When you ask people what they think of when they think of North Carolina music, they often point to the banjo and the Appalachians. 

With good reason. North Carolina’s the home of some of the greatest folk, bluegrass, and country artists the world has seen, names like Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and so many more. 

But this week, with the Triangle city of Durham hosting a Black culture celebration called “Biscuits & Banjos,” I took a look at how North Carolina’s contribution to music is so much deeper, and more diverse, than we often think.

In a roughly two-minute video, I explain how the sound that we associate with North Carolina gestated in the South’s slavery era.

Enslaved people brought their culture, including a stringed African instrument called an akonting (which looks and sounds a lot like a banjo), and began making a uniquely African-American kind of music that grew into folk, country, blues, and bluegrass. 

Take a look and make sure to share! 

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Let’s get to the news this Friday, North Carolina: 

Recently, some of the farthest-right conservatives in the NC General Assembly filed a total abortion ban, with very limited exceptions. 

As we reported days ago, this bill stands very little chance of passing, something that’s been acknowledged by the legislature’s Republican leadership. 

But it does raise an important point: The GOP leadership in the General Assembly tends to roll out unpopular policy changes by first presenting an extreme option. The effect is the follow-up legislation appears more “moderate.” There’s plenty of reason to think lawmakers might take a similar approach to abortion rights. 

After passing a 12-week ban in 2024, Republicans acknowledged they might roll that back farther. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see an 8- or 10-week ban in NC this year. 

But a new study finds that there are big implications for women’s health and safety in states like ours with strict abortion bans. 

UNC Charlotte’s Orchid Curator, Mary Duke, poses with “Rodney,” the McMillian Greenhouse’s Corpse Flower. (Grant Baldwin/CC BY-ND 2.0).

Ever heard of the “corpse flower” at UNC Charlotte’s Botanical Garden? 

If you haven’t, boy, is it a doozy. It’s called “Rodney” and like all corpse flowers, which are technically called titan arums, they rarely bloom. When they do bloom, they have to get the attention of pollinators though, so they give off a lovely smell of rotting flesh. 

Listen, it’s better to talk about Rodney than to invite him to parties. 

Rodney and his puke-a-licious smell features prominently in Cardinal & Pine’s guide to the best public gardens in North Carolina. Check it out and make sure to share with your friends. That’s how Cardinal & Pine grows!

1. North Carolina leaders question federal authority to prohibit DEI. Education NC

State Superintendent Mo Green sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday questioning the department’s authority to require schools to not use diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in order to continue receiving federal funds.

2. ‘King tides’ to impact North Carolina coast. Here’s what that means. Wilmington Star News

King tides are expected to begin this weekend and last through the end of month, prompting warnings about potential flooding. King tides happen when the moon’s gravitational pull is at its strongest.

3. No 401(k)? A proposed NC plan would give those who work for small businesses a way to save for retirement. NC Health News

N.C. is exploring a new retirement savings plan that would allow for payroll deductions that would accumulate to a state-managed fund.

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Last week, we took you to the Linville Gorge for a shot of Linville Falls. 

It’s truly one of the most spectacular spots in North Carolina, like something out of a fairy tale. And Cardinal & Pine reader Todd Shamel was the first to get it right. Congrats Todd, you’re a master of western NC. 

Take a look at this week’s edition of “Where Are We in NC?” above. Tell us where we are and the first one to get it right gets a shout-out here next week. 

Happy hunting, NC!

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m a NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

Send us your feedback and news tips to info@cardinalpine.com