Lumberton Residents Say They Don’t Want a Data Center
The City Council is set to vote Monday on an ordinance to regulate data centers as the town works with an interested developer.
RECENT STORIES
A Blue Wave in Scotland County
The rural county in southeastern North Carolina has shifted to the political right in recent years, but Democrats won big on Tuesday.
A House on Fire
Democrats thought they might pick up one U.S. House seat in North Carolina in 2026. It could be as many as seven.
Robeson County Election Results
See the latest election results from Robeson County.
Scotland County Election Results
See the latest election results from Scotland County.
Columbus County Election Results
See the latest election results from Columbus County.
Bladen County Election Results
See the latest election results from Bladen County.
Poll Worker Printed Wrong Ballots in Bladen County, Officials say
Election officials said an “administrative error” forced them to replicate 29 early-voting ballots that listed an incorrect precinct.
UNC System Enacts Restrictions on Automatic License Plate Readers
The public university system issued new requirements for campuses using tools like Flock cameras.
Politics / Government
Why Patriotic Millionaires Went All-In on a Columbus County State House Race
The national group is targeting Republican Rep. Brenden Jones in its only candidate-focused effort this year.
A Taxing Proposal
Republican leaders say proposed constitutional amendments will save taxpayers money, but critics warn of long-term consequences.
Data Point: Reported Crimes in the Border Belt
The number of reported crimes in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties fell from 2019 to 2025.
Local Government Commission Takes Over Rowland’s Finances
The watchdog group said the Robeson County town did not have a strong enough long-term plan to fix its money troubles.
Education
Facing Backlash, Robeson County Group Maintains Pre-K Funding
The Robeson County Partnership for Children voted on Friday to continue its relationship with the local school district for the Shining Stars program.
St. Andrews University Campus Can Be Sold Under Bankruptcy Deal
Unable to raise enough money, the Scotland Development Corporation will hand over the campus to creditors.
Columbus County Educators Want to Help Public School Students Through New Tax Program
The Columbus County Educational Opportunity Foundation hopes to garner tax-deductible donations so students can access tutoring and other services.
East Arcadia Residents Oppose Potential Sale of School Building
The Bladen County school board voted to sell East Arcadia School, which it closed in June. But the community is pushing back.
Health
Robeson County Gets $3 Million to Bring Addiction Treatment to the Streets
The county will receive federal funding to help homeless residents struggling with substance use disorders.
National Health Survey Comes to Southeastern North Carolina
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will collect data from residents in Scotland, Richmond, and Hoke counties as part of an annual health and…
New Collaboration Hopes to Tackle Opioid Epidemic in Southeastern N.C.
Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Richmond, Robeson, and Scotland counties are working together on regional solutions to the crisis.
How North Carolina Wasted the Chance To Fix Hog Pollution
Some say a pact between the state and Smithfield Foods “failed miserably.” Those who worked on the agreement explain why.