Ryan Pitkin is a writer and editor based in Charlotte, where he runs an alternative weekly newspaper called Queen City Nerve. He is also editor of NoDa News, a community newsletter in the neighborhood where he has lived for 15 years.
Ryan Pitkin
Latest from Ryan Pitkin
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Good News Friday: Signs of life in Asheville’s River Arts District after Helene
Asheville’s popular River Arts District—and the many businesses within it—sustained major damage during Helene. But there are numerous signs of a rebirth. Plus, more good news from around North Carolina.
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3 things happening in NC: The Polar Bear Plunge in Blowing Rock
A group of brave swimmers take the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake in Blowing Rock, part of this week’s slate of statewide events.
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Good News Friday: The Buddhist monks reunited with their dog, Aloka, in NC
In North Carolina, the Buddhist monks reunited with their beloved dog, Aloka. Meanwhile, a pop star helps preserve the tree canopy in Charlotte and the NC Museum of Art prepares for an exciting 2026
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3 things happening in NC this week: Jason Isbell plays Durham, Charlotte
When everything looks bleak, look to the creatives. This week, catch a classical music performance in Greenville, one of two shows by alt-country star Jason Isbell, or view the lights at Biltmore.
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Good New Friday: NC tops the country in workforce development, report says
State leaders tout new magazine ranking of states with the best workforce development, a Charlotte museum announces major AI grant funding, and a Rougemont man strikes it big on the Powerball.
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3 things happening in NC: The Lake James Ice Festival, one of NC’s best-kept secrets, returns
In NC, 2026 kicks off with an eclectic mix of happenings, including one of the state’s most underrated winter celebrations, the Lake James Ice Festival.
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Good News Friday: Welcome the first NC babies of 2026
The first NC babies of 2026 are here. Plus, rural health upgrades and college football players give back in this week’s “Good News Friday.”
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3 things happening in NC: How to greet New Year’s in North Carolina
The Avett Brothers take their New Year’s show to Asheville, Charlotte chefs collaborate for free soup tradition, Carolina Beach runners kickstart 2026 on the coast.
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3 things happening in NC: Drive through High Point’s massive Christmas lights show
Cardinal & Pine’s weekly roundup of NC happenings is a full-on holiday party this week. Drive through High Point’s massive Christmas lights show, party for Kwanzaa in the Triangle, and a world-renowned Christmas show comes to Charlotte.
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Good News Friday: The Lumbee Tribe will finally be recognized by the US government
After fighting for generations, the Lumbee Tribe, a local Indigenous population is finally affirmed. Plus, high school students unveil impressive aviation project during annual Wright Bros. memorial while a Charlotte couple wins big on Netflix. ‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the state, folks were slacking off at work, itching to celebrate. Whether…
