The big news of the week is Phil Berger‘s defeat in a NC GOP primary. 

On Tuesday, Berger conceded his loss to Sam Page, the Rockingham County sheriff. I hate the phrase “political earthquake,” but this feels like one. 

Berger is the chief architect of the Republican Party’s post-2010 domination of North Carolina. This week, in a new Billy Ball Explains NC, I broke down what it all means. What does this mean for the fall’s elections? And do our political parties still have a problem with election denial? 

(Design by Desirée Tapia/COURIER Newsroom)

I got my wisdom teeth out Wednesday, but I’m back at you with a swollen jaw and a bad attitude. 

Here’s what’s in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter:

Thanks to C&P reader Lisa Gaul for this “golden hour” shot from Pitt County.

It looks like something out of “The Lion King.”

Gov. Josh Stein speaks to reporters about western North Carolina recovery on Jan. 15, 2026. (Christine Zhu/NC Newsline)

Every single rural North Carolinian reading this newsletter knows this: 

Life comes at you slower in the country, but we really don’t want the internet to slow down. 

It’s bad for the economy, our schools, our employers, and workers. 

We’ve published an NC Newsline report on the ongoing effort to address broadband internet gaps in our state.

1. NC farmers are facing a severe financial squeeze in 2026. Here’s why. USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

“Throw in a war in the Middle East that disrupts trade routes and oil production, which is a major input for everything from diesel to fertilizer, and 2026 is shaping up to be an extra stressful year for Tar Heel farmers.”

2. Hubert Davis out as North Carolina men’s basketball coach after five seasons. WRAL

“North Carolina fired men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis after five seasons during which the Tar Heels won but not at the consistent level of the program’s storied history.”

3. North Carolina food banks increase support as TSA agents work without pay. NC Newsline

“’It’s not that these employees are currently hungry. They’re beginning to starve,’ said Mac Johnson, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 449 at RDU airport.”

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

Wildflowers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (Wes Hicks/Unsplash)

Wildflowers make beauty look effortless. 

They are proof that you can find lovely things almost anywhere. They defy our cynicism. They are bummer-proof. 

To celebrate wildflower season in North Carolina, our team has published a guide to the best spots for finding them, from Asheville to Lillington and back again. 

Tap here or on the button below for a bit of joy. And make sure to share with friends and family. That helps Cardinal & Pine grow!

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 NC Newsline, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, and Karishma Desai. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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