Today, we’ve got a messy developing story in NC’s Senate race, and a guide to NC’s best fall festivals, but first: 

This week, North Carolina hosts just about the best free music festival in America.

The NC Folk Festival runs three days in Greensboro. Fittingly, it’s featured in “3 things happening in NC,” our weekly guide to the people, storylines, and events driving the conversation. 

This year’s festival includes acts like The Roots, Molly Tuttle, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. Again, you don’t have to pay a cent to go. 

C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin has the skinny on the folk fest. Read it here. 

The NC Folk Festival is just about one of the best free music festivals you’ll find in America. It kicks off this week in Greensboro. (Photo via NC Folk Festival)

Hello Monday. Hello North Carolina. Here’s what you’ll find in the Cardinal & Pine newsletter today:

C&P reader Kim King sent us this misty morning view at Moses Cone Memorial Park, which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. 

“I can almost smell the air when I look at it,” King wrote of the photo. 

My take is that a view like this is only dreary if we want it to be. And I don’t. 

Got a vibe to share from NC? Send it to the C&P team!

Support local journalism today.

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If you enjoy this newsletter and value the work we do, consider chipping in today. Any amount helps—and we’re grateful for every bit of support.

Thanks, as always, for reading and being part of the Cardinal & Pine community.

North Carolina Republican candidate for US Senate Michael Whatley addresses the crowd before Vice President JD Vance speaks, March 13, 2026, in Rocky Mount, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)

After our newsletter went out on Friday, there was a stunning bit of news that’s bound to shake up the US Senate race in NC. 

In southeastern NC, a rally for Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate, kicked off with a prayer. That’s not unusual for political events.

But this one’s being received a little differently, because it was led by a two-time sex offender who’s involved with the local GOP in Craven County. 

The Associated Press reported that Daimon L. King, a pastor in New Bern, led the prayer. According to state records, King has been convicted and sentenced for offenses involving children. 

It comes with Whatley already facing criticism for his connection to another convicted sex offender who was prominently involved with the NC GOP when Whatley led the state party, as C&P reported in March.

Whatley’s campaign blamed the local Republican Party for booking King, but some folks aren’t going to accept that as an excuse.

Read the story here.

More from Cardinal & Pine:

1. Some Cary schools dismiss early, part of NC 55 remains closed due to water main break. ABC-11

“A large water main break in Cary has now led to early dismissal for a number of schools in the area as a precaution.”

2. Victory Junction offering free weekend for Helene-impacted families in WNC. WLOS

“Victory Junction is a camp in Randleman that provides free camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions.”

3. New NC State Health Plan agreement will avoid big cost hikes for using some Atrium hospitals. NC Newsline

“State Treasurer Brad Briner announced Monday that a dozen Atrium hospitals will be in a benefits tier that will keep their out-of-pocket expenses next year about the same as they are this year. Costs won’t change for members who see Atrium primary care doctors.”

4. A drug conviction can mean a lifetime without SNAP in North Carolina. North Carolina Health News

“People affected by the restriction say the loss of food assistance can make reentry and everyday life harder.”

Morehead City comes alive for the NC Seafood Festival. (NC Seafood Festival)

Fall is here in spirit, but the humidity isn’t letting go of us for a little while longer. 

That said, this is the time of year when many North Carolinians reclaim the outside. Every weekend fills up with local festivals. 

They show off NC’s local culture (the fishing’s fine in Morehead City, see above) and distinctive foods (hey there, muscadines and sonker), and help us connect with one another. 

C&P contributor Brook Bolen has written about 13 of the fine fall festivals you won’t want to miss. 

Read it here and make sure to share it!

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, The Associated Press, and Brook Bolen. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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