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 people still have an inaccurate picture of who’s actually getting SNAP. (About 80% of people on SNAP have a job. The remaining 20% is full of kids, people with disabilities, and senior citizens.)

Today, we premiered a new episode of “Billy Ball Explains NC” getting real about SNAP. In 5 minutes, I connected the bad information about this program—which is really important for the American economy—to the presidential campaigns of Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan.

Take a minute to watch and share! 

Click the image, watch the video. (Screenshot via “Billy Ball Explains NC”)

Shout out to Wednesdays. Today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter has: 

City Lake Park in Jamestown. Thanks to Peggy Delisi for the shot. 

Send us your view, NC!

Screenshot via @cardinalandpine

Allison Bustillo was 8 when she came to the United States with her family. 

She learned English, graduated from high school, became a certified nursing assistant, and was preparing to go for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

Bustillo’s plan was upended when, in February, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained her. As Cardinal & Pine’s Dylan Rhoney reported, ICE held her for seven months without charges before she agreed to self-deport.

Recently, we connected virtually with Bustillo, who’s in Honduras, where her family is from. She said she still wants to come back to the place she calls home. Check it out. 

More immigration news:

1. The Voting Rights Act changed the South. Here’s how to save it. The Living South

“The Voting Rights Act is one of the most significant bills ever written about or for the South. But in 2025, if it’s not dead, it’s in hospice. There is a way to fix it.”

2. Why health insurance is so expensive this year—and what you can do about it. KFF Health News

“Even with sign-up season underway, the fate of the enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage more affordable for 92% of enrollees remains up in the air, with the prospect of significantly higher premiums looming. But there are steps marketplace shoppers can take to ensure they make the right choices for the upcoming plan year.”

3. NC prisons struggle to meet health care demands amid rising costs, staff shortages. NC Health News

Increased demand for medical, mental health and substance use treatment strains the state’s correctional system as the incarcerated population grows older, driving cost overruns.

4. Freezing temperatures, potential snow coming to the Carolinas next week. ABC-13

“There could also be the first significant snow of the season for the higher elevations.”

Subtlety is boring. (Courtesy of Switzerland Inn)

It’s that time of year when North Carolinians start planning their holidays, including their holiday destinations. 

If you’re looking to level up, Cardinal & Pine contributor Vanessa Infanzon dug into six upscale hotels in North Carolina that can make you feel the season in all the ways. 

They include The Dunhill in Charlotte, a historic hotel in uptown; the Front Street Inn in downtown Wilmington; and, for the real wintry experience, the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland. 

Look above and you’ll see how Little Switzerland does it up. Subtlety counts for very little in the holiday season. This is a must-read.

Reach 200,000+ North Carolinians who care about their communities! Sponsor Cardinal & Pine’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Click here to get started.

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 KFF Health News, Dylan Rhoney, and Vanessa Infanzon. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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