Below we’ve got an update on the drought and loads of free outdoor shows, but first:

Oak Island is one of our favorite beach towns.

Today, we’ve published a new story on how the coastal community is wrestling with a proposed development that could dramatically change the area.

Builders want to put up to 7,200 homes and 260 acres of commercial development on the “Williamson Tract,” a piece of mainland property off NC 211. 

For a town with fewer than 10,000 permanent residents, that’s a big deal. And not everybody’s excited about it. 

Here’s what to know.

Plans for the Williamson Tract planned unit development submitted in 2022. The plan included 7,200 mixed housing units, along with about 260 acres of commercial area.

In today’s newsletter:

C&P reader Jennifer Clarke snapped this photo of cumulus clouds over Carrboro. 

It really does say “hot summer night” in the South. We could sure use the thunderstorms (and rain!) that usually come with those. More on that below.

Got a nice view from NC to share? Share it with Cardinal & Pine’s readers.

We had fun doing “3 dumb questions (and 1 smart one)” with North Carolina Congressional candidate Jamie Ager.

Ager got real about farm life and talked about his reluctant entry into politics. It’s the first time he’s ever run for any office, ever.

Watch it here.

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Here’s an important update from C&P reporter Michael McElroy on North Carolina’s drought, which is already the worst in the state in 20 years.

The city of Durham told residents this week they can no longer use lawn sprinklers or other automatic irrigation systems.

Water levels at Durham’s two drinking water reservoirs have fallen significantly, and water demand has increased amid the recent spell of extreme heat, city officials said.

Durham’s restrictions allow residents to water their gardens with a hose, but it has to have an automatic shut-off. Restaurants will only give tap water when asked. And you’re no longer allowed to wash your car in the driveway. You have to take it to a commercial facility.

What’s happening in Durham might be a forecast for the rest of the state.

North Carolina hasn’t had a statewide drought this severe since 2008. It’s been particularly hard on the Triangle, which is off to the driest start to a year ever with little rain in the immediate forecast.

More than 110 water systems in the state are under some level of voluntary or mandatory water restrictions. Forecasters are anticipating the drought will continue deep into the summer, so more communities are likely to tighten their restrictions as well.

For updates on the drought conditions in your local community, check this map. 

More at Cardinal & Pine: 

1. NC Senate OKs bill to enact harsher penalties for suspects who expose minors to explicit content. WRAL

“The North Carolina Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would increase criminal penalties for people found guilty of exposing children to obscenities, such as images of nudity or sexual acts.”

2. How $4 billion came off Durham’s tax rolls last year, mostly benefiting corporate landlords—and blowing a hole in the city budget. Indy Week

“An INDY investigation found that in an unprecedented and still-murky saga, a county board granted billions in property value reductions to landlords and companies like Blackstone. City leaders, banking on the tax revenue, didn’t know until April.”

3. NC House elections bill adds requirements for overseas voters, allows for more partisan staff. NC Newsline

“Among other changes, the bill would prohibit state and local elections board members from ‘encouraging or promoting voter turnout in any election.’”

Winston-Salem’s Bailey Park, one of many North Carolina sites with free outdoor concerts this summer. (Visit Winston-Salem)

Summer can be brutally hot. But nighttime can bring some respite, and the opportunity for North Carolinians to get outside and actually enjoy themselves. 

With that in mind, we’ve published a new guide to free outdoor shows this summer. 

Taking in a concert or a performance is more than a good way to get your mind off work and problems. It helps you connect with your neighbors and your community. 

From the coast to the highlands, we’ve got great options for you if you’re looking for free outdoor concerts. Read it here.

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 Michael McElroy, Karishma Desai, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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