Here’s a story of hope, North Carolina:

When Helene rampaged through western NC in late September—threatening dams, washing away homes, and literally remaking the topography—North Carolina man Gary Pigg was on a flight home from Mississippi.

Pigg couldn’t sleep because he was driven to jot down everything he would want if he were trapped out west. When he got home, he linked up with local law enforcement and nonprofits and began bringing supplies into the region.

Now, he’s partnering with a nonprofit called Operation Helo to deliver temporary shelter to people who lost their homes.

Since September, Pigg’s made more than a hundred trips out west and delivered 220 campers. Read his awesome story by clicking here or on the photo below.

“Trip 72” for Gary Pigg in January. The Cabarrus County man has made more than a hundred trips to western NC to deliver supplies and campers. (Photo via Gary Pigg on Facebook)

Hoping everyone has a good, restful Easter weekend. Here’s what you need to know today in NC:

NC’s sky-high maternal mortality rate, and what we can do about it.
This federal program gives awards to businesses who hire veterans.
The IRS has given NC a reprieve on tax day, again.
A “gorge”-ous edition of ‘Where Are We in NC?’

Billy Ball,

Senior Editor, Cardinal & Pine

NC’s sky-high maternal mortality rate, and what we can do about it

North Carolina has an unusually high maternal mortality rate.

There are a lot of things that factor into that, including access to healthcare, local birthing centers, a lack of affordable, area providers, and poverty, especially in rural North Carolina.

It’s an especially alarming rate for rural Black communities.

This week, Cardinal & Pine’s Jessica F. Simmons talked with Ziva Postpartum Retreat, a Charlotte-area program for new parents that provides doulas, lactation assistance, and mental health care.

Some state lawmakers have proposed bills to expand funding for postpartum services, midwives, and doula care, but those measures remain stalled in committee.

Advocates say without legislative action, too many new moms will continue to face the postpartum period without the medical and emotional support they need.

Click Here To Watch

Let’s take a minute to learn about the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, a federal program that recognizes local employers who hire veterans.

The award, which you can apply for here, is accepting applications through April 30. And it is, according to officials, the only official award recognizing employers’ dedication to veteran hiring, retention, and career development.

This week, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein urged local business owners to apply for the award, noting the state has roughly 700,000 veterans, one of the largest veteran populations in America.

“The HIRE Vets program recognizes companies for their support for our nation’s heroes, cementing North Carolina’s position as the most military-friendly state,” Stein said in a statement.

Check it out by clicking the button below.

Click Here For More

1. IRS moves North Carolina tax deadline to September. WITN

For the second time, the Internal Revenue Service is moving the deadline to file your federal return this year.

2. NC Senate wants to cut the state’s innocence commission. Its director now pleads with the House. WRAL

Lawmakers say North Carolina’s Innocence Inquiry Commission isn’t worth the investment in a year when they’re trying to cut costs. Its director says the agency provides a service few others can.

3. ‘Very Steep, Very Rugged’: Crews Battle Wildfires across Western NC. WFMY

Crews face difficult terrain, dry weather, and lingering storm damage from Hurricane Helene.

Where Are We in NC? ❤️

Shutterstock

Ok, apparently these are too easy.

For the last couple weeks, you folks have been hitting out of the park. Last week’s edition featured a gorgeous “golden hour” view of the bridge in Wilmington.

Cardinal & Pine reader Monique Fisscher got it right within 5 minutes. Thanks Monique.

So this week’s edition of “Where Are We in NC?” should be a bigger challenge. Same rules: Write me with where we are. Fastest to get it right gets a shout out in the Cardinal & Pine newsletter. Thanks for playing, friends!

Would you recommend this newsletter to your friends and family?

Do you or your company want to support Cardinal & Pine’s mission and showcase your products or services to an engaged audience of more than 200,000 subscribers at the same time?

Contact advertising@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

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