This week, I saw a Walmart commercial that featured, of all things, the Grinch.
It’s nothing against Walmart specifically. And it’s not as if the Dr. Seuss character, whose inspiration was, apparently, Dr. Seuss himself, hasn’t been wielded for profit before.
But it struck me all the same. A commercial like that can’t get the point of the holidays.
The point is people, and how they make you feel. Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, I hope there’s something behind it, some person or feeling or place that brings you joy, meaning, love, or a combination of the three.
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The holidays at NC’s State Capitol in Raleigh.
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Whatever that meaning is, we hope it animates you, makes you feel appreciated, seen, and listened to. We certainly appreciate you. You’ve made Cardinal & Pine what it is.
A note: We’re taking a break from publishing next week. It’s nice. We need the rest. But we’ll be back in the first week of January. Here’s what we have in today’s newsletter:
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- How $37 billion in federal dollars for at-home caregiving is being used in NC
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A mysterious sea creature off the NC coast? Huh?
- Leo Williams: How a ‘country boy’ from eastern NC came to lead one of NC’s fastest-growing cities
- ICYMI, NC’s best holiday light displays
- The view from New Bern this season
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How $37 billion in federal funding is being used to improve at-home caregiving in NC
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New data from the White House recently explored the ways all 50 states, including NC, used American Rescue Plan money to fund at-home caregiving. (Alex Brandon/AP)
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Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris touted new data illustrating the ways in which $37 billion in American Rescue Plan funding has expanded and improved home- and community-based services. The White House also released detailed data, for the first time, showing how that money is being used.
In NC, 80% of those funds are going to pay increases, which impacts thousands of state direct care workers. Low wages in the caregiving industry have been a longtime issue in NC. The state also launched a Direct Care Jobs Innovation Fund to recruit and retain at-home caregivers, as well as offer training and workforce support.
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Leo Williams: How a ‘country boy’ from eastern NC came to lead one of NC’s fastest-growing cities
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New Durham Mayor Leo Williams is sworn in in December 2023 by NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls (left). His wife, local chef Zweli Williams, was at his side. (Photo by Jenny Warburg)
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“When you come out of a place like where we’re from…you realize that you don’t have many chances to get it right.”
That’s what Durham’s new mayor, Leo Williams, told me in an interview this week. He’s entrusted with a Southern city that has all the problems of a growing place. But he comes from rural eastern NC, a place with a different way of life and a different set of problems—chief among them, education.
Here’s how this rising NC leader got here, and where he’s going next.
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Did you know Christmas in NC wasn’t always celebrated on Dec. 25? There’s Christmas, and then there’s “old Christmas” in January.
We’ll tell you about that, and map out the best light displays in the state.
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New Bern at holiday time (Shutterstock)
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It’s our joy to work for you. We hope you have a safe and restful holiday season. Here’s to 2024.
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by NC journalist Billy Ball. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.
Send us your feedback and news tips to info@cardinalpine.com
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