Jessica F. Simmons has a fascinating report on a new NC-based podcast. 

“Outlawed,” hosted by Duke Health OB-GYNs Dr. Beverly A. Gray and Dr. Jonas Swartz, was created to talk about the state of reproductive rights in North Carolina.

The state legislature approved a 12-week ban on abortions in May 2023. It was controversial. Despite that, NC borders states with more restrictive bans. 

In a new video report, Simmons talks about the podcast and its efforts to unpack abortion bans, misinformation about abortions, and the human stories behind reproductive health.

Check it out. 

Happy Tuesday, NC. Hope everyone’s staying warm. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter: 

Here’s a real-life “View from NC.”

Cardinal & Pine reader Shari Fenster took this shot of unexpected beauty while sitting in traffic in Charlotte.

Cardinal & Pine is here to give North Carolinians straightforward, easy-to-understand reporting about what’s happening across the state. As our year-end drive continues through Dec. 16, reader support shapes what we’re able to cover in the year ahead.

Your contribution keeps this work free for everyone who turns to us.

From time to time, we promote the work of our allies around North Carolina.

This week, the group Indivisible Wake County—which is affiliated with the national anti-Trump, pro-democracy movement—is hosting an immigration-focused event in Cary in collaboration with the nonpartisan Education Justice Alliance. 

It will be a training to help locals identify ICE and Border Patrol, verify immigration raids in their communities, and inform their neighbors. 

Know before you go:

🗓️ Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m

📍 Blush Cowork in Cary

📢 Find more info here.

1. A North Carolina hospital was slated to open in 2025. Mired in bureaucracy, it’s still a dirt field. KFF Health News

“Madison County, tucked in the mountains of western North Carolina, has no hospital and just three ambulances serving its roughly 22,000 people.”

2. North Carolina launches Child Care Academies to tackle teacher shortage. WRAL

“North Carolina introduces Child Care Academies to address the critical teacher shortage, offering free training and certification for aspiring child care professionals.”

3. One dead in stabbing at North Carolina high school, sheriff’s office says. 13 News Now

“The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said two students were in a fight, which led to a deadly stabbing.”

(Sam Dean/Visit NC)

Haven’t you heard? “Affordable” is the word of 2025.

ICYMI, we published a guide recently to affordable holiday trips in NC. One of the highlights was Cardinal & Pine contributor Tyler Francischine‘s look at the little mountain town of Boone.

Nearby Grandfather Mountain offers discounted tickets in the winter. You can shop for goods and gifts at the Mast General Store, a downtown Boone staple since 1988. You can eat at the F.A.R.M. Cafe, a pay-what-you-can eatery serving local ingredients and fresh meals. And, while overnight lodging can be pricey, spots like Rhode’s Motor Lodge and the Smoketree Lodge between Boone and Banner Elk both offer nightly rates around $100.

Check out the affordable holiday guide and make sure to share it!

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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 Jessica F. Simmons, KFF Health News, and Tyler Francischine. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Cardinal & Pine is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.