Cardinal and Pine

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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: …

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…

Plus: ‘Good News Friday’ returns with all the positive vibes Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. It’s always a good day when you get to tape one of those “I’m a PBS kid” promos they air on TV. “Reading Rainbow” was, as the kids would call it today, great content. Public broadcasting,…

Plus: A tropical weather threat for NC? Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. Remember Charlotte’s “Roofman” robber?  “Roofman,” whose real name is Jeffrey Manchester, acquired some national notoriety in the aughts by managing to break out of jail and rob dozens of McDonald’s locations across the US. He got the nickname because…

Inside: Cardinal & Pine’s 2025 guide to fall in NC Share with a friend     Hey, it’s Billy. For many in North Carolina, fall is the most invigorating time of year.  It’s not just that the harsh summer heat fades. The air changes. It almost crackles. It smells alive. It’s a feast for the…