Border Belt Independent

Behavioral health urgent care hopes to fill critical need in Robeson County

Border Belt schools could lose millions of dollars in federal funding

Alligator 'incident' reignites safety concerns in Lake Waccamaw

In the Border Belt, new county budgets reflect economic changes

Robeson County's shift toward the GOP trickles down to the local level

Downtown Lumberton, gritty and historic, looks for new life

Some charter schools in the Border Belt are whiter and wealthier than public schools

Talking to North Carolina's latest Pulitzer Prize winner

Food bank in southeastern NC hit with federal funding cuts

Teens grapple with their prospects in rural North Carolina at Whiteville listening session

Domestic violence organizations in the Border Belt brace for federal cuts

Inclusive playground in Scotland County set to unveil by end of this year

For the Tuscarora, tradition and politics clash in quest for state recognition

Possible federal cuts to HIV program worry patients and medical providers in NC

PFAS concerns plague the Robeson County Landfill. But the dump keeps getting bigger

Small businesses feel the pain of tariffs and economic uncertainty

New health care center will offer eye care services with UNC Pembroke

Judge orders Columbus County Sheriff to release additional records

Saying goodbye to St. Andrews University

NC Supreme Court hears case of injured Robeson County sheriff’s deputy

Possible cuts to Medicaid and food stamps raise concerns in rural southeastern NC

NC lawmakers file bills to address ‘forever chemicals,’ make polluters pay for cleanup

St. Andrews University to close on May 5

For the Lumbee, full federal recognition is closer than ever

UNC Pembroke could face budget cuts amid declining enrollment

NC Innocence Commission exonerates man convicted of Robeson County murder 8 years ago

Fewer teachers are leaving schools in rural southeastern NC, data shows

Robeson County schools abruptly lose $14.6 million in federal funding

Trump's presidential library at UNC Pembroke? NC House bill would set aside money for it

PFAS found in dust of homes in Bladen and Cumberland counties near Chemours plant

Expanded well testing for PFAS: what you need to know

Youth violence rattles Scotland County as leaders call for unity

Judge hears arguments in case alleging St. Andrews University mishandled rape investigation

More students are using private school vouchers in rural southeastern NC

Lumbee tribe celebrates donation of 1,400 acres in Robeson County

Robeson County bridge honors Highway Patrol trooper killed in 1964

Bladen and Columbus counties are set to grow by 2030, state projections show

Q&A: Rep. Jarrod Lowery on Lumbee recognition, DEI policies, retirement savings and more

Local Black inventors find the path to riches and fame is tough

Rural schools in NC's Border Belt brace for federal funding cuts

Robeson County ranks among worst in the state for powerful sedative xylazine

The moral of the story

Two former students sue St. Andrews University over sex offender on campus

Robeson County sees another drop in traffic fatalities. What has changed?

North Carolina farmers reel from Trump administration payment delays

Border Belt schools see increase in crime, violence and suspensions

Trump’s immigration orders spark fear in NC’s Border Belt

US attorney resigns, leaving Columbus County corruption probe in limbo

Robeson County leads North Carolina in solar farms. How many are too many?

Trump immigration orders fuel isolation for immigrant parishioners

NC's Border Belt sees increase in homelessness

Divided visions stall progress at Elizabethtown Industrial Park

UNC Health Southeastern updates maternity ward with a focus on comfort

Windy, dry conditions could lead to more wildfires in southeastern North Carolina

What we've learned about the federal probe in Columbus County

How Republicans gained ground in rural North Carolina

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Bladen County spat could hinder progress at thriving industrial park

In major shift, Republicans gain majority on Scotland County Board of Commissioners

Rural southeastern NC gets more red, even as Democrats win key state races

Incumbents in NC’s Border Belt keep seats in NC General Assembly

Robeson County, home to Lumbee tribe, sees small voter turnout but big support for Trump

Rural southeastern NC, already known for low voter turnout, sees further drop

As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives

Where the candidates stand on key issues in NC's 7th and 8th congressional districts

Election officials step up security in rural southeastern North Carolina

Garland Pierce, a lone Democrat in a swath of red, wants to keep his NC House seat

Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs

Early voting turnout in NC’s Border Belt lags behind statewide surge

Bladen County Voter Guide 2024

Columbus County Voter Guide 2024

Robeson County Voter Guide 2024

Scotland County Voter Guide 2024

Donald Trump Jr. will make campaign stop in Robeson County

Kamala Harris launches radio ad targeting rural North Carolina voters

Political signs target Whiteville Democrats. They say it’s voter intimidation

Scotland County voters will decide on proposed sales tax hike. Here's what to know

Bagpipes, kilts and shared history shine at Scotland County Highland Games

Mark Robinson, under-fire candidate for NC governor, finds support in Columbus County

'Not enough dentists': Border Belt counties need better access to dental care

More Hispanic residents are moving to NC's shrinking Border Belt region

Trump promises full recognition for the Lumbee. He'd still have to go through Congress

Why we're suing Columbus County

Border Belt Independent wins 5 awards from NC Press Association

Scenes from Columbus County, where heavy rain caused flooding

UNC Pembroke, known for its diversity, eliminates DEI office

Parents question schools after Bladen County bus driver accused of multiple sex crimes

Can Kamala Harris energize NC Democrats to win back Robeson County?

Lumberton residents push back against high utility bills

Robeson County district attorney endorses Democrat Josh Stein for governor

Public, private, home schools: Student enrollment by the numbers in NC's Border Belt

The abandoned pools of Columbus County

Rural North Carolina hospitals say recruiting surgeons is key to long-term success

How young entrepreneurs and town leaders are revitalizing downtown Fairmont

Two flood-prone NC towns rebuilt downtown districts on higher ground. Did it work?

For the Tuscarora, recognition has been a 40-year fight

Tropical Storm Debby brings heavy rain to southeastern NC. Here's the latest

HIV and syphilis are on the rise in Robeson County

Lumbee tribe returns fire to the soil to restore cultural and ecological heritage

UNC Pembroke partners with NC State on sustainable protein research center

Q&A with Kaden Thompson: Honoring Lumbee culture through youthful creativity

Republican incumbents raise more money than Democratic challengers in NC's Border Belt

Columbus County farmers face big losses amid severe drought

NC’s diverse Robeson County now has GOP voting streak. What’s behind support for Trump?

Robeson County elections board dismisses Pembroke mayor's protest, again

Whiteville's new gunshot sensors have been rejected by some other cities

At least 37 homicides recorded in NC's Border Belt in first six months of 2024

North Carolina sheriff promises transparency. Is 'On Patrol: Live' the way to get it?

Former St. Andrews student serving more than 23 years for on-campus sexual assaults

Robeson County elections board delays ruling on Pembroke mayoral election

Fighting back against prostate cancer in Scotland County

Get to know three Laurinburg artists

Already-strained child care centers in NC's Border Belt fear loss of state funding

Robeson and Scotland counties are growing, slowly, for the first time in years

Schools in NC's Border Belt say they need more county money to replace COVID funding

In this Robeson County town, high school seniors say they don't plan to vote

Stabbings bring renewed scrutiny to Scotland Correctional Institution

Border Belt Independent Audience Survey

Elizabethtown needs to prevent flooding. But with little cash, options are limited

Q&A with Stacie Kinlaw: 'ROARing' for years to come in Robeson County

SparkNC brings a new way of learning to Scotland High School

Columbus County magistrate suspended, accused of ethical violations

Low pay, lack of resources lead to burnout in southeastern NC schools, teachers say

Q&A with Jenny Phelps: Bringing community together for Special Olympics Scotland County

UNC Health Southeastern improves safety grade. What about other local hospitals?

Judge denies petition in Robeson County election bribery case

Columbus and Robeson counties among 10 deadliest in US for car crashes, analysis shows

Q&A with Amber Bellamy: DREAM Center makes positive impact in community

Gambling, immigration, education among priorities for lawmakers in NC's Border Belt

Scenes from the Special Olympics in Scotland County

In rural Scotland County, voters say candidates must show up to gain their support

Here’s how high schools in NC’s Border Belt performed in latest rankings

Two Robeson County commissioners are accused of bribing voters in primary election

Protested election in Bladen County is a reminder of past troubles

‘Red Whiteville and Blue’ film follows fight for income equality in Columbus County

Q&A with Terry Mann: Jewish synagogue donation honors close relationship with communities

Thousands of southeastern NC residents will likely lose discount for internet service

Robeson County residents want to create a safer community. But how?

Columbus County elections board likely violated state law. Here's what to know

Robeson County is doling out opioid settlement money. But the process isn't always easy

In historic NC hearing, Joe Freeman Britt’s troubled past as prosecutor looms

Some Border Belt voters went to the wrong precinct on Election Day

At UNC Pembroke, frustrations about safety reach fever pitch following shootings

What does sports betting mean for UNC Pembroke?

Tyris Jones taps into the art of storytelling

Southern Columbus County: Where new development collides with a rural way of life

Anti-establishment success: takeaways from the 2024 primaries in southeastern NC

'Vote in hope of change': education, community concerns top voter issues here

Private school vouchers in southeast NC see sharp increase as funding more than doubles

‘Feel more pain’: southeastern NC is at the heart of a 30-year public education fight

Rural Black voters, including those in Scotland County, are key for Democrats in NC

Q&A with Carol Caldwell: ‘My story is told for a lifetime, not just February’

How can Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties gain better access to food?

Despite efforts, Robeson County ranks last for traffic deaths. What needs to happen?

AmeriCorps volunteers build new home for Columbus County family affected by hurricanes

Border Belt People: Jessica Cory brings awareness to Lumbee literature

How a man charged with murder was released on bond and shot two Robeson County deputies

Here are some economic development projects to watch for in NC's Border Belt

Border Belt People: Ashley Lomboy brings Western science, Indigenous culture together

Helping the homeless in Robeson County

One of North Carolina's poorest cities wants to crack down on panhandling

Southeastern North Carolina counties will be the last to transition to eCourts

Who is the mayor of Pembroke? It’s complicated

Homeowners in NC's Border Belt would pay much more for insurance under new proposal

Border Belt People: Greg Martin retires after 25 years as Bladen manager

Partners in Ministry helps kids become 'change agents' in their communities

Construction firm must pay after off-duty deputy injured in Robeson County, court rules

Robeson County schools join lawsuit against social media giants

Here’s who is running for Congress and the NC legislature in the Border Belt in 2024

Border Belt People Q&A with Greg Bacot: 'So many opportunities in the world'

‘Lumbeeland’ film explores drug culture's impact on Native American tribe

Race, equality and alliances: The story behind Lumberton's contentious election

Columbus County jail beating highlights bigger supervision lapses, lawsuit says

Border Belt People Q&A: Murchison’s cleats honor twin brother's bout with cancer

Clouds over Columbus County

Medicaid expansion starts Dec. 1 in NC. Here's how Border Belt counties are preparing

Border Belt People: A Q&A with Paul Valenti, historian and Lumber River diver

New Whiteville councilman brings youthful energy to aging county

NC county still reeling from sheriff's racist comments is dealt another blow

Jobs are scarce – but hope isn't – in this Robeson County town

How did hospitals in NC's Border Belt fare in latest safety grades?

Border Belt People: Q&A with Nancy Fields, director of the Museum of the Southeast American Indian

Schools in NC's Border Belt refer Black students to police more often, report says

'We want to change lives.' Mobile drug treatment clinic serves Robeson County

North Carolina farmers look to sesame as a profitable crop. 'So much promise here'

Border Belt People: A Q&A with former Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard Edward Tatum

Kids in foster care often need mental health care. But options are limited in rural NC

Crisis in children's mental health takes a heavy toll in rural southeastern NC

Apple snails were found near the Lumber River. That's a bad thing

In rural Bladen County, schism in United Methodist Church hits close to home

Scenes from the Lumbee Dance of the Harvest Moon

Scotland County’s NC Rural Heritage Center takes visitors back in time to the late 1800s

A struggling NC high school football team tackles extra challenge: gun violence

As lawmakers tie casinos to Medicaid, questions remain for Lumbee and southeastern NC

Columbus County school board adopts local Parents' Bill of Rights

How NC's Border Belt counties reduced court backlogs caused by pandemic

Native American says North Carolina prison has denied his right to religious practices

UNC Pembroke has plans for two major projects that depend on new state budget

Bladen County students will get access to behavioral health care through new program

Hurricane Idalia is heading toward southeastern NC. Here's what to expect

Do schools in NC's Border Belt need more teachers? Here are the numbers

NC is preparing for its first elections under voter ID law. Is the Border Belt ready?

Bladen County engineer worked his way up the ranks at NCDOT. Other teens can, too

Scotland County's municipal elections are Nov. 7. Here are the candidates

Fabric of community: The legacy of the Jewish population in rural southeastern NC

Bladen County takes cue from state, bans transgender youth in parks and rec sports

Much of rural North Carolina grew during the pandemic. What about the Border Belt?

Recalling 'Principal's Row,' a Whiteville street home to Black educators

Some Robeson County private schools had more vouchers than students, report finds

NC is getting $1.4 billion to combat opioids. How will Robeson County spend its share?

What the Farm Act means for NC's Border Belt, where flood efforts are underway

'Their home for hope.' Bladen Community College president focuses on local jobs

Here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth in North Carolina's Border Belt

Robeson County commissioners say no to proposed military training site

Could White Lake become a year-round tourist destination in North Carolina?

Robeson County environmental advocates call for more regulations on poultry farms

North Carolina is expanding Medicaid. What does that mean in the Border Belt?

Bladen County preacher critical of public education plans to open private school

Could Bladen County get a mountain-biking team for kids?

Megalodons ruled Robeson County millions of years ago. Their teeth still tell a story

Turkey hunt and lunch: New generation of Bladen County farmers looks to agritourism

The hog industry rules in Bladen County. But some farmers worry about their future

Robeson County retired educator hopes to inspire other Black artists

Afghan refugee starts business in Chadbourn; worries about genocide back home

Raised to be a leader, Curtis Hill advocates for racial equity in Columbus County

He occupied an NC newspaper 35 years ago to protest corruption. Now he has more to say

Arrest in series of sexual assaults roils a North Carolina private university

Bladen County community devastated by dike failure wants to rebuild nonprofit site

65 years after Battle of Hayes Pond: Lumbees recall fight that pushed out Ku Klux Klan

Housing plan could ease shortage in Scotland County – and help a neglected neighborhood

Columbus County Republican Party calls for DA's removal following sheriff controversy

Bladen County farmers market is missing one thing: farmers. But that could change

Hospitals see post-holiday rise in COVID-19 cases in North Carolina's Border Belt

North Carolina sheriff resigns, again. 'Tip of the iceberg,' DA says of investigations

Bladen County town hopes to revitalize a Black neighborhood with new community center

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Kelvin Sampson, a North Carolina Lumbee, reaches new high: No. 1 in college hoops

Downtown Lumberton envisions a big transformation, starting with Carolina Civic Center

Police took a drunken man to ex-girlfriend's NC home. Then he killed her

How safe are the hospitals in North Carolina's Border Belt? New grades released

With a zoning change, the future of Lake Waccamaw stirs fear and hope

Health-coverage open enrollment is underway. Here's what to know in NC's Border Belt

After sheriff resigns, Black residents say racism is part of life in Columbus County

In-person early voting starts Oct. 20. Here's what to know in NC's Border Belt counties

Work begins to widen I-95 through Robeson County. Here's what to know for next 4 years

Black women are walking toward better health in Columbus County. Here's how to join them

What to expect from Hurricane Ian in southeastern North Carolina

It's fall festival season. Check out these events in North Carolina's Border Belt

Lumbee NFL player Keenan Allen inspires Native American kids to follow their dreams

How a Bladen County coffee shop is brewing the next generation of workers

Here’s how UNC Pembroke fared in latest US News college rankings

Bladen County voters will pick which tax to raise to fund school resource officers

Test scores start to bounce back in North Carolina's Border Belt schools

PFAS could be labeled 'hazardous.' What does that mean for southeastern NC?

New round of grants could help expand broadband access in southeastern North Carolina

Alcohol is on the ballot in this rural NC county, where tourism meets conservative values

Border Belt Independent wins 10 journalism awards

Share Your View: A Community Forum on Your Local News & Info

Lumbee tribe is on a home-building spree in a region that desperately needs housing

Meet the UNC Pembroke professor leading research on Alzheimer's disease

Bringing southeastern North Carolina back to life, one downtown at a time

Robeson County's collaborative effort to fight the opioid epidemic

Is your water safe in Columbus County? Chemical plant urges residents to test wells

Free and cheap stuff to do this summer in North Carolina's Border Belt

Weight loss can be a struggle in rural NC. Just ask these ‘Biggest Loser’ contestants

How Bladen County is giving first-generation college students a head start

Push for a public pool: How recent drownings have reignited an effort in Columbus County

One NC mother's journey to overcome addiction and bring her family back together