Below, we have some important info about free summer meals for NC kids, plus a look at 6 of NC’s prettiest camping sites, but first: 

Bishop William Barber II is one of NC’s best-known civil rights activists. On Monday, he marched in Washington, DC, to protest the SAVE America Act, a controversial piece of voting legislation that President Trump is hoping to pass as soon as possible. 

The bill says it aims to prevent noncitizens from voting by requiring documented proof of citizenship when people register and voter ID at the polls. However, many American citizens don’t have documented proof, and some worry that it would disenfranchise millions of Americans.

Also, noncitizen voting is extremely rare in the US, according to numerous nonpartisan reviews of the American election system.

On Monday, Barber’s group called the bill “voter suppression and intimidation.” Some of Barber’s entourage was arrested trying to meet with the top US Senate Republican about it. 

Tap here for more. 

Bishop William Barber II speaks in this June 2026 file photo from Washington, DC. Barber and other civil rights activists returned to Washington Monday to condemn the SAVE America ACT, a bill that threatens to disenfranchise millions of Americans. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

We’re in the dog days of summer, friends. Here’s what’s in today’s C&P newsletter: 

First a quick correction: Yesterday’s photo from Boone was taken by C&P reader Julie Barnes. Julie’s credit was inadvertently left out. Sorry Julie! 🙏

C&P reader Wanda Bullard in Pembroke shared this photo of her zinnias.

Got a nice view from NC? Send it to C&P!

Video by Jessica F. Simmons for Cardinal & Pine

Here’s something a lot of folks don’t know about public education. 

When schools are in session, they serve as the most consistent source of food for many children from poor families. During the summer break, life gets harder for those families. 

Today, C&P’s Jessica F. Simmons broke down ways to get free summer meals in NC for kids and teenagers—with no paperwork and no judgment. 

Check it out. 

More from Cardinal & Pine: 

1. Inside the secretive deal for a $10 billion data center in rural North Carolina. Inside Climate News

“Residents say they were left out of the decision-making process for a project that includes hundreds of polluting diesel generators.”

2. NC lawmakers consider election overhaul, hemp regulations in 2026 session. WCNC

“Both proposals have drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and industry leaders, while supporters argue the measures are necessary to strengthen election security and regulate intoxicating hemp products.”

3. NC auditor’s liaison advised county elections board members on how to fire directors. NC Newsline

“Last fall, Republicans on at least two county boards of elections in North Carolina received instructions on how to fire their executive directors. Instead of getting advice from the state elections director or legal staff at the state office that generally serves as a resource for county boards, they received the information from Dallas Woodhouse, then an employee in the state auditor’s office.”

Camping perfection at Carolina Beach State Park. (jdwfoto/Shutterstock)

Camping right now might seem like a sweaty, bug-infested disaster. But the temperatures will inevitably cool in the coming months, and NC—one of the finest places to camp on the planet—will be open for outdoor sleeping again. 

To help you get ready, C&P has published a guide to 6 of the most scenic camping spots in the state. 

From sleeping near the shores of Carolina Beach to hanging out overnight at Hanging Rock, we’ve got lots of good options. 

Read it here. 

Make sure to share with friends and family. That’s how C&P grows!

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 Jessica F. Simmons, Ryan Pitkin, Brook Bolen, Dylan Rhoney, and NC Newsline. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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