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.
Don’t have time to read?
👂 Listen to the incredible story of K-pop, an emerging K-pop star from the South, and, of course, “K-pop Demon Hunters” at the 🔗 below 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/audio-nathan...
👂 Listen to the incredible story of K-pop, an emerging K-pop star from the South, and, of course, “K-pop Demon Hunters” at the 🔗 below 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/audio-nathan...
October 14, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Don’t have time to read?
👂 Listen to the incredible story of K-pop, an emerging K-pop star from the South, and, of course, “K-pop Demon Hunters” at the 🔗 below 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/audio-nathan...
👂 Listen to the incredible story of K-pop, an emerging K-pop star from the South, and, of course, “K-pop Demon Hunters” at the 🔗 below 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/audio-nathan...
My latest:
In 21st century America, our politicians take their cues from social media, and not the other way around. It's made debate more performative, less nuanced, and much, much dumber.
The right-wing debate around Iryna Zarutska is a perfect example.
👉 www.thelivingsouth.com/iryna-zaruts...
In 21st century America, our politicians take their cues from social media, and not the other way around. It's made debate more performative, less nuanced, and much, much dumber.
The right-wing debate around Iryna Zarutska is a perfect example.
👉 www.thelivingsouth.com/iryna-zaruts...
September 25, 2025 at 8:59 PM
My latest:
In 21st century America, our politicians take their cues from social media, and not the other way around. It's made debate more performative, less nuanced, and much, much dumber.
The right-wing debate around Iryna Zarutska is a perfect example.
👉 www.thelivingsouth.com/iryna-zaruts...
In 21st century America, our politicians take their cues from social media, and not the other way around. It's made debate more performative, less nuanced, and much, much dumber.
The right-wing debate around Iryna Zarutska is a perfect example.
👉 www.thelivingsouth.com/iryna-zaruts...
Most of us know bone-deep that there is something wrong with social media.
I wrote about what we can do about it recently for my pet project, The Living South (link in the thread), and tonight, I'm on Spectrum News' "Capital Tonight" talking about it. Show airs at 7 pm.
I wrote about what we can do about it recently for my pet project, The Living South (link in the thread), and tonight, I'm on Spectrum News' "Capital Tonight" talking about it. Show airs at 7 pm.
September 23, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Most of us know bone-deep that there is something wrong with social media.
I wrote about what we can do about it recently for my pet project, The Living South (link in the thread), and tonight, I'm on Spectrum News' "Capital Tonight" talking about it. Show airs at 7 pm.
I wrote about what we can do about it recently for my pet project, The Living South (link in the thread), and tonight, I'm on Spectrum News' "Capital Tonight" talking about it. Show airs at 7 pm.
This weekend, I thought about a lot of things and wrote about it.
One of the few things left and right can agree on right now is that we're being played by social media companies.
There is a solution. 🔗 below.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-case-for...
One of the few things left and right can agree on right now is that we're being played by social media companies.
There is a solution. 🔗 below.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-case-for...
September 15, 2025 at 8:06 PM
This weekend, I thought about a lot of things and wrote about it.
One of the few things left and right can agree on right now is that we're being played by social media companies.
There is a solution. 🔗 below.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-case-for...
One of the few things left and right can agree on right now is that we're being played by social media companies.
There is a solution. 🔗 below.
www.thelivingsouth.com/the-case-for...
In 2024, I wrote a lot and went on tv talking about the lies Trump was telling about disaster relief in western NC after Helene.
Some time has passed and a few things are clear. I wrote about them @cardinalandpine.bsky.social. Click and pls share 👇
cardinalpine.com/opinion/opin...
Some time has passed and a few things are clear. I wrote about them @cardinalandpine.bsky.social. Click and pls share 👇
cardinalpine.com/opinion/opin...
September 5, 2025 at 6:37 PM
In 2024, I wrote a lot and went on tv talking about the lies Trump was telling about disaster relief in western NC after Helene.
Some time has passed and a few things are clear. I wrote about them @cardinalandpine.bsky.social. Click and pls share 👇
cardinalpine.com/opinion/opin...
Some time has passed and a few things are clear. I wrote about them @cardinalandpine.bsky.social. Click and pls share 👇
cardinalpine.com/opinion/opin...
Important thread alert:
We need our media to meet the moment. This story from WCNC in Charlotte, which reads like a re-written press release from the Trump administration, leaves out the context that federal officials have funded just a small percentage of Helene recovery in western NC.
We need our media to meet the moment. This story from WCNC in Charlotte, which reads like a re-written press release from the Trump administration, leaves out the context that federal officials have funded just a small percentage of Helene recovery in western NC.
August 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Important thread alert:
We need our media to meet the moment. This story from WCNC in Charlotte, which reads like a re-written press release from the Trump administration, leaves out the context that federal officials have funded just a small percentage of Helene recovery in western NC.
We need our media to meet the moment. This story from WCNC in Charlotte, which reads like a re-written press release from the Trump administration, leaves out the context that federal officials have funded just a small percentage of Helene recovery in western NC.
This is what it's like sometimes to work in journalism.
July 31, 2025 at 2:58 AM
This is what it's like sometimes to work in journalism.
I try not to write about myself when I write about public figures.
But this week, when I wrote about @roycoopernc.bsky.social's entrance into the Senate race for @msnbc.com (link in the thread) while representing @cardinalandpine.bsky.social, I decided to include this bit.
But this week, when I wrote about @roycoopernc.bsky.social's entrance into the Senate race for @msnbc.com (link in the thread) while representing @cardinalandpine.bsky.social, I decided to include this bit.
July 30, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I try not to write about myself when I write about public figures.
But this week, when I wrote about @roycoopernc.bsky.social's entrance into the Senate race for @msnbc.com (link in the thread) while representing @cardinalandpine.bsky.social, I decided to include this bit.
But this week, when I wrote about @roycoopernc.bsky.social's entrance into the Senate race for @msnbc.com (link in the thread) while representing @cardinalandpine.bsky.social, I decided to include this bit.
Public service announcement:
Don't use Google's AI function to fact-check things.
Don't use Google's AI function to fact-check things.
July 29, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Public service announcement:
Don't use Google's AI function to fact-check things.
Don't use Google's AI function to fact-check things.
In some places, public broadcasting is the only game in town if you're looking for local news.
They are especially crucial in rural regions that are reeling from a disaster, like in western NC, where locals relied on public radio dispatches to learn about the latest after Helene. 🔗 in thread 👇
They are especially crucial in rural regions that are reeling from a disaster, like in western NC, where locals relied on public radio dispatches to learn about the latest after Helene. 🔗 in thread 👇
July 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
In some places, public broadcasting is the only game in town if you're looking for local news.
They are especially crucial in rural regions that are reeling from a disaster, like in western NC, where locals relied on public radio dispatches to learn about the latest after Helene. 🔗 in thread 👇
They are especially crucial in rural regions that are reeling from a disaster, like in western NC, where locals relied on public radio dispatches to learn about the latest after Helene. 🔗 in thread 👇
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!
July 5, 2025 at 7:24 PM
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!
Hi y'all, please share.
I'm doing a new thing every Monday at Cardinal & Pine, curating the most interesting events, protests, and news of the week. Reading requires a subscription to our free, award-winning newsletter, but that's so worth it.
CLICK 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/06/16/3...
I'm doing a new thing every Monday at Cardinal & Pine, curating the most interesting events, protests, and news of the week. Reading requires a subscription to our free, award-winning newsletter, but that's so worth it.
CLICK 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/06/16/3...
June 18, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Hi y'all, please share.
I'm doing a new thing every Monday at Cardinal & Pine, curating the most interesting events, protests, and news of the week. Reading requires a subscription to our free, award-winning newsletter, but that's so worth it.
CLICK 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/06/16/3...
I'm doing a new thing every Monday at Cardinal & Pine, curating the most interesting events, protests, and news of the week. Reading requires a subscription to our free, award-winning newsletter, but that's so worth it.
CLICK 👇
cardinalpine.com/2025/06/16/3...
My super cool daughter, Charlotte, accompanied me to tape PBS North Carolina's "State Lines" today, where I represented Cardinal & Pine.
She got to hang out in the control room too. Episode link is in the thread. Airs statewide tonight at 8:30 pm on PBS NC and 9 pm on the North Carolina Channel.
She got to hang out in the control room too. Episode link is in the thread. Airs statewide tonight at 8:30 pm on PBS NC and 9 pm on the North Carolina Channel.
June 13, 2025 at 9:31 PM
My super cool daughter, Charlotte, accompanied me to tape PBS North Carolina's "State Lines" today, where I represented Cardinal & Pine.
She got to hang out in the control room too. Episode link is in the thread. Airs statewide tonight at 8:30 pm on PBS NC and 9 pm on the North Carolina Channel.
She got to hang out in the control room too. Episode link is in the thread. Airs statewide tonight at 8:30 pm on PBS NC and 9 pm on the North Carolina Channel.
Today in @cardinalandpine.bsky.social's 100% free, 100% essential NC newsletter, I wrote about NC's rural doctor crisis, CDC cuts, summer heat ahead, and an inflatable dinosaur costume contest.
I also asked readers to ID this random NC alleyway.
Sign up to answer👇
cardinalpine.com/newsletter/?...
I also asked readers to ID this random NC alleyway.
Sign up to answer👇
cardinalpine.com/newsletter/?...
May 30, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Today in @cardinalandpine.bsky.social's 100% free, 100% essential NC newsletter, I wrote about NC's rural doctor crisis, CDC cuts, summer heat ahead, and an inflatable dinosaur costume contest.
I also asked readers to ID this random NC alleyway.
Sign up to answer👇
cardinalpine.com/newsletter/?...
I also asked readers to ID this random NC alleyway.
Sign up to answer👇
cardinalpine.com/newsletter/?...
And by Republicans, I don't mean the average Republican voter sitting at home, I mean the Republicans in office, like NC Sen. Thom Tillis, who sat by while President Trump put this guy and his chainsaw in charge of people's healthcare and benefits.
📸 (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
📸 (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
May 30, 2025 at 5:03 PM
And by Republicans, I don't mean the average Republican voter sitting at home, I mean the Republicans in office, like NC Sen. Thom Tillis, who sat by while President Trump put this guy and his chainsaw in charge of people's healthcare and benefits.
📸 (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
📸 (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
On "Capitol Tonight," this evening at 7 pm on Spectrum News 1 North Carolina 📺
I got the chance to talk about thelivingsouth.com and my new story on Isaac Villegas, one of several North Carolina ministers who's used their church to shelter undocumented people. Link for the story in the thread below
I got the chance to talk about thelivingsouth.com and my new story on Isaac Villegas, one of several North Carolina ministers who's used their church to shelter undocumented people. Link for the story in the thread below
May 28, 2025 at 9:34 PM
On "Capitol Tonight," this evening at 7 pm on Spectrum News 1 North Carolina 📺
I got the chance to talk about thelivingsouth.com and my new story on Isaac Villegas, one of several North Carolina ministers who's used their church to shelter undocumented people. Link for the story in the thread below
I got the chance to talk about thelivingsouth.com and my new story on Isaac Villegas, one of several North Carolina ministers who's used their church to shelter undocumented people. Link for the story in the thread below
Something else we say in the South, "Why are you hitting dogs?"
May 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Something else we say in the South, "Why are you hitting dogs?"
For two years, NC pastor Isaac Villegas sheltered Rosa del Carmen Ortez Cruz (pictured on the right, below) in a small room in his church as Trump immigration officials sought to deport her.
My new story on the church as immigration sanctuary. Click to read 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/this-nc-past...
My new story on the church as immigration sanctuary. Click to read 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/this-nc-past...
May 27, 2025 at 9:14 PM
For two years, NC pastor Isaac Villegas sheltered Rosa del Carmen Ortez Cruz (pictured on the right, below) in a small room in his church as Trump immigration officials sought to deport her.
My new story on the church as immigration sanctuary. Click to read 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/this-nc-past...
My new story on the church as immigration sanctuary. Click to read 👇
www.thelivingsouth.com/this-nc-past...
Isaac Villegas is a North Carolina pastor who, for two years, helped to shelter an undocumented woman after the Trump administration sought to separate her from her family.
I really enjoyed telling his story. Link in the thread! Sign-up for The Living South is 100% free.
I really enjoyed telling his story. Link in the thread! Sign-up for The Living South is 100% free.
May 26, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Isaac Villegas is a North Carolina pastor who, for two years, helped to shelter an undocumented woman after the Trump administration sought to separate her from her family.
I really enjoyed telling his story. Link in the thread! Sign-up for The Living South is 100% free.
I really enjoyed telling his story. Link in the thread! Sign-up for The Living South is 100% free.
This weekend at thelivingsouth.com, we'll tell the story of Christian pastor Isaac Villegas, author of "Migrant God," who's used his North Carolina church to provide sanctuary for undocumented people.
As immigration raids ramp up, it's a crucial story.
👏 Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com.
As immigration raids ramp up, it's a crucial story.
👏 Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com.
May 22, 2025 at 8:56 PM
This weekend at thelivingsouth.com, we'll tell the story of Christian pastor Isaac Villegas, author of "Migrant God," who's used his North Carolina church to provide sanctuary for undocumented people.
As immigration raids ramp up, it's a crucial story.
👏 Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com.
As immigration raids ramp up, it's a crucial story.
👏 Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com.
Isaac Villegas is the pastor of a NC church that sheltered a woman for two years while the Trump administration tried to deport her.
This week for The Living South, I talked to Villegas about the church's history of offering sanctuary during troubled times. Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com
This week for The Living South, I talked to Villegas about the church's history of offering sanctuary during troubled times. Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com
May 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Isaac Villegas is the pastor of a NC church that sheltered a woman for two years while the Trump administration tried to deport her.
This week for The Living South, I talked to Villegas about the church's history of offering sanctuary during troubled times. Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com
This week for The Living South, I talked to Villegas about the church's history of offering sanctuary during troubled times. Sign-up is free at thelivingsouth.com
May 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM
We're watching one big, overdue celebration for Black culture in the South and I'm here for it. 🎉
Read my essay 👇 Sign-up is free!
www.thelivingsouth.com/rhiannon-gid...
Read my essay 👇 Sign-up is free!
www.thelivingsouth.com/rhiannon-gid...
May 9, 2025 at 8:21 PM
We're watching one big, overdue celebration for Black culture in the South and I'm here for it. 🎉
Read my essay 👇 Sign-up is free!
www.thelivingsouth.com/rhiannon-gid...
Read my essay 👇 Sign-up is free!
www.thelivingsouth.com/rhiannon-gid...
Meet terminal democracy.
NC Republicans, who've gerrymandered NC to ensure power, are now grifting a duty that's been held by the governor of NC for 100 years.
The intent's to overturn Jefferson Griffin's loss in the 2024 election & keep gerrymandering.
NC Republicans, who've gerrymandered NC to ensure power, are now grifting a duty that's been held by the governor of NC for 100 years.
The intent's to overturn Jefferson Griffin's loss in the 2024 election & keep gerrymandering.
May 1, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Meet terminal democracy.
NC Republicans, who've gerrymandered NC to ensure power, are now grifting a duty that's been held by the governor of NC for 100 years.
The intent's to overturn Jefferson Griffin's loss in the 2024 election & keep gerrymandering.
NC Republicans, who've gerrymandered NC to ensure power, are now grifting a duty that's been held by the governor of NC for 100 years.
The intent's to overturn Jefferson Griffin's loss in the 2024 election & keep gerrymandering.
For thelivingsouth.com, I talked to @bakarisellers.bsky.social about optimism, his daughter Sadie's life-saving transplant, growing up in the South, and of course, Trump.
I'll publish our convo this week. If you haven't already, now's as good a time as any to sign up. It's free!
I'll publish our convo this week. If you haven't already, now's as good a time as any to sign up. It's free!
April 8, 2025 at 11:26 PM
For thelivingsouth.com, I talked to @bakarisellers.bsky.social about optimism, his daughter Sadie's life-saving transplant, growing up in the South, and of course, Trump.
I'll publish our convo this week. If you haven't already, now's as good a time as any to sign up. It's free!
I'll publish our convo this week. If you haven't already, now's as good a time as any to sign up. It's free!