Below, we've got a challenging edition of "Where are we in NC?" and a beginner's guide to the data center controversy, but first: 

We begin the Friday newsletter, as we always do, with Good News Friday. 

Our weekly roundup of the positive stories around the state leads with the new Michelin Guide, which this year published a guide to the American South. North Carolina chefs showed out in a big way. 

It includes one of the most exciting young chefs in the state, Charlotte chef Hector González-Mora, whose restaurant The Story of Mi Cariño, has been opening up hearts and exciting taste buds. 

Good News Friday also has an update on early voting and a jobs announcement in rural Catawba County. 

Read it here.

Chef Hector González-Mora, right, who led the opening of The Story of Mi Cariño in Charlotte’s South End in February, was recognized with this year’s American South Young Chef Award. (NiceDay and LunahZon Photography)

Happy Friday, NC. I hope you're voting. Here's what we have below:

Kim Coats took this lovely view of the Pamlico Sound in Bath.

Do you have a View from NC to share? Send it to us!

Data centers are stirring up controversy in North Carolina. (Geoffrey Moffett/Unsplash)

Data centers have been a hot topic this year in North Carolina. We wanted to help our readers understand exactly why.

So C&P contributor Karishma Desai has written a comprehensive guide to the data center debate.  

The concerns include rising energy bills, declining quality of life, water consumption, and more. 

Read it here.

1. Thousands of ballots are getting tossed in North Carolina. Here's why.

"It has to do with national cuts to the US Postal Service, and new state rules that are causing local election officials to reject more mail-in ballots."

2. At Greenville rally, Trump threatened to withhold funding for veterans exposed to toxic water

"Trump tied support for victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune to Republicans winning the midterm elections. Veterans groups condemned Trump’s remarks."

3. Hungry bears keep breaking into Asheville homes. This rule could help.

"Since 2023, there have been more than 140 bear-related home break-ins in the Asheville area."

4. North Carolina touts $550 million infusion to keep Raleigh-to-Richmond train project chugging

"The project that will reduce travel times between the two capital cities—and by extension between North Carolina and the actual US capital—by more than an hour."

(Makasana Photo via Shutterstock)

Our weekly contest in this space is one of your favorite things. I think it's because we're all too competitive. 😂

Last week's contest should have been easy for anyone familiar with downtown Cary's new park. 

The fastest right answer came from C&P reader Rebecca Letchworth. Rebecca, you wear the crown. 👑

This week, we've got a real challenge for all but the most avid hikers. Where are we, NC?

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 and Karishma Desai. It was edited by Crystal Niforos

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