Cardinal and Pine
@cardinalandpine.bsky.social
Where NC gets good info—we are a left-leaning news outlet putting facts first.
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Follow @billyball.bsky.social
Our award-winning newsletter >> cardinalpine.com/newsletter/
Follow @billyball.bsky.social
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
I don't know if it will work. It's a work in progress.
But you can help by watching and liking and subscribing. It makes a big difference! Thanks, y'all.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
But you can help by watching and liking and subscribing. It makes a big difference! Thanks, y'all.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
NC Republicans OUTRAGED over gay Santa book
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:06 PM
I don't know if it will work. It's a work in progress.
But you can help by watching and liking and subscribing. It makes a big difference! Thanks, y'all.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
But you can help by watching and liking and subscribing. It makes a big difference! Thanks, y'all.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3V_...
December 22, 2025 at 9:08 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 9:10 PM
Premiering right now.
Go like and subscribe, NC! 👇
Go like and subscribe, NC! 👇
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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.
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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.
The 2026 election is already looking like a wild one in North Carolina.
Phil Berger, the NC Senate majority leader, is perhaps the most powerful Republican in the state. But he is being challenged in the 2026 primary election by the far-right sheriff of Rockingham County, Sam Page. Keep reading 👇
Phil Berger, the NC Senate majority leader, is perhaps the most powerful Republican in the state. But he is being challenged in the 2026 primary election by the far-right sheriff of Rockingham County, Sam Page. Keep reading 👇
December 12, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The 2026 election is already looking like a wild one in North Carolina.
Phil Berger, the NC Senate majority leader, is perhaps the most powerful Republican in the state. But he is being challenged in the 2026 primary election by the far-right sheriff of Rockingham County, Sam Page. Keep reading 👇
Phil Berger, the NC Senate majority leader, is perhaps the most powerful Republican in the state. But he is being challenged in the 2026 primary election by the far-right sheriff of Rockingham County, Sam Page. Keep reading 👇
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...
Gov. Josh Stein cited court rulings that blocked some of the cuts, but said the state’s Medicaid fund would still run out of money in the spring if Republicans failed to resolve their 6-month dispute over funding it.
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/10/s...
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/10/s...
Stein reverses Medicaid cuts, but warns of ‘devastating’ consequences if Republicans fail to fund the program
The governor cited court rulings that blocked some of the cuts, but said the state’s Medicaid fund would still run out of money in the spring if Republicans failed to resolve their 6-month dispute ove...
cardinalpine.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Gov. Josh Stein cited court rulings that blocked some of the cuts, but said the state’s Medicaid fund would still run out of money in the spring if Republicans failed to resolve their 6-month dispute over funding it.
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/10/s...
cardinalpine.com/2025/12/10/s...
Who's up for something good? 🖐️
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 6:37 PM
Who's up for something good? 🖐️
🤑 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...
For 4 days from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, the “We Ain’t Buying It” movement wants Americans to avoid shopping at Amazon, Home Depot, and Target.
Here's what to know. 👇
Here's what to know. 👇
November 21, 2025 at 3:39 PM
For 4 days from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, the “We Ain’t Buying It” movement wants Americans to avoid shopping at Amazon, Home Depot, and Target.
Here's what to know. 👇
Here's what to know. 👇
Important thread alert, NC. Keep reading. 👇
Border Patrol says they’re targeting “the worst of the worst.”
But the News and Observer reports that a woman they arrested in Raleigh, Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, is 23, a high school graduate, a homeowner, with two traffic violations on her record.
Border Patrol says they’re targeting “the worst of the worst.”
But the News and Observer reports that a woman they arrested in Raleigh, Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, is 23, a high school graduate, a homeowner, with two traffic violations on her record.
November 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Important thread alert, NC. Keep reading. 👇
Border Patrol says they’re targeting “the worst of the worst.”
But the News and Observer reports that a woman they arrested in Raleigh, Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, is 23, a high school graduate, a homeowner, with two traffic violations on her record.
Border Patrol says they’re targeting “the worst of the worst.”
But the News and Observer reports that a woman they arrested in Raleigh, Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, is 23, a high school graduate, a homeowner, with two traffic violations on her record.
Must-read.
(Share) Every Tuesday, I'm publishing my take on something important in the South at The Living South. This week, the topic was obvious.
Whatever their intentions, ICE and Border Patrol agents are acting less like cops and more like white terrorist groups.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-south-bo...
Whatever their intentions, ICE and Border Patrol agents are acting less like cops and more like white terrorist groups.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-south-bo...
The South has seen masked kidnappers before
ICE and Border Patrol agents are acting less like cops and more like the white terrorist groups that plagued the South for generations.
www.thelivingsouth.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Must-read.
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
One of the many problems spinning out of the decimation of local media:
Political coverage is dominated by national storylines. Bet you a $100 more liberals in NC know Zohran Mamdani more than they know the Democrats who won in NC.
Political coverage is dominated by national storylines. Bet you a $100 more liberals in NC know Zohran Mamdani more than they know the Democrats who won in NC.
What Democrats' domination of the 2025 elections tells us.
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday right here on YouTube. Make sure you're following Cardinal & Pine on YouTube so you won't miss an episode.
✏️ @billyball.bsky.social
🎥 Melanie Duran
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwg...
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday right here on YouTube. Make sure you're following Cardinal & Pine on YouTube so you won't miss an episode.
✏️ @billyball.bsky.social
🎥 Melanie Duran
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwg...
What Democrats' domination of the 2025 elections tells us — and what it doesn’t.
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
One of the many problems spinning out of the decimation of local media:
Political coverage is dominated by national storylines. Bet you a $100 more liberals in NC know Zohran Mamdani more than they know the Democrats who won in NC.
Political coverage is dominated by national storylines. Bet you a $100 more liberals in NC know Zohran Mamdani more than they know the Democrats who won in NC.
What Democrats' domination of the 2025 elections tells us.
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday right here on YouTube. Make sure you're following Cardinal & Pine on YouTube so you won't miss an episode.
✏️ @billyball.bsky.social
🎥 Melanie Duran
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwg...
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday right here on YouTube. Make sure you're following Cardinal & Pine on YouTube so you won't miss an episode.
✏️ @billyball.bsky.social
🎥 Melanie Duran
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwg...
What Democrats' domination of the 2025 elections tells us — and what it doesn’t.
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:22 PM
What Democrats' domination of the 2025 elections tells us.
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday right here on YouTube. Make sure you're following Cardinal & Pine on YouTube so you won't miss an episode.
✏️ @billyball.bsky.social
🎥 Melanie Duran
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwg...
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday right here on YouTube. Make sure you're following Cardinal & Pine on YouTube so you won't miss an episode.
✏️ @billyball.bsky.social
🎥 Melanie Duran
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKwg...
The longest shutdown in US history seems close to an end.
Seven Democrats and an independent who normally votes with Democrats broke from the party line to help pass an initial Senate bill that clears the way for the government to reopen. Keep reading. 👇
Seven Democrats and an independent who normally votes with Democrats broke from the party line to help pass an initial Senate bill that clears the way for the government to reopen. Keep reading. 👇
November 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The longest shutdown in US history seems close to an end.
Seven Democrats and an independent who normally votes with Democrats broke from the party line to help pass an initial Senate bill that clears the way for the government to reopen. Keep reading. 👇
Seven Democrats and an independent who normally votes with Democrats broke from the party line to help pass an initial Senate bill that clears the way for the government to reopen. Keep reading. 👇
Well, that’s a new one.
November 10, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Well, that’s a new one.
North Carolina didn’t have any high-profile elections last week, but the results still offer a glimpse of how voters feel about the state of things during President Trump’s second term.
Cardinal & Pine's Michael McElroy breaks it down. 👇
Cardinal & Pine's Michael McElroy breaks it down. 👇
November 10, 2025 at 4:06 PM
North Carolina didn’t have any high-profile elections last week, but the results still offer a glimpse of how voters feel about the state of things during President Trump’s second term.
Cardinal & Pine's Michael McElroy breaks it down. 👇
Cardinal & Pine's Michael McElroy breaks it down. 👇
One more thing 👇
One more thing:
The SNAP freeze isn't JUST about the shutdown. This year's Republican budget bill—the "Big, Beautiful Bill"—included a $186B cut to SNAP.
It was one of many programs, including Medicaid, that got budget reductions to pay for Republican tax cuts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2gu...
The SNAP freeze isn't JUST about the shutdown. This year's Republican budget bill—the "Big, Beautiful Bill"—included a $186B cut to SNAP.
It was one of many programs, including Medicaid, that got budget reductions to pay for Republican tax cuts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2gu...
Who's really getting food stamps in NC? | Billy Ball Explains
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:36 PM
One more thing 👇
Several child care centers closed this week.
That's because federal funding for Head Start programs didn’t materialize due to the government shutdown. Keep reading. 👇
That's because federal funding for Head Start programs didn’t materialize due to the government shutdown. Keep reading. 👇
November 6, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Several child care centers closed this week.
That's because federal funding for Head Start programs didn’t materialize due to the government shutdown. Keep reading. 👇
That's because federal funding for Head Start programs didn’t materialize due to the government shutdown. Keep reading. 👇
Who's really getting food stamps in North Carolina. 🤔
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday on our YouTube channel. Follow us there so you won't miss an episode. 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2gu...
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday on our YouTube channel. Follow us there so you won't miss an episode. 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2gu...
Who's really getting food stamps in NC? | Billy Ball Explains
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Who's really getting food stamps in North Carolina. 🤔
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday on our YouTube channel. Follow us there so you won't miss an episode. 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2gu...
"Billy Ball Explains NC" premieres every Wednesday on our YouTube channel. Follow us there so you won't miss an episode. 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2gu...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
👋 Every Tuesday, I'm writing about the South. I don't do paywalls, so sign-up is free. Please share.
This week, I wrote about the single most important bill of the 20th century, and what we have to do to save it.
www.thelivingsouth.com/saving-the-v...
This week, I wrote about the single most important bill of the 20th century, and what we have to do to save it.
www.thelivingsouth.com/saving-the-v...
The Voting Rights Act changed the South. Here's how to save it.
The Voting Rights Act, perhaps the most important piece of legislation in the 20th century South, is a shadow of its former self. Restoring it is an existential matter.
www.thelivingsouth.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:42 PM
👋 Every Tuesday, I'm writing about the South. I don't do paywalls, so sign-up is free. Please share.
This week, I wrote about the single most important bill of the 20th century, and what we have to do to save it.
www.thelivingsouth.com/saving-the-v...
This week, I wrote about the single most important bill of the 20th century, and what we have to do to save it.
www.thelivingsouth.com/saving-the-v...
While Republicans in D.C. are blocking renewed Affordable Care Act subsidies, NC is passing along steep rate hikes for health care coverage.
🔗below for the approved Affordable Care Act rate increases 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/11/04/a...
🔗below for the approved Affordable Care Act rate increases 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/11/04/a...
November 4, 2025 at 5:17 PM
While Republicans in D.C. are blocking renewed Affordable Care Act subsidies, NC is passing along steep rate hikes for health care coverage.
🔗below for the approved Affordable Care Act rate increases 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/11/04/a...
🔗below for the approved Affordable Care Act rate increases 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/11/04/a...
In North Carolina, because of gerrymandering, you could argue we're not even a democracy anymore, but we're not powerless to stop it.
Here's the latest "Billy Ball Explains NC." Please share 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5fS...
Here's the latest "Billy Ball Explains NC." Please share 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5fS...
Rigging the 2026 election | Billy Ball Explains
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:24 PM
In North Carolina, because of gerrymandering, you could argue we're not even a democracy anymore, but we're not powerless to stop it.
Here's the latest "Billy Ball Explains NC." Please share 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5fS...
Here's the latest "Billy Ball Explains NC." Please share 👏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5fS...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
The name on this is mine, but this stuff is a team effort. It takes a lot of work from editor Kim Lawson, graphic designer Desirée Tapia, video editor Melanie Duran, and a lot of eyes and ears to tell me what works and what doesn't.
2nd "Billy Ball Explains NC" 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5p_...
2nd "Billy Ball Explains NC" 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5p_...
Why some politicians might literally be making you sicker
YouTube video by Cardinal & Pine
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The name on this is mine, but this stuff is a team effort. It takes a lot of work from editor Kim Lawson, graphic designer Desirée Tapia, video editor Melanie Duran, and a lot of eyes and ears to tell me what works and what doesn't.
2nd "Billy Ball Explains NC" 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5p_...
2nd "Billy Ball Explains NC" 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5p_...