In America, this weekend figures to be tense. 

In Washington, D.C., President Trump is holding a military parade on the anniversary of the Army’s founding, which also happens to be his birthday. 

Outside of D.C., scores of protesters are expected to participate in nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations, part of the “No Kings” movement, which characterizes Trump as dictatorial anti-democratic.

There are dozens of “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled in North Carolina. You can find an interactive map here to check out the one closest to you. 

We hope for and expect peaceful protests, because that’s one of the things Americans do best. Cardinal & Pine’s team will be out in the field covering it all, so make sure to follow us on social media for breaking news updates. 

Happy Friday, friends. Here’s what’s in today’s news: 

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“This is a state where we’ve seen multiple cuts both to hospitals and to inpatient bed capacity, to the tune of about 404 beds … it’s a problem that will get significantly worse if we see major cuts to the VA,” Alex Rich, a US Air Force veteran recently told Cardinal & Pine.

Rich talked to us about legislation in Congress that he says will cut and delay access to essential care that veterans earned because of their service. 

More on NC veterans:

In this week’s edition of “3 Things Happening in NC,” we highlighted the Fire Truck Festival in Spencer. 

This annual celebration of new and vintage fire engines is scheduled for Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.  It’s put on by the NC Transportation Museum. Expect food, train rides, cool fire engines, and more. Tickets start at $8-11. 

For more info, click here. 

1. Largest male great white shark in Atlantic resurfaces near North Carolina coast. Fox 8

“Measuring at a staggering 13 feet and nine inches long, “Contender” is estimated to be approximately 30 years old and weighs close to 1,653 pounds.”

2. Remembering Charlie Gaddy: Beloved WRAL reporter, anchor dies at 93. WRAL

“Remembering WRAL legend Charlie Gaddy. The tributes, memories and defining career moments he leaves behind.”

3. Stein signs six bills, including changes to state’s investment fund. NC Newsline

“Gov. Josh Stein signed a bundle of bills into law Friday, including one that overhauls how the state’s investments are managed.”

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Last week’s edition of “Where Are We in NC?” was challenging. Very challenging. 

But Bryan Moore out in Caldwell County correctly identified the Brown Mountain beach. Bryan, we should take this show on the road because that was a hard one. 

Take a look at today’s challenge. Tell me: Where are we in North Carolina?

Write me with the answer. First one to get it right gets the pride and glory. 

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m a NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

Send us your feedback and news tips to info@cardinalpine.com