Billy Ball
@billyball.bsky.social
Founder, TheLivingSouth.com; Senior Editor @CardinalandPine;
Seen On: @TheAtlantic @washingtonpost @MSNBC, others. @UNCHussman grad. Journalism is the best job ever.
Seen On: @TheAtlantic @washingtonpost @MSNBC, others. @UNCHussman grad. Journalism is the best job ever.
Pinned
Billy Ball
@billyball.bsky.social
· Jul 5
Why a lighthouse? Because it fits how I see thelivingsouth.com. I want it to be a beacon, illuminating a way home, a light on a stormy sea.
If you haven't signed up already for this free, independent journalism made for and by the South, hop on board. This should be fun!
If you haven't signed up already for this free, independent journalism made for and by the South, hop on board. This should be fun!
President Trump—who last week portrayed former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes—called the show a "slap in the face." Some on the left wanted it to be that. But it was too joyous for that.
My take on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/what-were-ge...
My take on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/what-were-ge...
What we're getting wrong about that Bad Bunny halftime show
When politicians try to grasp on to an artist, the good ones always slip through their fingers. Bad Bunny is one of the good ones.
www.thelivingsouth.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:25 PM
President Trump—who last week portrayed former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes—called the show a "slap in the face." Some on the left wanted it to be that. But it was too joyous for that.
My take on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/what-were-ge...
My take on Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/what-were-ge...
Thanks for watching, y'all.
Your likes and subscribes help us grow and beat the bad information. 💪
Your likes and subscribes help us grow and beat the bad information. 💪
Social media in America is designed to make us hate each other, but there is a potential fix.
In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take on the rage-baiting algorithm at Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Make sure to like and subscribe!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnDB...
In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take on the rage-baiting algorithm at Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Make sure to like and subscribe!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnDB...
The easiest way to fix social media in America
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Thanks for watching, y'all.
Your likes and subscribes help us grow and beat the bad information. 💪
Your likes and subscribes help us grow and beat the bad information. 💪
Did you know North Carolina has received just a small percentage of the federal money it needs to recover from Hurricane Helene?
And that the guy who was named NC’s “recovery czar” by President Trump…is running to represent NC in the US Senate? 👇
And that the guy who was named NC’s “recovery czar” by President Trump…is running to represent NC in the US Senate? 👇
NC's "recovery czar"—US Senate candidate Michael Whatley—really doesn't want you to call him that.
In the new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take a look at why federal relief for Hurricane Helene—or the lack thereof—could play a BIG part in this year's Senate race.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g8Z...
In the new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take a look at why federal relief for Hurricane Helene—or the lack thereof—could play a BIG part in this year's Senate race.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g8Z...
The failure of NC's 'recovery czar,' Michael Whatley
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Did you know North Carolina has received just a small percentage of the federal money it needs to recover from Hurricane Helene?
And that the guy who was named NC’s “recovery czar” by President Trump…is running to represent NC in the US Senate? 👇
And that the guy who was named NC’s “recovery czar” by President Trump…is running to represent NC in the US Senate? 👇
In Selma, Alabama, in 1965, they were met by armed troopers, who beat the nonviolent protesters bloody. The scenes stirred President Lyndon B. Johnson to action.
In Minneapolis, it's possible that we could be watching the same kind of watershed moment.
www.thelivingsouth.com/why-the-ice-...
In Minneapolis, it's possible that we could be watching the same kind of watershed moment.
www.thelivingsouth.com/why-the-ice-...
Why the ICE killings in Minneapolis could change everything
There can be no silver lining to the ICE killings. But there can be change when brave people document it, demand action, and never let it go.
www.thelivingsouth.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:26 AM
In Selma, Alabama, in 1965, they were met by armed troopers, who beat the nonviolent protesters bloody. The scenes stirred President Lyndon B. Johnson to action.
In Minneapolis, it's possible that we could be watching the same kind of watershed moment.
www.thelivingsouth.com/why-the-ice-...
In Minneapolis, it's possible that we could be watching the same kind of watershed moment.
www.thelivingsouth.com/why-the-ice-...
Stop reporting statements from DHS that contradict everyone on the scene.
They do not deserve the platform or the credibility.
They do not deserve the platform or the credibility.
January 24, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Stop reporting statements from DHS that contradict everyone on the scene.
They do not deserve the platform or the credibility.
They do not deserve the platform or the credibility.
Some truly outrageous things are happening in Greensboro at NC A&T University, the largest historically Black college in America.
Important thread. Keep reading.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrzt...
Important thread. Keep reading.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrzt...
The GOP's ‘war on students’ in North Carolina
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Some truly outrageous things are happening in Greensboro at NC A&T University, the largest historically Black college in America.
Important thread. Keep reading.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrzt...
Important thread. Keep reading.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrzt...
Whether you're liberal, conservative, or politically agnostic, if you get mad that reading an article requires signup for a free subscription, you're part of the problem.
You're saying journalism and the people who make it have no value. We're looking at the result of that mentality right now.
You're saying journalism and the people who make it have no value. We're looking at the result of that mentality right now.
January 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Whether you're liberal, conservative, or politically agnostic, if you get mad that reading an article requires signup for a free subscription, you're part of the problem.
You're saying journalism and the people who make it have no value. We're looking at the result of that mentality right now.
You're saying journalism and the people who make it have no value. We're looking at the result of that mentality right now.
This is a really cool story.
What to know about the Buddhist monks and their “Walk for Peace,” which includes multiple stops in North Carolina. 🙏
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/15/n...
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/15/n...
Here are the NC stops for the Buddhist monks' 'Walk for Peace'
What to know about the Buddhist monks and their "Walk for Peace," which includes multiple stops in North Carolina.
cardinalpine.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:35 PM
This is a really cool story.
We don't know if Venezuela is a military "one-off" like Speaker Mike Johnson says, or if the US will be there long-term, as Marco Rubio said.
So let's break down what these scenarios mean for NC. Spoiler: NC is home to two of the largest Army and Marine bases in America, so they mean A LOT. 👇
So let's break down what these scenarios mean for NC. Spoiler: NC is home to two of the largest Army and Marine bases in America, so they mean A LOT. 👇
Did you know the unit that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is based out of NC? 🤯
In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take a look at why the military conflict in Venezuela is a BIG deal for North Carolina's military population and their families. Tap👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=12CS...
In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take a look at why the military conflict in Venezuela is a BIG deal for North Carolina's military population and their families. Tap👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=12CS...
Why the fighting in Venezuela is a BIG deal in NC
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:45 PM
We don't know if Venezuela is a military "one-off" like Speaker Mike Johnson says, or if the US will be there long-term, as Marco Rubio said.
So let's break down what these scenarios mean for NC. Spoiler: NC is home to two of the largest Army and Marine bases in America, so they mean A LOT. 👇
So let's break down what these scenarios mean for NC. Spoiler: NC is home to two of the largest Army and Marine bases in America, so they mean A LOT. 👇
According to Forbes, since the start of his presidency, Trump's net worth has more than doubled—from $2.3B in 2024 to $6.7B by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, many of the folks who voted for him are in a worse financial predicament than ever.
Tap 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/trump-is-get...
Meanwhile, many of the folks who voted for him are in a worse financial predicament than ever.
Tap 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/trump-is-get...
January 14, 2026 at 1:42 AM
According to Forbes, since the start of his presidency, Trump's net worth has more than doubled—from $2.3B in 2024 to $6.7B by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, many of the folks who voted for him are in a worse financial predicament than ever.
Tap 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/trump-is-get...
Meanwhile, many of the folks who voted for him are in a worse financial predicament than ever.
Tap 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/trump-is-get...
With all the news that's buzzing around right now, this is an important 🧵:
Whenever the United States military moves, the South pays attention.
Of the 10 states with the most active duty military personnel, 6 are in the South—Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
Whenever the United States military moves, the South pays attention.
Of the 10 states with the most active duty military personnel, 6 are in the South—Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
With all the news that's buzzing around right now, this is an important 🧵:
Whenever the United States military moves, the South pays attention.
Of the 10 states with the most active duty military personnel, 6 are in the South—Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
Whenever the United States military moves, the South pays attention.
Of the 10 states with the most active duty military personnel, 6 are in the South—Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
Reposted by Billy Ball
Watch, like, and subscribe, North Carolina. 🙏
It's possible that I sang the Backstreet Boys in this one and referenced the 1990s MTV show "Daria."
Thanks in advance for your views and likes. They help us bend the algorithm a little.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmlm...
Thanks in advance for your views and likes. They help us bend the algorithm a little.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmlm...
Why NC Schools Still Aren't Equal
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Watch, like, and subscribe, North Carolina. 🙏
It's possible that I sang the Backstreet Boys in this one and referenced the 1990s MTV show "Daria."
Thanks in advance for your views and likes. They help us bend the algorithm a little.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmlm...
Thanks in advance for your views and likes. They help us bend the algorithm a little.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmlm...
Why NC Schools Still Aren't Equal
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:42 PM
It's possible that I sang the Backstreet Boys in this one and referenced the 1990s MTV show "Daria."
Thanks in advance for your views and likes. They help us bend the algorithm a little.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmlm...
Thanks in advance for your views and likes. They help us bend the algorithm a little.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmlm...
Three years ago today, I lost my little boy. Jackson was a dream and I think about him every single day.
No matter our daily battles, never forget the most important thing is the way you show your love to the people who matter.
No matter our daily battles, never forget the most important thing is the way you show your love to the people who matter.
January 6, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Three years ago today, I lost my little boy. Jackson was a dream and I think about him every single day.
No matter our daily battles, never forget the most important thing is the way you show your love to the people who matter.
No matter our daily battles, never forget the most important thing is the way you show your love to the people who matter.
A pastor who stands up to ICE, Bakari Sellers' rise in the Civil Rights Movement, Anderson Clayton's fight for a stronger Southern progressive party, and so much more.
These are the best Living South stories of 2025. www.thelivingsouth.com/the-living-s...
These are the best Living South stories of 2025. www.thelivingsouth.com/the-living-s...
The Living South's top 5 of 2025
In the first year of The Living South, I did my best to tell the stories that captured this complicated place. In year two, I want to go bigger and deeper.
www.thelivingsouth.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
A pastor who stands up to ICE, Bakari Sellers' rise in the Civil Rights Movement, Anderson Clayton's fight for a stronger Southern progressive party, and so much more.
These are the best Living South stories of 2025. www.thelivingsouth.com/the-living-s...
These are the best Living South stories of 2025. www.thelivingsouth.com/the-living-s...
Thread alert 🧵
Here's why we're doing "Billy Ball Explains NC."
The point of these YouTube videos—aside from bringing facts to a medium that's light on those—is to speak with an audience that's getting too much of their information from the Joe Rogans and the Ben Shapiros.
Here's why we're doing "Billy Ball Explains NC."
The point of these YouTube videos—aside from bringing facts to a medium that's light on those—is to speak with an audience that's getting too much of their information from the Joe Rogans and the Ben Shapiros.
December 22, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Thread alert 🧵
Here's why we're doing "Billy Ball Explains NC."
The point of these YouTube videos—aside from bringing facts to a medium that's light on those—is to speak with an audience that's getting too much of their information from the Joe Rogans and the Ben Shapiros.
Here's why we're doing "Billy Ball Explains NC."
The point of these YouTube videos—aside from bringing facts to a medium that's light on those—is to speak with an audience that's getting too much of their information from the Joe Rogans and the Ben Shapiros.
Reposted by Billy Ball
Premiering right now.
Go like and subscribe, NC! 👇
Go like and subscribe, NC! 👇
Premiering right now on YouTube 👇
North Carolina Republicans went bonkers over a book about a gay Santa. Let's talk about why they're so fired up.
It might not be what you think.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
North Carolina Republicans went bonkers over a book about a gay Santa. Let's talk about why they're so fired up.
It might not be what you think.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
NC Republicans OUTRAGED over LGBTQ-friendly children's book about Santa
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Premiering right now.
Go like and subscribe, NC! 👇
Go like and subscribe, NC! 👇
Premiering right now on YouTube 👇
North Carolina Republicans went bonkers over a book about a gay Santa. Let's talk about why they're so fired up.
It might not be what you think.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
North Carolina Republicans went bonkers over a book about a gay Santa. Let's talk about why they're so fired up.
It might not be what you think.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
NC Republicans OUTRAGED over LGBTQ-friendly children's book about Santa
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Premiering right now on YouTube 👇
North Carolina Republicans went bonkers over a book about a gay Santa. Let's talk about why they're so fired up.
It might not be what you think.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
North Carolina Republicans went bonkers over a book about a gay Santa. Let's talk about why they're so fired up.
It might not be what you think.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
Astonishing.
At thelivingsouth.com, I wrote about President Trump replacing the special "no-fee" day at the National Park Service with, among other things, a special day scheduled for his own birthday.
At thelivingsouth.com, I wrote about President Trump replacing the special "no-fee" day at the National Park Service with, among other things, a special day scheduled for his own birthday.
December 16, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Astonishing.
At thelivingsouth.com, I wrote about President Trump replacing the special "no-fee" day at the National Park Service with, among other things, a special day scheduled for his own birthday.
At thelivingsouth.com, I wrote about President Trump replacing the special "no-fee" day at the National Park Service with, among other things, a special day scheduled for his own birthday.
December 16, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Astonishing.
At thelivingsouth.com, I wrote about President Trump replacing the special "no-fee" day at the National Park Service with, among other things, a special day scheduled for his own birthday.
At thelivingsouth.com, I wrote about President Trump replacing the special "no-fee" day at the National Park Service with, among other things, a special day scheduled for his own birthday.
I represented Cardinal & Pine on PBS North Carolina's "State Lines" today.
We talked about the healthcare hurdles ahead in North Carolina and the 2026 election. 🔗 in the thread to watch it now online. You can also watch it in primetime this evening on PBS NC.
We talked about the healthcare hurdles ahead in North Carolina and the 2026 election. 🔗 in the thread to watch it now online. You can also watch it in primetime this evening on PBS NC.
December 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I represented Cardinal & Pine on PBS North Carolina's "State Lines" today.
We talked about the healthcare hurdles ahead in North Carolina and the 2026 election. 🔗 in the thread to watch it now online. You can also watch it in primetime this evening on PBS NC.
We talked about the healthcare hurdles ahead in North Carolina and the 2026 election. 🔗 in the thread to watch it now online. You can also watch it in primetime this evening on PBS NC.
Reposted by Billy Ball
Republicans control both chambers of the NC legislature, but have failed to pass a budget 6 months after it was due. Even conservatives are losing their patience.
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/09/n...
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/09/n...
NC Republicans face criticism from the right as they slap each other over a stalled budget
As a winter storm shut down schools across the Triangle this week, Republican leaders in the General Assembly were still bickering over the state budget that
cardinalpine.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Republicans control both chambers of the NC legislature, but have failed to pass a budget 6 months after it was due. Even conservatives are losing their patience.
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/09/n...
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/09/n...
This week at The Living South, I wrote about the big problem with America's immigration police.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-blatant-...
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-blatant-...
The blatant partisanship and bigotry of immigration police
Law enforcement's power is derived from a bargain with the people they serve. That bargain has been irretrievably broken by ICE and Border Patrol.
www.thelivingsouth.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:23 PM
This week at The Living South, I wrote about the big problem with America's immigration police.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-blatant-...
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-blatant-...
How about some good news?
Everywhere I looked, western NC's Christmas tree farmers are feeling optimistic, after Helene damaged thousands of trees in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4p7...
Everywhere I looked, western NC's Christmas tree farmers are feeling optimistic, after Helene damaged thousands of trees in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4p7...
The Great NC Christmas Tree Comeback
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:36 PM
How about some good news?
Everywhere I looked, western NC's Christmas tree farmers are feeling optimistic, after Helene damaged thousands of trees in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4p7...
Everywhere I looked, western NC's Christmas tree farmers are feeling optimistic, after Helene damaged thousands of trees in 2024.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4p7...
Reposted by Billy Ball
🤑 7 reasons why everything’s too expensive right now, and one reason for why giving to others is more important than ever. Like actually, truly, life-savingly important.
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/03/7...
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/03/7...
7 big reasons why everything is so expensive right now in NC
Groceries are too expensive. The social safety net is weaker than ever. And people in NC communities could really use your generosity this year.
cardinalpine.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
🤑 7 reasons why everything’s too expensive right now, and one reason for why giving to others is more important than ever. Like actually, truly, life-savingly important.
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/03/7...
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/03/7...