Below, we’ve got a pivotal plan to restore SNAP funding in NC and a guide to NC’s best Black musicians, but first:

In so many ways, where the US military goes, so goes North Carolina.

We’ve covered that before. But in a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we go deep on the state’s close connection with the US Marine Corps.

That bond is being celebrated in a long-gestating museum that opened this month in Jacksonville, just down the road from Camp Lejeune—one of America’s largest Marine bases.

One of the Marines featured at the museum—which is loaded with memorabilia, Marine tools, and more—is Jack Lucas, a Medal of Honor recipient from Plymouth, NC. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Lucas lied to the Marines so he could join their ranks. 

He ended up jumping on top of two grenades to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. This story is unbelievable.

The Carolina Museum of the Marine is open. And with it, tons of stories about NC’s most celebrated Marines. Click here to watch our new video. (Graphic by Kelly Lennon/COURIER Newsroom)

Happy Wednesday, NC. Somebody, anybody got some rain? 

Here’s what’s in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

C&P reader Crystal Fletcher shared this sunset view from Corolla, near the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. It’s got us pining for some beach time. 

What’s in your phone gallery? Share your favorite scenic views of NC with Cardinal & Pine.

We’re running our Supporter Drive through June 30, and we need your help to keep reporting the local stories that matter most to North Carolina.

Donate today to support Cardinal & Pine. Any amount helps us continue delivering trusted, community-focused journalism.

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(Video by Jessica F. Simmons/Cardinal & Pine)

Recently, we reported on how the Trump administration is rolling back funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka SNAP, aka food stamps. 

C&P’s Jessica F. Simmons takes us inside an $85 million plan by a North Carolina lawmaker that’s meant to keep that funding flowing.

The plan comes from state Rep. Jordan Lopez, a Democrat representing Mecklenburg County in the NC General Assembly.

Watch it here.

More at Cardinal & Pine:

1. NC House starts moving sweeping elections bill, plans to pass it this week despite opposition. WUNC

“Democrats and protesters pushed back against a sweeping elections law bill that House Republicans released Monday and plan to pass to the Senate before the week is over.”

2. Farmers speak on ongoing drought conditions in eastern North Carolina. WITN

“Even with rain expected this week, farmers in eastern North Carolina say it may not be enough to protect crops already stressed by prolonged dry conditions and extreme heat.”

3. Delivery drones, e-bikes and driver’s license renewals in focus at NC legislature. WRAL

“State lawmakers are proposing changes to transportation laws in North Carolina this summer, while also eyeing an entirely new strategy for planning and building roads, utilities and other infrastructure.”

Funk legend George Clinton has influenced rap, nu metal, and pop music. (L Paul Mann/Shutterstock)

North Carolina has produced an astonishing number of influential musicians. 

We’re talking absolute giants. 

This being African American Music Appreciation Month, we wanted to celebrate those Black North Carolinians who made the best music. 

We hear a lot about folks like John Coltrane and Nina Simone, for obvious reasons. They were amazing. But I’d argue George Clinton, a Kannapolis native, doesn’t get his due. 

Go back and listen to the ’70s output of Parliament-Funkadelic—all of which Clinton wrote, produced, and performed. It stacks up against the best of the best. “Maggot Brain“ is where the best songs are, though.

Clinton is one of 13 Black North Carolinians honored in our new guide. Check it out here.

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, Brook Bolen, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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