Rural Economy
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How North Carolina’s electric co-ops are using batteries to keep costs down and the power on
North Carolina’s electric co-ops are turning to battery storage to cut costs and keep the power on, even as data centers strain the grid and push Duke Energy’s rates higher.
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‘Recovery Czar’ Michael Whatley caught on audio wanting to end FEMA as Western NC is owed billions
When President Trump returned to office in January 2025, he made Whatley ‘recovery czar’ to coordinate Hurricane Helene recovery. To date, a fraction of the funding needed has made it to western NC.
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Looming federal ban could ‘kill’ NC’s hemp farming, THC products
Starting in November 2026, hemp-derived THC products will again be considered a controlled substance, effectively shuttering a multi-billion-dollar industry.
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He spent 25 years as a farmer. Now, he’s running for Congress to fight for Helene recovery and lower costs
Jamie Ager, a first-time candidate, says he will focus on securing Hurricane Helene recovery funding and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
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Screwworms are vampire zombie monsters, but experts say NC doesn’t have to worry yet
Screwworms feed on living flesh, and though NC State experts told Cardinal & Pine that an outbreak here is unlikely, you might want to finish your lunch before reading why.
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As the midterms approach, one of the youngest lawmakers in North Carolina reflects on his first term
With the midterms just months away, Rep. Dante Pittman (D) spoke to Cardinal & Pine about his first term and the issues impacting his constituents and district.
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‘Papertown’ film explores Canton mill closure, features new Dave Matthews song
A new film documents the rise and fall of a western North Carolina paper mill—with an assist from Dave Matthews.
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Pete Buttigieg packs barn for rural Democrat Jamie Ager in competitive NC congressional district
Pete Buttigieg offers the highest-profile endorsement yet for Jamie Ager in the campaign for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.
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As the weather warms, so can challenges for North Carolina shellfish farmers
North Carolina shellfish farmers have avoided any major mortality events in 2026. But warming coastal waters can bring diseases and viruses.
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Goodyear may close Fayetteville plant, putting 1,700 jobs at risk
One of the largest employers in the Fayetteville area, Goodyear, could close by the end of 2027. Here’s what to know.
