Happy Election Day. I hope you voted. 

Participating isn’t everything, but not participating is. In a bad way. Check on your local election results here.

Here’s what happens next in the process, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections:

Click the image. Get your local election results. (Victoriia Ol/Shutterstock)

Thanks for subscribing and reading Cardinal & Pine, NC. Here’s what you’ll find below: 

Heather David shared this photo of a pleasant stroll at Duke Botanical Gardens. Looks nice.

Supporters hold signs during a press conference at Pack Square Park in Asheville on Oct. 14, 2025, where North Carolina Democrats called on Republicans to end the government shutdown and lower health care costs. (USA Today via Reuters)

We all know about the shutdown and the fight over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. At least, I hope we do if you’re reading this newsletter. It is the primary reason for the shutdown.

Here’s another big bump in the road ahead.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said the state has approved steep rate hikes for coverage on the ACA marketplace because of rising health care costs, ranging from 16% to 36%. 

Add this to the loss of federal subsidies—if Republicans don’t agree to extend them—and it’s going to hurt. About 1 million North Carolinians get their insurance through the ACA, and most get subsidies. 

Find out how the hike is impacting various plans, including Blue Cross, Cigna, and United Healthcare, by clicking here or on the button below. 

1. Trump threatens to defy court order requiring him to disburse SNAP funds. Cardinal & Pine

“President Trump took to social media on Tuesday to say that he would not send out Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits until after the government reopened, despite recent federal court rulings saying he was legally required to provide them.”

2. NC restaurant earns coveted Michelin Star; several local spots recognized by famed outlet. WRAL

“The popular guide announced its ‘American South’ selections Monday night and while only Charlotte-based Counter earned a Michelin Star, other restaurants in the Raleigh area were also honored.”

3. ‘Shadow of the Bear’ draws crowds to North Carolina’s Whiteside Mountain. WYFF

“A natural phenomenon known as the ‘Shadow of the Bear’ draws visitors from across the country to Jackson County, North Carolina, each year during peak leaf peeping season, occurring only for a few weeks from mid-October through early November.”

(AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

We need you, Cardinal & Pine readers. 

With grocery store prices soaring, we want to help locals find the best spots for fresh food, starting with the Gate City.

If you live in or know Greensboro, take a couple of minutes and fill out our Greensboro Grocery Guide survey. You’ll be doing a solid for your neighbors. 

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.

Click here to get started.

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 stories from USA Today via Reuters, Michael McElroy, and Stacy Rounds. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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