Well, this is exciting. 

This week, Cardinal & Pine will be hosting a virtual event with a couple candidates who don’t really need an introduction. 

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is running for the US Senate this fall. And Justice Anita Earls is running for re-election to the NC Supreme Court. 

I don’t have to tell you these are two of the most important NC elections this year. 

I’ll be moderating the conversation with an opportunity for audience questions, too. 

Want to join? It’s free and easy to register. Do it here. 

Tap the image and register to join us at Cardinal & Pine’s conversation with former Gov. Roy Cooper and NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls. 

Happy Monday. May is almost here. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter: 

C&P reader Susan Brand provided us with this very springy view from Shingle Hollow in Rutherford County. 

Got a view from NC you want to share? Send it to me. 

Photo: AP/Karl B DeBlaker

The loss of a hospital can hurt a community in multiple ways. 

There are the job losses. In many rural NC communities, hospitals are one of the largest local employers. 

And the drop-off in regional care, especially during an emergency, can be the difference between life and death. 

As part of C&P’s ongoing Bad Medicine series on the state of NC healthcare, Dylan Rhoney takes us to Martin County, which is working to figure out Martin General Hospital’s closure in 2023.

Read it here. 

More Bad Medicine:

1. NC average teacher salary at 43rd, near bottom nationwide, in new report. WRAL

“A new report from the National Education Association ranks the state 43rd in average teacher pay and 38th in starting teacher pay. These rankings are about the same as last year.”

2. Farming is in crisis in North Carolina. Down From DC

“A spring drought is the last thing North Carolina farmers needed after a series of federal policy decisions have waylaid them.”

3. Law-and-order Senate nominee Michael Whatley faced arrest for skipping court in 2015 NC traffic case. NC Newsline

“Whatley was subject to 2 arrest orders in 2015 after failing to appear in court, part of a pattern of avoiding court for traffic offenses.”

Teachers and their supporters marched on the state capitol in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, to demand better funding in schools, increased salaries, the expansion of Medicaid, and better mental health services in schools, among other things. Educators are planning a similar rally on Friday, May 1. (AP Photo/Amanda Morris)

There’s a lot going on for educators this week. 

A new report on teacher pay is out. Hint hint: It’s not very flattering to NC. 

The state legislature is planning a series of veto overrides on “DEI” in schools.

And some school systems are scheduling a teacher workday to allow educators to march in a big Raleigh protest. 

C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin breaks down the protest, the goings-on at the legislature, and a fun celebration of the arts this week in the Queen City. 

Check it out. 

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 Dylan Rhoney. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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