Jan. 3, 2024

The end of a year is about taking stock of the past. Which is why I’ve always preferred the new year, where we do that for the future instead. 

In this first edition of Cardinal & Pine in 2024, I wanted to take a look at the stories that should be the most important this year in NC. These are the things we’ll be watching like a hawk. Some of these will surprise you. Others won’t. They scream their import from the front pages of newspapers big and small. 

For each, I’ll include a list of recommended viewing or reading to help you understand why I think it’s so important. If I’ve missed something, as always, you can write me by simply replying to this email.

We’ll return to our regular newsletter format Friday, but let’s set the table for 2024 now.

Lingerfeldt Elementary in Gastonia, NC (Photo by Elaina James via UNC Media Hub)

Durham’s new mayor, Leo Williams, told me in December that education “should be the biggest thing that everyone is worried about. And it’s not even a discussion.”

He would know. Williams comes from eastern NC (like me), a place where education funding has been in a state of crisis for the better part of three decades. Communities are fighting over how and what we teach, and whether or not public education should even exist. 

Leo’s right. This is the story. 

Required reading:

I’ve said it before. We’re spoiled in NC. 

The beauty of our state—from our unspoiled coast to our rugged, green mountains—should get its own song. Heck, it has, over and over again. 

But places don’t stay pretty because they are. They stay that way because people care about it and fight for it and revel in it. Climate, development, and pollution are things that could dramatically change the way we live (in some cases, they already have!) if we don’t pay attention. 

Required reading:

There’s an election in 2024. You’ve probably heard. So we won’t waste a lot of time telling you that. 

But we will take a minute to tell you that voting has changed. Voter ID is in effect. So the way that you voted in the last big election isn’t the same. Now is the time—not at the last minute before Election Day—to learn the new rules and make sure you’re ready to go.

Required reading:

This one isn’t so obvious.

Newspapers aren’t writing about the need for you to protect your joy, to protect yourself. But we live in tumultuous times. And we’ve survived a pandemic that we’ll never, ever forget. 

So I’m a believer in defending your joy, fighting for it, and seeking it. Which is why you’ll see a lot of stories, videos, and guides at Cardinal & Pine that tell you not just what you need to know about the news, but what you need to know to have fun. Hope you’re a hugger. Because we’re going to give this state one big, bear hug.

Here’s a start. Beginning tonight, there’s a meteor shower, and NC is filled with beautiful places to see it. Here’s how to watch.

Required reading:

These aren’t all the stories. But they are the ones that are going to drive us every day. We’re so grateful you’re with us in 2024. Tell your friends about us.

This made us laugh out loud, and not in a fake way. We actually laughed out loud. Click here or the image above to find out what happens when you place a wrong number in the South.  😂

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by NC journalist Billy Ball. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

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