POLITICS - Cardinal & Pine

Dec 2025 23

Billy Ball Explains NC: NC GOP outraged over gay Santa book

By Billy Ball, Staff Reports | Billy Ball Explains NC, POLITICS, Billy Ball, Staff Reports

NC Republicans' fury about a gay Santa book is one big performance, but it hurts real children.

Billy Ball Explains NC: The GOP fury over a gay Santa book

Dec 2025 22

‘I feel robbed’: Veteran NC teachers buckle under medical bills

By Jessica F. Simmons | EDUCATION, POLITICS, Jessica F. Simmons

As the NC State Health Plan faces a $507 million deficit, veteran NC teachers say shrinking benefits and rising out-of-pocket costs are driving them out of the classroom.

NC teachers are facing rising health care costs

Dec 2025 19

NC resident faces 1,100% increase in health insurance costs

By Dylan Rhoney | HEALTHCARE, POLITICS, Dylan Rhoney

For four years, Nancy Weaver has accessed essential healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. Now she faces an uncertain future as Republicans in Congress are set to allow key subsidies to expire, raising her monthly premium by $1,600 a month.

NC woman's health insurance to increase 1,100%

Dec 2025 19

North Carolina’s ‘education governor,’ Jim Hunt, dies at 88

By Associated Press | LOCAL NEWS, POLITICS, Associated Press

Four-term North Carolina Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt, a towering figure in North Carolina politics in the late 20th century who helped leaders from both major parties strive for public education reform, died Thursday at the age of 88, his daughter Lt. Gov. Rachel...

Dec 2025 17

Economic warning signs pile up as Trump plans Rocky Mount speech on Friday

By Michael McElroy | NATIONAL ECONOMY, POLITICS, Michael McElroy

Trump’s recent “affordability is a hoax” campaign may not play as well in an area where food prices are soaring and healthcare benefits are set to expire.

Dec 2025 17

How the fight to fund NC’s public schools became the 30-year Leandro struggle

By Michael McElroy | EDUCATION, POLITICS, Michael McElroy

In 1994, low-income school districts sued the NC legislature over paltry funding. The saga known as the Leandro case became a snarl of court rulings and legislative obstruction that is still unresolved.

Dec 2025 16

NC Democratic primary challenger has history of racist remarks, lawmaker says

By Michael McElroy | STATE LEGISLATURE, POLITICS, Michael McElroy

Michael Wray, a former 10-term state Representative running for his old seat in 2026, faces claims that he once told a fellow lawmaker to “watch out for the Blacks.”