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  • What the shutdown’s end means for NC

    Plus: NC braces for cold, cold weather Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. We begin with the big news. Sunday night, we learned that some Democrats have agreed to a plan to reopen the government. It’s a small number—seven Democrats and one independent who tends to vote with Democrats—but it’s enough to…


  • ❤️ Panthers star helps kids looking for adoption

    Plus: Name this western NC overlook. Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. “Good News Friday” will return next week. We can’t wait. But in the meantime, here’s a good story to tide us over.  Rico Dowdle, if you don’t know him, is an NFL player who grew up in Asheville. He plays…


  • Buy an old NASA facility in NC

    Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. Ever wanted to own your own direct line to space?  A former NASA facility in western North Carolina is on the market if you have a cozy $30 million laying around. The facility is currently owned by the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), an educational nonprofit,…


  • The truth about food stamps

    Plus: 6 upscale holiday destinations in NC. Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. Last week, we wrote about SNAP, aka “food stamps.” Republicans’ “Big, Beautiful Bill” and the lingering government shutdown are causing problems for the nation’s largest food assistance program.  But—judging from the “get a job” emails—the truth is lots of…


  • 🇺🇸 Get local election results here

    Plus: How much Affordable Care Act rates are going to go up Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy.  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…


  • 👻 NC’s most haunted city is…

    Inside: NC’s spookiest newsletter of all time Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. Spooky season peaks tonight, North Carolina. And in a state with as many ghost stories as ours, we’ve published plenty of spooky content. Look for more of that below. But first, check out our recent guide to haunted hotels…


  • 🤗 ‘Good News Friday’ is here, NC

    Plus: A minor earthquake shakes western NC Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. Friday is here, which means it’s time for one of our favorite pieces of content we do at Cardinal & Pine. “Good News Friday” is our weekly celebration of the positive things that happen in North Carolina. This week’s…


  • Where is this coastal NC lighthouse?

    Share with a friend It’s Friday, October 17, 2025.     Hey, it’s Billy. On Thursday, as expected, North Carolina Republicans released new Congressional maps that will gerrymander another member of their party into a seat.  The new map, which was drawn without public input, all but assures Rep. Don Davis, a US Air Force…


  • 🗞️ How can we make Cardinal & Pine better for you?

    What’s one thing you’d change about how you get news here? Dear reader, Cardinal & Pine is committed to delivering the news and information that matters most to you and your community. We truly value your readership. As a show of our commitment, we are turning to you to ensure we’re on the right track: …


  • 😋 8 viral foods to try in North Carolina

    Plus: Name this famous flight path Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. I’m no fan of social media, but if I have to credit it for anything, it’s great for finding out about awesome local dishes.  All the advertising in the world won’t equal one rave review that’s gone viral. Recently, Cardinal…