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
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...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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. 💪
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 8:57 PM
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...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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? 👇
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 11:38 PM
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 Buddhist monks making their "Walk for Peace" are in Wake County today. Here's how to track them and see them in person. 🙏
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 23, 2026 at 4:44 PM
The Buddhist monks making their "Walk for Peace" are in Wake County today. Here's how to track them and see them in person. 🙏
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/15/n...
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/15/n...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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...
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 5:26 PM
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...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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. 👇
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 8:43 PM
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...
Mecklenburg County health officials urged residents to get vaccinated if they had not already done so or if they were unsure of their status.
The county is offering free or low-cost vaccines at four locations with no appointment necessary. 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
The county is offering free or low-cost vaccines at four locations with no appointment necessary. 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
Measles detected in Charlotte wastewater
Health officials detected measles in the Mecklenburg County wastewater system this week, a sign the virus could be circulating more widely in North Carolina than the number of confirmed cases suggests...
cardinalpine.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Mecklenburg County health officials urged residents to get vaccinated if they had not already done so or if they were unsure of their status.
The county is offering free or low-cost vaccines at four locations with no appointment necessary. 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
The county is offering free or low-cost vaccines at four locations with no appointment necessary. 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
The rules do not set specific discharge limits or penalties for violations.
Those omissions from the proposed rules were the basis of lengthy, at times contentious, discussion among members of the commission.
✏️ @coastalreview.bsky.social
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/n...
Those omissions from the proposed rules were the basis of lengthy, at times contentious, discussion among members of the commission.
✏️ @coastalreview.bsky.social
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/n...
NC commission advances PFAS testing rule for public review
Proposed rules that would require hundreds of industrial manufacturers and public sewer plants across the state to test the wastewater they discharge into rivers, creeks and streams for three types of...
cardinalpine.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:02 PM
The rules do not set specific discharge limits or penalties for violations.
Those omissions from the proposed rules were the basis of lengthy, at times contentious, discussion among members of the commission.
✏️ @coastalreview.bsky.social
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/n...
Those omissions from the proposed rules were the basis of lengthy, at times contentious, discussion among members of the commission.
✏️ @coastalreview.bsky.social
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/n...
Cardinal & Pine contributor Britteny Dee penned a guide this week to 8 exciting new restaurants opening in 2026 in NC.
From Indian street food in Boone to upscale Mexican in Charlotte and peak steakhouse in Durham, this guide is 🔥.
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
From Indian street food in Boone to upscale Mexican in Charlotte and peak steakhouse in Durham, this guide is 🔥.
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
The 8 most exciting new restaurants coming to NC in 2026
New year, new restaurants! From barbecue joints to sushi spots, discover the most exciting North Carolina restaurant openings of 2026.
cardinalpine.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Cardinal & Pine contributor Britteny Dee penned a guide this week to 8 exciting new restaurants opening in 2026 in NC.
From Indian street food in Boone to upscale Mexican in Charlotte and peak steakhouse in Durham, this guide is 🔥.
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
From Indian street food in Boone to upscale Mexican in Charlotte and peak steakhouse in Durham, this guide is 🔥.
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/13/m...
In rural NC, thousands of students rely on their schools for after-school programs, counselors for mental health support, and staff who can help their families find food and transportation. Now, many of those support networks could disappear with just weeks’ notice.
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/09/n...
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/09/n...
NC fights back after Trump team cuts $50M in rural education funding
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson says the decision to end the funding mid-stream violates federal law and threatens critical rural education services for more than 23,000 students statewid...
cardinalpine.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:19 AM
In rural NC, thousands of students rely on their schools for after-school programs, counselors for mental health support, and staff who can help their families find food and transportation. Now, many of those support networks could disappear with just weeks’ notice.
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/09/n...
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/09/n...
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
NC Board of Elections finds Stevens campaign contributions illegal, but not intentional ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-bo... Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
NC Board of Elections finds Stevens campaign contributions illegal, but not intentional • NC Newsline
Two contributions by lobbyists to Rep. Sarah Stevens’ Supreme Court campaign were found illegal, but not an “intentional violation.”
ncnewsline.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:45 PM
NC Board of Elections finds Stevens campaign contributions illegal, but not intentional ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-bo... Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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...
When everything looks bleak, look to the creatives. This week, catch a classical music performance in Greenville, one of two shows by alt-country star Jason Isbell, or view the lights at Biltmore.
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/3...
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/3...
3 things happening in NC this week: Jason Isbell plays Durham, Charlotte
When everything looks bleak, look to the creatives. This week, catch a classical music performance in Greenville, one of two shows by alt-country star Jason Isbell, or view the lights at Biltmore.
cardinalpine.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:44 AM
When everything looks bleak, look to the creatives. This week, catch a classical music performance in Greenville, one of two shows by alt-country star Jason Isbell, or view the lights at Biltmore.
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/3...
Tap 👇
cardinalpine.com/2026/01/12/3...
Important thread for everyone watching Venezuela. 👇
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 6:04 PM
Important thread for everyone watching Venezuela. 👇
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. 🙏
Reposted by Cardinal and Pine
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...
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.