Economic warning signs pile up as Trump plans Rocky Mount speech on Friday
| December 17, 2025
Trump’s recent “affordability is a hoax” campaign may not play as well in an area where food prices are soaring and healthcare benefits are set to expire.How the fight to fund NC’s public schools became the 30-year Leandro struggle
| December 17, 2025
In 1994, low-income school districts sued the NC legislature over paltry funding. The saga known as the Leandro case became a snarl of court rulings and legislative obstruction that is still unresolved.Report: NC teacher pay and per-pupil funding are in a dismal place
| December 17, 2025
In a dismal new report, a libertarian think tank finds that NC teacher pay and per-student public school funding ranks near the bottom of the nation.Video: NC pastor says ICE took a community member and denied visitation
| December 17, 2025
A NC pastor talks to Cardinal & Pine about ICE's arrest of a Raleigh man who later suffered a medical emergency. ICE reportedly denied his family visitation afterward.Billy Ball Explains NC: Why do people immigrate illegally?
| December 17, 2025
Why don't undocumented people just become ... documented? Why do people immigrate illegally? In the new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take on America's broken immigration system, and ICE and Border Patrol's brutal policing of it.NC funnels $50 million to Helene repair projects that don’t qualify for FEMA
| December 17, 2025
Many Helene repairs did not qualify for FEMA funds, so North Carolina leaders are expected to spend $50 million through 80 grants in western NC.A NC reentry program uses tiny homes to house women leaving prison
| December 17, 2025
An innovative NC reentry program breaks ground in Alamance County. By fall 2026, they hope to offer tiny homes to formerly incarcerated women in need of housing.Judge orders FEMA to restore $200M in disaster mitigation funding for NC
| December 16, 2025
“Keeping water systems working and keeping homes out of floodwater isn’t politics — it’s basic safety. This ruling puts the money back where it was promised so these communities can be ready for the next storm,” NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson said of the order to FEMA. A federal judge has ordered the Federal Emergency […]NC Democratic primary challenger has history of racist remarks, lawmaker says
| December 16, 2025
Michael Wray, a former 10-term state Representative running for his old seat in 2026, faces claims that he once told a fellow lawmaker to “watch out for the Blacks.”Video: GOP Sen. Thom Tillis questions Pete Hegseth’s leadership
| December 15, 2025
NC's retiring Sen. Thom Tillis seems to be souring on the leadership of Trump's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.Video: NC churches rally to protect immigrant neighbors
| December 15, 2025
Some pastors and NC churches say they're stepping up to protect local immigrants from ICE and Border Patrol raids.3 things happening in NC: Wright Brothers Day, holidays at Reynolda House, and Hillsborough Lantern Walk
| December 15, 2025
Every week, Cardinal & Pine picks 3 things happening in NC that are worth your time. This week, a party for NC's historic first flight, the holidays come alive at Reynolda House in Winston-Salem, and Hillsborough lights up with its Solstice Lantern Walk.
NORTH CAROLINA LIFE
LOCAL
A NC reentry program uses tiny homes to house women leaving prison
| December 17, 2025
An innovative NC reentry program breaks ground in Alamance County. By fall 2026, they hope to offer tiny homes to formerly incarcerated women in need of housing.Judge orders FEMA to restore $200M in disaster mitigation funding for NC
| December 16, 2025
“Keeping water systems working and keeping homes out of floodwater isn’t politics — it’s basic safety. This ruling puts the money back where it was promised so these communities can be ready for the next storm,” NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson said of the order to FEMA. A federal judge has ordered the Federal Emergency […]Good News Friday: Anti-violence program making a difference in Charlotte, study says
| December 12, 2025
If it's Friday, it must be time for some good news. This week, some positive signs from a local anti-violence program in Charlotte, NC's largest city.Scientists say the ‘forever chemical’ TFA causes irreversible harm. In eastern NC, it’s everywhere.
| December 11, 2025
The discovery of TFA in blood and water samples raises questions about Chemours’ role in adding to the pollution burden.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.
