One of the side effects of local media’s decline is the nationalization of our news. 

We have fewer journalists doing original work covering their communities. What fills the void is social media, television stations, and national websites telling national stories. 

For instance, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has a bigger profile in North Carolina than the people who actually won races in NC. Whether you like Mamdani’s politics or not, that’s not ideal. 

In the new “Billy Ball Explains NC,” I dove into what we should take from the 2025 elections in our state. Lots of surprising things happened. Take a look. Don’t forget to like and share these videos. That’s how we fight the bad info. 

The latest “Billy Ball Explains NC” premiered Wednesday on YouTube. Follow us there so you don’t miss an episode. 

More Billy Ball Explains NC:

Thanksgiving is—checks notes—14 days away. Wow. Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter: 

Shout out to Cardinal & Pine reader Sefton Wiggs, who took this view of the Neuse River in New Bern. 

An AT&T settlement over 2024 data breaches could net you cash. Here’s who is eligible. (Irene Miller/Shutterstock)

If you’re an AT&T customer and you like extra cash, listen up. 

Multiple data breaches in 2024 exposed AT&T customers’ info, including Social Security numbers, passcodes, phone numbers, and more. The company settled a class action lawsuit over the data breach, and customers have until Dec. 18 to submit a claim.

Folks could be eligible for up to $7,500 in payments from AT&T. 

For info on the settlement and how to submit a claim, click the button below. 

1. NC TikTok influencer ordered to pay $1.75 million for destroying manager’s marriage. WRAL

“TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard will have to pay $1.75 million after she was found liable for criminal conversation and alienation of affection.”

2. Why SEL is latest education acronym in crossfire of NC culture wars. Carolina Public Press

“Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is an older concept that’s gained new prominence since COVID. Some NC right-wing groups are opposed.”

3. What North Carolina Medicare enrollees should expect in 2026. NC Health News

“Medicare costs are set to rise in 2026, with higher premiums and fewer prescription drug plans available in North Carolina. Reduced plan transparency could leave some beneficiaries paying more out of pocket if they don’t review their coverage during open enrollment.”

4. Former congressman from North Carolina takes new job in federal government. WBTV3

“In a Nov. 12 news release, the U.S. Department of Justice said that Dan Bishop had been appointed the United States attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.”

The nourishment project is expected to move into Kure Beach around February, with roughly 18,000 feet of beachfront receiving fresh sand. (USA Today via Reuters)

Beach nourishment does not include eating a sandwich or drinking a beer on the beach.

It’s what we call it when we move huge amounts of sand onto our beaches, replacing the coastline we’ve lost to storms, coastal erosion, and the tides. Erosion has always been a part of life on the coast, but climate change—which is worsening storms—is exacerbating things. 

A new report from the Wilmington Star-News takes a look at a huge beach nourishment project kicking off at Carolina Beach, one of NC’s most popular destinations in warmer months. 

The goal is to save our beaches and prevent the kind of home collapses we’ve seen in recent days on the Outer Banks. 

Reach 200,000+ North Carolinians who care about their communities! Sponsor Cardinal & Pine’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

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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 content from USA Today via Reuters. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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