folks discover this state we love. 

Today, western North Carolinian (and tastemaker supreme) Brook Bolen has written a guide to 9 of the most charming small towns in the state. 

We aimed for towns that don't always get the headlines—places like Sylva, Hillsborough, and Ayden—but deserve your time. 

Take a look and share. 

Downtown Hillsborough is, in a word, delightful. (Alexandrea Lassiter)

It's disgustingly hot and humid out there, NC. Stay safe. 

Here's what's in today's Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

We adore C&P reader Karen Gates' photo from the dock at Lake Brandt in Greensboro.

"There are some lovely places outside of the mountains and the coast," Gates told us. We couldn't agree more. 

Do you have a cool View from NC to share? Send it in right away!

In this June 2023 file photo, a high school student in Robbins, NC, gives a hug to her grandmother. There's good news for NC students as they reach record graduation rates. (Ruth Ann Photos via Shutterstock)

North Carolina state education officials released some encouraging news this week. 

The state showed gains in testing and graduation rates, although in some metrics, students still lag the levels reached before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

If you recall, the pandemic was especially disruptive for K-12 education. Many students struggled because of it.

"Proficiency increased across every racial and ethnic group," NC Newsline reported, "as well as among English learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students."

Take a look.

More from Cardinal & Pine:

1. Hemp gets a temporary reprieve, but what’s next for cannabis in NC?

"In Washington, the hemp industry received a one-month reprieve this week. But NC lawmakers will look to tackle the issue in November."

2. 11 dive bars in NC to add to your bucket list

"While there’s an unmistakable allure to upscale cocktail bars, there’s nothing like a dive bar. Unpretentious, comfortable, casual—no fancy clothes or hefty price tags needed."

3. 8 fun and free Labor Day events in NC

"If you’ve been experiencing burnout and need a break, the upside is that plenty of free Labor Day events are happening in N.C., with the three-day weekend coming up. The best part: You don’t have to worry about putting in a PTO request."

4. Republican congressional candidate penalized by Kalshi for improper betting

"Laurie Buckhout was fined over $2,500 and barred from the betting site for three years. The Republican congressional candidate is accused of betting on her own campaign."

Darryl Pino via Shutterstock

Last week, we got in the spirit of the season. College football season, that is. 

C&P reader Molly Bland was the first person to correctly name Jerry Richardson Stadium at UNC-Charlotte. 

We're back with another round this week. Where are we, NC? The fastest right 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 Brook Bolen, NC Newsline, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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