In 2023, more than 60% of abortions in the United States were performed with medication. 

Those numbers reflect a change in the way this medical procedure is done, with more people preferring this safe, at-home option. Indeed, the drug mifepristone has become “the backbone of abortion care across the country,” writes Cardinal & Pine’s Jessica F. Simmons. 

Which is why a growing number of anti-abortion Republicans, including US Sen. Ted Budd—who represents North Carolina—are targeting it with legislation. 

Simmons broke down this important story on Facebook and Instagram. Make sure to share this news with your network. 

Tap here for more.

Today is Local News Day in America. 

Celebrate little publications like this one by sharing this newsletter with five friends or giving to the cause. 

Here’s what you’ll find below: 

Reader Erika Tully graced us with this beautiful shot from Wilmington. 

Have a view from NC to share? Tap here. 

Map via the  National Integrated Drought Information System.

We’re not accustomed to regretting warm, dry weather. 

But this weekend’s forecast isn’t great news for a state that, right now, is experiencing moderate to extreme drought, depending on where you live. 

In other words, we need rain. Tap here for more info.

Protesters gathering outside the North Carolina Capitol Building in Raleigh. March 28, 2026.  (Dylan Rhoney/Cardinal & Pine)

🗓 Friday, April 10 

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 in Cary as they stand on the sidewalk on the corner of Evans and Centrewest Court to protest ICE policies against immigrants outside of their local offices.

🗓 Saturday, April 11 

Learning How to MAKE AN IMPACT! (10 am – 12 pm)

Hosted by: Red, Wine and Blue

Location: Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters – 7409 Market St., Wilmington

Join Red, Wine and Blue for an in-person conversation to learn how to build community.

Registration Repair (Yep! We’re doin’ it again!) at Fortnight in Cary (2 – 4 pm)

Hosted by: Wake County Indivisible

Location: Fortnight Brewing Company – 1006 SW Maynard Road, Suite A, Cary

Want to make sure your neighbors’ votes count in Wake County? Join Wake County Indivisible this Saturday as they send out letters to some of the 7,000 voters.

SPEAK OUT NOW CONTINUES! (11 am – 12 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible Chatham County

Location: Provided upon signup

Each week, members of the community in Chatham County gather to protest the Trump administration and ICE raids.

Flip NC Judicial Canvass (12 – 2 pm)

Hosted by: Flip NC, Indivisible Guilford County

Location: 3001 Battleground Ave., Greensboro

Every Saturday, Flip NC and Indivisible Guilford County will be holding literature drops to provide information to voters about the upcoming North Carolina Supreme Court election.

Register People to Vote at the North Asheville Tailgate Market (8:00-10:00am) and (10 am – 12 pm)

Hosted by: Buncombe County Democratic Party

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

You can register people to vote in Buncombe County this Saturday. Two shifts are available from 10-11:30am and 11:30am-1:00pm)

Pancakes & Politics: Schools, Safety & Student Success (10 am – 12 pm)

Hosted by: New North Carolina Project

Location: Witness Church Charlotte – 635 Pressley Road, Charlotte

This education-themed event will focus on student well-being and funding in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Free breakfast will be provided to attendees!

🗓 Sunday, April 12 

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

Hosted by: Engaged Defenders for Democracy

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

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

Indivisible CLT Canvass: Justice Anita Earls (1 – 4 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible CLT

Location: Provided upon registration

Indivisible CLT is hosting a canvass in support of Justice Anita Earls and to bring awareness to the key role that the court system plays in North Carolina.

🗓 Monday, April 13

Henderson City Council Meeting (6 – 7:30 pm)

Hosted by: Down Home NC

Location: Henderson City Council – 134 Rose Ave., Henderson

Down Home NC is inviting members of the community to come out to the city council meeting in Henderson on Monday, April 13.

🗓 Tuesday, April 14

Our Schools, Our Voices (6 – 8 pm)

Hosted by: Carolina Federation  

Location: 920 N 6th St., Wilmington

Join community members in New Hanover County to learn how to build power to support public schools.

Public School Families are Asking: What is the Plan? (5:30 – 8 pm)

Hosted by: Public Schools Strong 

Location: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center – 600 E 4th St., Charlotte

In Charlotte, public school families and advocates are gathering at the monthly school board meeting to advocate for teachers, students, and the public school they attend.

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

Hosted by: Indivisible Guilford County

Location: 202 N Cox St., Asheboro

Asheboro locals are gathering as part of a weekly act of resistance and protest.

🗓 Wednesday, April 15

NAACP NC State Conference Legislative Advocacy Day 2026 (9 am – 3 pm)

Hosted by: NAACP North Carolina State Conference

Location: Provided upon signup

Join the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP as they advocate for issues that impact Black North Carolinians at the General Assembly.

🗓 Thursday, April 16

Alamance Hour of Action (4 – 5 pm)

Hosted by: Alamance Hour of Action

Location: 1388 S Main St., Burlington

In this edition of a weekly peaceful protest, residents of Alamance County will be marching on Thursday, April 16 in support of democracy in downtown Burlington. 

Voter Protection Program (6:00 pm)

Hosted By: Lillian’s List

Location: Virtual

Lillian’s List is hosting a free virtual listening session on how you can protect the right to vote in this year’s elections.

Cole Park Pop-Up (5 – 6 pm)

Hosted by: Indivisible Chatham County

Location: Cole Park Plaza – 11470 US Hwy 15-501 N 102, Chapel Hill

Residents in Chatham County are making their voices heard as part of a weekly protest at Cole Park.

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).

We don’t have to tell you this, but sweet potatoes are much more glamorous than they look. (Ellery Weil)

North Carolina is the nation’s top producer of two things. 

C&P contributor Ellery Weil broke down why North Carolina is so prolific in these two things. One of them is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. 

Bet you can guess at least one if not two. Check it out. 

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, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, Dylan Rhoney, and Ellery Weil. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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