The Canton paper mill closing was one of the biggest jobs stories of 2023.
The mill was the beating heart of the Haywood County town for more than a century, but its closure left about 1,200 people out of a job. That loss was felt by tens of thousands of North Carolinians who were connected to the mill’s employees.
If anything, a new film aims to make it so that passing doesn’t happen quietly.
Today, we published a new look at the film—which landed an unlikely cosign from a Grammy-winning musician—and a conversation with its director.
Read the story here.
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A new film documents the rise and fall of a western North Carolina paper mill—with an assist from Dave Matthews. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)
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The first day of summer is 20 days away. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter:
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- “Bear”-ing down at the Alligator River
- The plan to save SNAP in North Carolina
- NC’s first Buc-ee’s is breaking ground
- A moonshine legend shines anew
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Billy Ball
Senior Newsletter Editor, Cardinal & Pine
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It has been a very rocky few years for people who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is sometimes called “food stamps.”
The program assists about 1.4 million people in North Carolina. That’s a whole lot. It is the source of nutrition for many children too.
A federal government shutdown pushed SNAP to the brink in 2025. More cuts coming down the line from Republicans’ “One, Big Beautiful Bill” are expected to bring about big changes in the counties that can help people and those that can’t.
C&P’s Jessica F. Simmons reports that an NC lawmaker is pushing a proposal they hope will bridge the gap. Here’s what to know.
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1. Trump’s $50B rural health bet meets a healthcare desert in North Carolina. NC Health News
“As Martin County struggles without a hospital, a federal rural health fund may offer little relief.”
2. North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s is breaking ground. Here’s what to know. USA Today via Reuters
“Originally founded in 1982 in Texas, Buc-ee’s convenience stores are known for clean restrooms, a wide range of food offerings and massive store sizes.”
3. Former North Carolina officer seen in video repeatedly punching woman during arrest charged with assault. ABC News
“Former Shelby Police Officer Karson Hyder, 22, turned himself in on Monday, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which said it has charged him with one count of assault inflicting serious injury in connection with Friday’s incident.”
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“Yes” to that hat, as modeled here by North Carolina. moonshining legend Amos Owen, “the cherry bounce king.” (Rutherford County Historical Society)
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Welcome to North Carolina, a state that celebrates the people who made illegal homemade liquor, or “moonshine” as it’s usually called.
If you’re not used to hard liquors, moonshine can be a painful thing to sip. But this week, a North Carolina town is celebrating the legacy of one of the state’s most notorious bootleggers, who was known for his tasty mix of cherries, honey, and corn whiskey.
His name was Amos Owen, and in North Carolina’s mountains, he was known as the Cherry Bounce King.
This two-day festival in Forest City even includes a bootlegger’s trail so you can follow in Owen’s footsteps.
In this week’s 3 Things Happening in NC, C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin breaks down how to go to the Cherry Bounce Festival + two more trending things in NC.
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