Below, we’ve got our state’s “cutest” towns and a rundown of a sweeping election bill at the state legislature, but first: 

Friday is Juneteenth. To some, it’s America’s second Independence Day, a celebration of the arrival of important news—that the last enslaved people in America were free. 

All across North Carolina, there are ways to celebrate this moment. 

From a freedmen’s schoolhouse dedication in Smithfield to a Black culture celebration at Charlotte’s Gantt Center, there’s a lot to do.

C&P’s Dylan Rhoney has gathered 15 ways to celebrate Juneteenth here, plus a brief background on the holiday’s creation. Read it here and share!

Monet Jacobs sings during a Juneteenth parade Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Galveston, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Some news:

For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be recharging with family. It’s a big year and lots of stuff to do before Election Day in NC. I’ll be back in July. In the meantime, I’ll miss you, NC. 

Here’s what’s in today’s C&P newsletter: 

Smithfield’s Susan Hayward took this gorgeous shot this week in Johnston County. Thanks to C&P reader Pam for sharing. 

Do you have a nice view of NC to share? Send it this way!

We’re running our Supporter Drive through June 30, and we need your help to keep reporting the local stories that matter most to North Carolina.

Donate today to support Cardinal & Pine. Any amount helps us continue delivering trusted, community-focused journalism.

Not able to give right now? You can still support our work by sharing this newsletter with someone who cares about local news in North Carolina.

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The House Election Law Committee did not take public comments on the sweeping bill it considered Tuesday, June 16, 2026. People in the audience held up red cards when a bill sponsor described a section of the proposal they objected to. (Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline)

A state House proposal to rewrite many of North Carolina’s election laws is making its way through the General Assembly. 

We’ll be back with more analysis of the bill next week, but in the meantime, NC Newsline has this breakdown of what’s in it. 

There’s a lot to it, including some important potential changes for military and overseas voters, as well as the potential for a partisan state auditor to review NC election outcomes. 

Critics say it leaves a lot of room for troubling shenanigans, a la Jefferson Griffin’s 2024 effort to overturn his NC Supreme Court election loss. 

Here’s what to know.

More at Cardinal & Pine: 

1. NC heads to College World Series finals for 1st time since 2007 after knocking out West Virginia. WRAL

“The Tar Heels (53-12) went 3-0 in bracket play and will play for their first national championship in baseball starting Saturday in the best-of-three finals against Oklahoma.”

2. Arthur’s tropical remnants spread over the Southeast, with heavy rain and storms. WXII

“Heavy rain over the Southeast is likely from the remnants of what was Tropical Storm Arthur. Rain chances are rising for North Carolina through Friday morning.”

3. North Carolina Republicans want to ban election officials from promoting voting. Democracy Docket

“State Republicans included the alarming proposed ban in a 36-page bill that, if passed, would also create new barriers for voters and increase partisan control over North Carolina’s election processes.”

4. Lenoir County sheriff says those in viral video attacking Black teen have been identified. WITN

“The family member says the teen has several broken teeth and ruptured blood vessels in the attack. They say the video was posted in a group chat that the victim was a member of.”

Hendersonville’s quaint downtown is one of the attractions to this western NC destination. (Shutterstock)

“Cute” is a matter of perspective. 

But in the eyes of writers at WorldAtlas, a geography and tourism website, North Carolina is loaded with cute towns. 

No disrespect to NC’s cities, but this isn’t the list for you. 

Here’s a look at what NC towns made the list, including coastal destinations like Edenton and mountain towns like Highlands. 

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 Dylan Rhoney, NC Newsline, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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