Ryan Pitkin is a writer and editor based in Charlotte, where he runs an alternative weekly newspaper called Queen City Nerve. He is also editor of NoDa News, a community newsletter in the neighborhood where he has lived for 15 years.
Ryan Pitkin
Latest from Ryan Pitkin
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3 things happening in NC: The Lake James Ice Festival, one of NC’s best-kept secrets, returns
In NC, 2026 kicks off with an eclectic mix of happenings, including one of the state’s most underrated winter celebrations, the Lake James Ice Festival.
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Good News Friday: Welcome the first NC babies of 2026
The first NC babies of 2026 are here. Plus, rural health upgrades and college football players give back in this week’s “Good News Friday.”
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3 things happening in NC: How to greet New Year’s in North Carolina
The Avett Brothers take their New Year’s show to Asheville, Charlotte chefs collaborate for free soup tradition, Carolina Beach runners kickstart 2026 on the coast.
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3 things happening in NC: Drive through High Point’s massive Christmas lights show
Cardinal & Pine’s weekly roundup of NC happenings is a full-on holiday party this week. Drive through High Point’s massive Christmas lights show, party for Kwanzaa in the Triangle, and a world-renowned Christmas show comes to Charlotte.
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Good News Friday: The Lumbee Tribe will finally be recognized by the US government
After fighting for generations, the Lumbee Tribe, a local Indigenous population is finally affirmed. Plus, high school students unveil impressive aviation project during annual Wright Bros. memorial while a Charlotte couple wins big on Netflix. ‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the state, folks were slacking off at work, itching to celebrate. Whether…
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3 things happening in NC: Wright Brothers Day, holidays at Reynolda House, and Hillsborough Lantern Walk
Every week, Cardinal & Pine picks 3 things happening in NC that are worth your time. This week, a party for NC’s historic first flight, the holidays come alive at Reynolda House in Winston-Salem, and Hillsborough lights up with its Solstice Lantern Walk.
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Good News Friday: Anti-violence program making a difference in Charlotte, study says
If it’s Friday, it must be time for some good news. This week, some positive signs from a local anti-violence program in Charlotte, NC’s largest city.
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3 things happening in NC this week: ‘The Nutcracker’ reimagined
Every week, Cardinal & Pine curates three things happening in NC that are worth your time and money. This week, Southport’s “Winterfest” speeds toward its annual flotilla, a one-of-a-kind experience in New Bern, and a modern take on “The Nutcracker.”
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Good News Friday: Gov. Josh Stein announces $5 million in grants for rural NC
This week’s Good News Friday roundup includes big “Giving Tuesday” gifts, rural improvements announced by Gov. Josh Stein, and a major honor for a Charlotte museum.
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3 things happening in NC this week: Iryna’s Law and the 2026 election begins now
Our picks for 3 things happening this week in NC: Iryna’s Law takes effect, despite concerns. The 2026 election officially begins, and the chance to be a viking in Oxford.
