For generations, the federal government’s refusal to formally acknowledge North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe has been a curiosity.

It’s not just the symbolism. Federal recognition of an Indigenous tribe comes with money and benefits.

This week, federal lawmakers included the southeastern NC-based tribe in the National Defense Authorization Act. President Donald Trump, like former President Joe Biden, campaigned on recognizing the tribe. That means Trump is expected to sign the bill. 

Cardinal & Pine contributor Ryan Pitkin wrote about the Lumbee story in this week’s “Good News Friday.” Along with the Lumbee, Pitkin took a look at a high school class’ construction of a remarkable, modern version of the Wright Brothers’ historic plane. Check it out. 

People bow their heads in prayer during the BraveNation Powwow and Gather at UNC Pembroke, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Pembroke, NC. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Friday, you’re looking beautiful. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

Genevieve Burda sent us this beautiful view of the Craggies in western North Carolina. 

Send us your views, NC!

Participants make their way toward the Legislative Building during a teachers’ rally at the General Assembly in Raleigh, NC, Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Thousands of teachers rallied at the state capital, seeking a political showdown over wages and funding for public school classrooms. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

“Is the NC legislature constitutionally required to fully fund the state’s public schools so that a student from a low-income family in Hoke County has the same access to education as a rich kid in Raleigh?”

That’s the question Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy asks in a new report on North Carolina’s old and getting older Leandro court case. 

The case began in 1994 when families in eastern NC took the state to court. They alleged, and then proved, that an education in a wealthy county is worth much more than in a poorer county. As in, the amount of funding per student is significantly higher. 

Courts have gone back and forth on this for three decades now in NC. No one disputes that the inequalities remain. The question is: Can the courts force the state legislature to fix it? To this point, Democratic and Republican majorities alike have not resolved it.

NC’s Republican-dominated Supreme Court heard arguments in February, and education advocates are mystified by the fact that they’ve yet to rule. This is a must-read and share.

1. Trump drops MLK Day celebration at National Parks. The Living South

This month, the Trump administration dropped several days from the National Park Service’s list of fee-free days. Among them were Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. He’s replaced them with, among other days, his own birthday. 

2. Report: NC teacher pay and per-pupil funding are in a dismal place. NC Newsline

“In a dismal new report, a libertarian think tank finds that NC teacher pay and per-student public school funding ranks near the bottom of the nation.”

3. A tribute to Jim Hunt. Gary Pearce, former Hunt press secretary

“A lot of people have come to North Carolina since he left office 25 years ago.
They may not know it, but he’s a big reason they came here.”

4. Ahead of Trump’s visit, residents in a North Carolina town say they feel squeezed by high costs. The Associated Press

“The uneasy feeling spans political affiliation in Rocky Mount, which is split between two largely rural and somewhat impoverished counties, although some were more hopeful than others that there are signs of reprieve on the horizon.”

(Jack Betts)

In this space last week, we took you out west for “Where are we in NC?” We got a lot of right answers, but Cardinal & Pine reader Micah McLain was the fastest to name downtown Asheville. 

Congrats, Micah!

This week, we’re sharing a vintage view, circa 1977-1978, of former Gov. Jim Hunt driving to the basket against former Charlotte Observer staffer Jack Betts.

Hunt, who passed this week at the age of 88, is wearing a truly outstanding “Get high on reading” t-shirt. 

Hunt had a remarkable political career in NC. His four terms in office have left a lasting imprint on public education and the modern NC economy. 

For a deep dive into Hunt’s story, click here or on the button below. 

Do you want to support Cardinal & Pine’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 200,000+ subscribers?

Contact advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

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 Ryan Pitkin, Michael McElroy, and The Associated Press. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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