LATEST HEADLINES
NC Republicans face criticism from the right as they slap each other over a stalled budget
| December 9, 2025
Republicans control both chambers of the NC legislature, but have failed to pass a budget 6 months after it was due. Even conservatives are losing their patience. As a winter storm shut down schools across the Triangle this week, Republican leaders in the General Assembly were still bickering over the state budget that was due […]A North Carolina hospital was slated to open in 2025. Mired in bureaucracy, it’s still a dirt field.
| December 9, 2025
Madison County, tucked in the mountains of western North Carolina, has no hospital and just three ambulances serving its roughly 22,000 people.Billy Ball Explains NC: The great NC Christmas tree comeback
| December 9, 2025
NC Christmas tree farms lost thousands of trees when Helene rolled through western NC in 2024. But wherever you look in 2025, those tree farms say they're bouncing back.Video: NC Republicans could fully fund Medicaid if they wanted to, NC Dems says
| December 9, 2025
NC Rep. Phil Rubin, a Wake County Democrat, spoke with Cardinal & Pine last month as lawmakers had a chance to return to session and do something about Medicaid funding.Video: The Duke OB-GYNs behind the “Outlawed” podcast on abortion
| December 8, 2025
Dr. Beverly A. Gray and Dr. Jonas Swartz co-host the "Outlawed" podcast, a North Carolina-based show that unpacks abortion bans, misinformation, and the human stories behind them.New Trump EPA rule would drastically curb protections for NC wetlands
| December 8, 2025
If a new Trump EPA rule goes into effect, NC wetlands would be in more jeopardy, increasing the risk of flooding during major storms, environmental groups say.NC to launch Helene housing repair and rebuilding program in early 2026
| December 8, 2025
Helene housing repair programs in NC will focus on single-family housing, multi-family housing, and workforce housing beginning in early 2026, Gov. Josh Stein says.The Geminids meteor shower is peaking. Here’s how to watch in NC
| December 8, 2025
The Geminids meteor shower, one of the best celestial lightshows of the year, peaks in mid-December. Here's how to find the optimal "dark sky" spots to watch it in NC.3 things happening in NC this week: ‘The Nutcracker’ reimagined
| December 8, 2025
Every week, Cardinal & Pine curates three things happening in NC that are worth your time and money. This week, Southport's "Winterfest" speeds toward its annual flotilla, a one-of-a-kind experience in New Bern, and a modern take on "The Nutcracker."Discover these 9 farmers’ markets in Greensboro
| December 8, 2025
Farmers' markets in Greensboro carry a distinct personality shaped by North Carolina’s agricultural heritage and diverse geography, making them a better spot to get fresh goods than a traditional supermarket.5 of the best international markets in Greensboro
| December 5, 2025
These five can’t-miss international markets in Greensboro stand out not only because of what they sell, but because of what they make possible.ICE begins a ‘clear escalation’ of arrests in the Triangle, Siembra NC says
| December 5, 2025
The arrests have included several people who were in the final stages of the process to gain legal status, the immigrant rights group says.
NORTH CAROLINA LIFE
LOCAL
A North Carolina hospital was slated to open in 2025. Mired in bureaucracy, it’s still a dirt field.
| December 9, 2025
Madison County, tucked in the mountains of western North Carolina, has no hospital and just three ambulances serving its roughly 22,000 people.Good News Friday: Gov. Josh Stein announces $5 million in grants for rural NC
| December 5, 2025
This week's Good News Friday roundup includes big "Giving Tuesday" gifts, rural improvements announced by Gov. Josh Stein, and a major honor for a Charlotte museum.Which NC cities are best to retire in? Here’s how they rank
| December 4, 2025
A new WalletHub listing takes a look at the top 182 US cities to retire in. NC cities didn't fare too well.7 big reasons why everything is so expensive right now in NC
| December 3, 2025
Groceries are too expensive. The social safety net is weaker than ever. And people in NC communities could really use your generosity this year.Maggie Valley elk gets help after becoming tangled in a toddler swing
| December 2, 2025
On November 28, Maggie Valley residents spotted an elk with a toddler’s swing stuck in its antlers. Today, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission went out to help—here’s what you need to know.3 things happening in NC this week: Iryna’s Law and the 2026 election begins now
| December 1, 2025
Our picks for 3 things happening this week in NC: Iryna's Law takes effect, despite concerns. The 2026 election officially begins, and the chance to be a viking in Oxford.Activists boycott Rep. Chuck Edwards’ McDonald’s over his support of SNAP cuts
| November 26, 2025
A NC civil rights group says it is asking people to boycott US Rep. Chuck Edwards' fast food restaurants, including McDonald's, because of his vote to cut food benefits for poor people.Meet the NC turkeys pardoned this Thanksgiving
| November 26, 2025
Every Thanksgiving since 1989, leaders in America have offered a reprieve to a few lucky gobblers. Here are the NC turkeys pardoned this year.
