Today, we’ve got the latest edition of “Where are we in NC?” in addition to maybe the biggest healthcare story of 2026 and a convo with one of NC’s youngest lawmakers, but let’s start with this: 

The first time I saw Kemba Walker he was a small-ish guard taking March Madness by storm.  

He didn’t play in North Carolina, but if you were a college basketball fan, you knew (and feared) Walker. At just 6 feet tall—that’s small for basketball—he played bigger than he was. 

Walker went on to win a national title, got drafted by the Charlotte Hornets (who were the Bobcats at the time), and became their all-time leading scorer. 

In today’s Good News Friday, we reported on the now-retired basketball legend’s new venture: a brand-spanking new basketball youth academy in the Charlotte suburbs. He might not have started his career in NC, but it’s clear Walker loves it here. Check the story out. 

Charlotte Hornets legend Kemba Walker with one of his youth academy prospects. Read the story here. (Photo via Kemba Walker Sports Academy)

The heat’s brutal, folks. Get some shade. Here’s what’s in today’s Friday edition of the Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

C&P reader Anna Marie Ambrose said she fell in love with these trees in Duck, NC.

The live oak tree is one of the most Southern trees you’ll ever see. Fun fact: Their deep taproot system allows them to survive fierce hurricane winds—one of the reasons they’re a feature along the coast. 

Got a cool photo of North Carolina? Don’t be shy. Share it with C&P readers!

With the midterms just months away, Rep. Dante Pittman (right) spoke to Cardinal & Pine about his first term and the issues impacting his constituents and district. (Photo via Pittman)

Youth is king in most areas, save politics. 

Aside from the obvious drawbacks, people can hold it against you that you haven’t been on the planet long. 

C&P’s Dylan Rhoney spoke recently with state Rep. Dante Pittman, a Democrat representing rural Nash and Wilson counties. Pittman, at 30 years old, is one of the youngest state legislators in NC. He’s running for re-election this fall. 

Pittman talked to us about a formative meeting with iconic NC governor Jim Hunt, who died in December. 

“We found ourselves on his sofa in Rock Ridge, North Carolina and he told me something there that I have never forgotten. He cut me off mid-sentence when I was talking about why this was not a great time. He said, ‘North Carolina is a worthwhile project.’ And that is something I’ve held with me going forward,” Pittman told Cardinal & Pine. 

Tap here for our story on Pittman, including the highs—fighting litterbugs in Wilson County—and the lows—seeing rural school funding hit rock bottom. 

More from Cardinal & Pine:

Graphic by Desirée Tapia

North Carolina leads the nation in a thing we don’t want to lead the nation in. 

1. With lawmakers’ target date for a budget looming, what are they still discussing? WUNC

“During recent conversations with reporters, both Berger and Hall have said progress is being made but expressed some pessimism that they will be able to pass a budget during the week of June 15, a date leaders had long circled.”

2. Parts of Triangle now in ‘exceptional drought,’ Durham to impose Stage 2 water restrictions. WRAL

“North Carolina’s drought is worsening. Parts of the Triangle are now in an exceptional drought, the highest category, and Durham has announced that Stage 2 water restrictions will begin next week.”

3. Video: On MS Now, Roy Cooper says lingering Iran war could drive up gas even more. Cardinal & Pine

“Cooper said (Michael) Whatley’s support for U.S. involvement in the Iran war could leave working families to foot the bill.”

4. How love for the NC Blueberry Festival drives tourism and spending in Burgaw. Wilmington Star-News

“Every year, the NC Blueberry Festival draws around 35,000 people to the little town of Burgaw, population 4,000.”

5. It’s tick bite season in North Carolina. Here’s how to prevent them. Asheville Citizen Times

“Late spring and early summer are historically the worst months for complications resulting from a tick bite in North Carolina. Here’s how to prevent them.”

Where are we this week, NC? (Shutterstock)

Last week, we gave you a real challenge in this space. 

So big shouts out to C&P readers James Thamm, Randy Marshall, and Louise Sharpless who all identified the Roanoke Rapids/Weldon/River Falls Park area. 

You’re all really, really impressive. 

Let’s run it back, NC. Where are we this week? Send us your answers.

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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