LATEST HEADLINES

Opinion: The unintended consequences of work requirements for Medicaid are dangerous
Rachel Phipps, a Concord resident and healthcare advocate who has with Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, relies on Medicaid. The Medicaid work requirements proposed in the new federal budget bill do not reflect the realities facing North Carolinians with difficult-to-manage health conditions, she writes.

Fireworks and grill safety tips for Fourth of July
Stay safe this Fourth of July! These essential tips will help prevent dangerous fireworks and grilling accidents that could ruin your Independence Day celebration.

Senate GOP passes Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’ It will have a big impact on North Carolina.
Senate Republicans have narrowly passed Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a controversial piece of legislation with deep cuts to healthcare. It will imperil Medicaid expansion for more than 600,000 in North Carolina.

Rafting in North Carolina: What to know & where to go
For nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, rafting is this summer’s must-try. Here are the best spots and basics for rafting in North Carolina.

3 things happening in North Carolina: Fourth of July fireworks, Chimney Rock, and … Christmas?
Each Monday, Cardinal & Pine makes its picks for 3 things happening in North Carolina. This week, June 30 – July 6.

Thom Tillis’ full statement on why he won’t seek reelection
Tillis criticized politicians who “really don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent.”

North Carolina program provides free summer meals for students who depended on school lunch
North Carolina’s SUN Program provides free summer meals for students, impacting 900,000+ kids, featuring nutrition, activities, and new $120 SUN Bucks food assistance cards.

The 7 biggest waterparks in North Carolina, ranked
Are you ready for a carefree day under the summer sun? Check out these big waterparks in North Carolina, which we’ve ranked from worst to best.
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Good News Friday: The NC Blueberry Festival returns
Cardinal & Pine’s weekly roundup of positive news stories in North Carolina returns — with the NC Blueberry Festival and a small town’s first Pride event.

North Carolina opens applications for Tropical Storm Helene home repair and rebuild program
North Carolina has opened up applications for its home repair and reconstruction program after Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Which Helene-damaged areas might reopen in late summer, early fall?
Heading into the summer season, large sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s winding path through the mountains of Western North Carolina remain closed for Tropical Storm Helene-related repairs.

Learn about NC Civil War history at these 8 spots
If you want to learn more about NC Civil War history, check out these sites across the state.

North Carolina officials celebrate opening of new Paddy Mountain Park
Paddy Mountain Park opens in West Jefferson! Discover North Carolina’s newest outdoor destination born from community collaboration and conservation efforts.