It’s always a good day when you get to tape one of those “I’m a PBS kid” promos they air on TV. “Reading Rainbow” was, as the kids would call it today, great content.

Public broadcasting, as you know, is on tentative footing these days after Republicans in DC passed deep cuts. The cuts are hitting hard in places like PBS North Carolina, WUNC, and others.

But I’m a big believer in public broadcasting’s ability to bring important, even life-saving news, to communities, especially rural ones that don’t have a local station or newspaper anymore.

I appeared for Cardinal & Pine on PBS NC’s “State Lines” today to talk about North Carolina’s Medicaid shortfall, the political theater in Charlotte after Iryna Zarutska’s killing, and our never-ending cycle of gerrymandering, which was re-ignited by speculation that our state’s Congressional voting lines might be changed once again.

“State Lines” airs tonight at 8:30 pm statewide on PBS North Carolina, but to stream it now, go here.

“State Lines” airs on PBS North Carolina, which has been under pressure this year following federal budget cuts. (Screenshot via PBS North Carolina)

It almost feels like the birds’ chirping is happier on Fridays, doesn’t it?

Here’s what’s in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter:

This shot of Mashoes in Dare County, which comes from Cardinal & Pine reader Melissa Tate, is so North Carolina. 

Thanks, Melissa! Send us your North Carolina photos!

I can’t like this idea more than I do. (NC Wesleyan University)

Now here’s an idea worth emulating:

In order to help college students combat homesickness and bring a little joy to campus, NC Wesleyan University, a private Christian school in Rocky Mount, rolled out a new pet policy in recent years. 

It’s allowed students who live on campus to bring many of their favorite furry friends to reside in their dorms. 

Cardinal & Pine intern Dani Mehlhorn wrote in today’s edition of “Good News Friday” that the program’s been wildly successful. 

For this, and other good news from around the state of NC, click the button below. 

One independent NC bookstore is back after it received threats. (Lady Iman Photography)

In 2023, a popular Raleigh pop-up called Liberation Station—which specializes in books centering the Black experience—closed.

That’s because the store was the target of racist threats and harassment, the store’s founder, Victoria Scott-Miller, says. The good news is the store is back with a new location in southeast Raleigh.

Scott-Miller authored a new op-ed for Cardinal & Pine about the decision to return, and why the business’ reopening is a declaration.

“Liberation Station was never just a bookstore,” she wrote. “It was evidence that Black children in North Carolina deserved joy. Deserved belonging. Deserved to be seen.”

To read the full op-ed and learn more about Liberation Station, click below.

1. Stein signs crime bill, potentially restarting death penalty in NC after Charlotte stabbing. WRAL

“‘Iryna’s Law’ enacts numerous changes to North Carolina’s criminal laws and pretrial procedures. It also requires the governor to try to restart executions, which have been held up in North Carolina by legal challenges since 2006.”

2. Why tariffs may not save furniture manufacturing in North Carolina. Axios

“President Trump is unleashing a new round of tariffs on furniture with the stated goal of reviving North Carolina’s furniture manufacturing industry.”

3. Whooping cough surges in North Carolina; fading vaccine immunity likely plays a role. NC Health News

“Even vaccinated children can catch and spread whooping cough. Here’s why experts say booster shots and awareness are key.”

Where are we, folks? (Shutterstock)

Truthfully, I thought we’d stump you with last week’s “Where are we in NC?”

Forgive me for underestimating you.

Many of you correctly named Maggie Valley’s awesome “Wheels Through Time,” an interactive collection of rare and historic motorcycles out west, but the fastest to get it was Cardinal & Pine reader Julie Barnes.

Way to go, Julie! We’re assuming you roll around town on a hog? 

Same game, same rules today.

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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 Victoria Scott-Miller and Dani Mehlhorn. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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