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!
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...
I despise forced gratitude. This isn't that. But I want to talk about something I saw this month that's making me give thanks for the people of the South. (link in thread)
Every Tuesday, I'm writing about the South for free at The Living South.
Every Tuesday, I'm writing about the South for free at The Living South.
November 26, 2025 at 2:09 AM
I despise forced gratitude. This isn't that. But I want to talk about something I saw this month that's making me give thanks for the people of the South. (link in thread)
Every Tuesday, I'm writing about the South for free at The Living South.
Every Tuesday, I'm writing about the South for free at The Living South.
Reposted by Billy Ball
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. 👇
Reposted by Billy Ball
The first thing Border Patrol agents asked 18-year-old Fernando Vazquez was “Where are you from?”
Read how a U.S. citizen in Cary was handcuffed and detained amid the immigration crackdown in North Carolina:
Read how a U.S. citizen in Cary was handcuffed and detained amid the immigration crackdown in North Carolina:
‘They basically just kidnapped me’: US citizen taken by Border Patrol in Cary • NC Newsline
As Border Patrol agents swept the Triangle area, a construction worker born in the U.S. was among those detained.
ncnewsline.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The first thing Border Patrol agents asked 18-year-old Fernando Vazquez was “Where are you from?”
Read how a U.S. citizen in Cary was handcuffed and detained amid the immigration crackdown in North Carolina:
Read how a U.S. citizen in Cary was handcuffed and detained amid the immigration crackdown in North Carolina:
Reposted by Billy Ball
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.
(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 9:11 PM
(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...
I wrote about the feds coming to Charlotte 👇
Trump has been exposed for what he is: a false populist, lifted to the White House by working-class voters he doesn’t appear to care about. The Border Patrol invasions are meant to distract voters from these truths.
www.ms.now/opinion/msnb...
Trump has been exposed for what he is: a false populist, lifted to the White House by working-class voters he doesn’t appear to care about. The Border Patrol invasions are meant to distract voters from these truths.
www.ms.now/opinion/msnb...
Trump's latest Border Patrol deployment will fail for all the same reasons
When the show’s over, what federal agents will leave behind is predictable.
www.ms.now
November 15, 2025 at 4:27 PM
I wrote about the feds coming to Charlotte 👇
Trump has been exposed for what he is: a false populist, lifted to the White House by working-class voters he doesn’t appear to care about. The Border Patrol invasions are meant to distract voters from these truths.
www.ms.now/opinion/msnb...
Trump has been exposed for what he is: a false populist, lifted to the White House by working-class voters he doesn’t appear to care about. The Border Patrol invasions are meant to distract voters from these truths.
www.ms.now/opinion/msnb...