By the time, you get this email, March Madness will be well underway. 

That said, we’ve published a new guide to the North Carolina teams that made the Big Dance on the men’s and women’s sides—from first-time Cinderellas (what’s up Queens?) to iconic programs with weighty expectations (we see you Duke). 

Shout out to all the NC teams showing their mettle and good luck. 

Meet this year’s March Madness teams across North Carolina in both men’s and women’s basketball. (Al Sermeno Photography/Shutterstock)

Happy Thursday. Share this email. 😀 Here’s what’s in it today:

Big shout out to C&P reader Louis Simpson who captured this photo of spring bursting forth at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens in Pinehurst. 

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in January with Kathryn Burgum, left, and and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

“Scientific rigor.” 

That’s the reason that a federal judge gave for blocking a series of vaccine changes Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered in January.

So what does that mean? Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy tells you what to need to know. 

Every week, the Cardinal & Pine newsletter connects you with local events to help you get involved.

Across North Carolina, rallies against ICE, healthcare cuts, and the Trump administration are taking place.

🗓 Friday, March 20

Engaged Defenders for Democracy – ICE Is Not Welcome Here! Cary ICE Office (9 am – 11 am)

Hosted by: Engaged Defenders for Democracy

Location: 140 Centrewest Court, Cary

Join peaceful protesters on the corner of Evans and Centrewest Court to object to ICE policies against immigrants outside of their local offices.

NO MORE DISTRACTION WARS (bridge protest) (4 pm – 6 pm)

Hosted by: Fayetteville Resistance Coalition 

Location: 195 Poe Ave., Spring Lake

This bridge protest opposes the foreign policy decisions of the Trump administration.

🗓 Saturday, March 21

Wake County Indivisible – No Kings Sign Making (1 pm – 3 pm)

Hosted by: Wake Indivisible

Location: Provided upon sign up

Join Wake Indivisible for a sign making workshop for next week’s ‘No King’s’ protest on March 28th.

🗓 No Kings Sign Making Party (1 pm – 3 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible Johnston County

Location: 1302 W Market St., Smithfield

Join community members as they create signs for the March 28 ‘No Kings’ protests that will take place locally and across North Carolina.

🗓 Register People to Vote at the North Asheville Tailgate Market (10 am – 11:30 am) and (11:30 am – 1 pm)

Hosted by: Buncombe County Democratic Party

Location: UNCA Campus Parking Lot P34 – 275 Edgewood Road, Asheville

Help register people to vote in Buncombe County this Saturday. Two shifts are available.

The Really REALLY Free Market Plus! (10:30 am – 3:30pm)

Hosted by: Camel City United Indivisible North Carolina

Location: Mothership Studios Parking Lot – 239 W Acadia Ave., Winston-Salem

This 100% FREE mutual aid event in Winston-Salem is an opportunity to protect the environment, while also trading cool stuff with fellow community members. 

🗓 Sunday, March 22

Defending Care and Denying Crowns: Physician Week of Action (2 pm – 3:30 pm)

Hosted by: The Committee to Protect Health Care

Location: Deep Roots Market – 600 N Eugene St., Greensboro

Ahead of the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act on March 23, doctors and advocates are marching in support of affordable healthcare and against cuts to essential services.

Activist Care Workshop: Finding Joy in Darkness (2 pm – 4 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible CLT

Location: Virtual

This training will help attendees identify what their role can be in this moment.

Southern Sundays for Peace: Rocky Mount (12 pm – 2 pm)

Hosted by: Engaged Defenders for Democracy

Location: Rocky Mount Mill, 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount

Engaged Defenders for Democracy will be hosting their weekly pro-democracy protest, and invite the community to join them. Positive signs are requested.

🗓 Monday, March 23

Gather for Good Trouble – Buncombe (11:30 am – 2 pm)

Hosted by: Red, Wine & Blue

Location: Village Pub – 100 Fairview Road, Asheville

While enjoying lunch, Red, Wine & Blue will meet with community members to discuss the 2026 election and issues impacting the community.

🗓 Tuesday, March 24

Stand up on Salisbury (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible Guilford County

Location: 202 N Cox St., Asheboro

Engage in a weekly act of resistance and protest.

Sign Making Party for No Kings 3.0! (6 pm – 9 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible

Location: Hi-Wire Brewing – Wilmington 1020 Princess St., Wilmington

Join fellow members of the community in making signs ahead of the March 28 ‘No Kings’ protest.

Bethesda Parent Listening Session (5:45 pm – 7:30 pm)

Hosted by: Carolina Federation

Location: Durham County Library – South Regional Library 4505 S. Alston Ave., Durham

Carolina Federation is holding space for Bethesda Elementary Parents and caregivers to discuss what they want for their children and students in Durham County Schools. Attendees will learn how they can play a role in supporting local public schools.

🗓 Thursday, March 26

Influence NC Creators at the NCGA (6:30 pm)

Hosted by: Influence NC

Location: Virtual

Are you a creator who is interested in making content about the General Assembly and speaking with lawmakers? This webinar from Influence NC will go over recommendations on how to cover the legislature’s work and speak with lawmakers.

Young Voices Social (7 pm – 10 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible CLT

Location: Common Market South End – 235 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte

Gen-Z and Millennial members of Indivisible CLT will be gathering to discuss local activism over food, drinks, and fun activities.

Buncombe County Town Hall (6 pm – 8 pm)

Hosted by: NC Democratic Party House Caucus

Location: Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (Ferguson Auditorium) – 340 Victoria Road, Asheville

Hear from Rep. Lindsey Prather, Rep. Eric Ager, Rep. Brian Turner, and Sen. Julie Mayfield as they discuss the issues facing Buncombe County, and the happenings at the General Assembly.

Alamance Hour of Action (4 pm – 5 pm)

Hosted by: Alamance Hour of Action

Location: 1388 S Main St., Burlington

Residents of Alamance County will be marching on Thursday, March 26 in support of democracy in downtown Burlington. 

Have an event to add? Email Organizing Coordinator Dylan Rhoney at rodney@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week in advance).

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

Wrightsville Beach. The water’s a bit colder now, but it’s still worth a trip. (Wilmington and Beaches CVB)

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that most NC natives know.

Sure, the water is colder right now on the beaches. But sometimes, it’s better to hit the sand before all the crowds take over. Frankly, I’ve never liked sitting on a beach when there’s a stranger within dripping distance. 😂

It’s also cheaper.

Cardinal & Pine contributor Vanessa Infanzon has written a compelling case for making your offseason beach trip to Wrightsville. One of the reasons? These beaches are very walkable to restaurants and shops. 

Take a look. 

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 Vanessa Infanzon, Michael McElroy, and Joey Held. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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