This Monday, we begin with an important new story from Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy. 

The Republican running to represent North Carolina in the US Senate is Michael Whatley, the former head of the NC GOP and the Republican National Committee. 

Whatley is a committed Trump ally and a longtime fundraiser for the party. But his campaign has been troubled by his connection to a GOP official named Harvey West Jr., who, in 1999, was convicted of indecent liberties with three girls while he was a police officer in Washington, NC.

It’s not new news, per se. But it is the subject of renewed scrutiny as Whatley pushes to represent the state in DC. Whatley appointed West to important roles in the GOP, and he’s hosted fundraisers for key Republican candidates.

Critics say it’s par for the course in politics. Politically-connected perpetrators get to move on, but their victims face a long road of recovery. This is a must-read story, but take note, it contains references to alleged sexual assault. 

Michael Whatley, right, appointed Harvey West Jr., left, to high-ranking positions in the North Carolina Republican Party despite his felony record tied to the 1999 sexual assault of three young girls. (Harvey West Jr.’s Facebook page.)

I’m no Duke fan, but sending hugs to all the Duke fans who had a rough day during the March Madness, on both the men’s and women’s side.

Here’s what’s in today’s C&P newsletter: 

A hearty huzzah to C&P reader Katherine Fox, who shared this view of the outhouse racing Saturday in Tryon. 

Racing outhouses is a tradition in the Polk County town’s April Fools’ festival. 

Nothing but love for a community that celebrates April Fools’ Day. 😂 

(Video by Dylan Rhoney)

“No Kings” was buzzing Saturday across North Carolina, and Cardinal & Pine was there. 

C&P’s Dylan Rhoney gave this live report from the scene. We talked to a lot of people. Among them was a veteran (in a frog suit) who talked about his love for the Constitution. He had a lot to say about the Trump administration. Check it out. 

And for more live footage of “No Kings” in NC, check out our Instagram page. Make sure to follow us while you’re there.

1. New factories and supersized Obamacare premiums: North Carolina considers what Trump has wrought. Politico

“Democrats expect North Carolinians will make the GOP pay for cuts they made last year that have cost 200,000 residents their health insurance.”

2. North Carolina hits pause on arena talk amid coach search. ESPN News Service

“The school said in a statement Sunday that it is suspending those discussions as officials focus on hiring a new coach after the firing of Hubert Davis. WRAL of Raleigh first reported news of the pause.”

3. New ‘Orchid kingdom’ display takes center stage at North Carolina Arboretum Festival. WLOS

“The annual show features world-class growers, curated displays, and thousands of orchids for sale.”

4. Phil Berger concedes, next GOP Senate leader, US Sen. Thom Tillis on budget fight. PBS NC “State Lines”

A panel of North Carolina political experts, including the writer of this newsletter, featured on this week’s edition of “State Lines,” a roundtable discussion of NC news and politics. 

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.

Presenting of the colors at the Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville. (RBRandall Photography)

North Carolina’s Scottish roots run deep, especially in the state’s higher elevations. 

Every year, we have several local festivals that celebrate those roots. If you haven’t been to a highland games, you’re missing out.

They feature wild contests of athletic derring-do, traditional Scottish foods, and lots and lots of bagpipes.

C&P contributor Vanessa Infanzon has written a one-stop guide to the April 18-19 Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville. 

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 Dylan Rhoney. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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