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.
RECENT STORIES
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 nutrition survey.
Climate Change’s Compounding Pressures on Rural N.C.
Areas like Robeson County face some of the greatest climate risks, but have fewer resources to cope.
Politics / Government
Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Says it Worked with ICE on Traffic Checkpoint
A sheriff’s spokesperson said deputies arrested two people on drug charges on September 24. An immigration advocacy group says more people were detained.
Columbus County Considers a Moratorium on Data Centers
County commissioners will host a public hearing on October 5 as more North Carolina communities weigh potential regulations.
State Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Robeson County Sweepstakes Case
The attorney for a video sweepstakes operator says the state Court of Appeals was wrong to ban kiosks in Robeson County.
Preventing Youth Crime in Robeson County
The sheriff’s office launched a program over the summer aimed at helping young people make good decisions and understand consequences.
Education
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.
Robeson County Parents Say Teacher Threw Objects at Students
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two parents say a fifth-grade teacher at Pembroke Elementary acted aggressively.
Data Point: Wheels on the Bus Go Round
Now that a new school year is underway, we looked at what it takes to transport thousands of Border Belt students .
Robeson County Schools Are Off State’s Low-Performing List For First Time In Years
The public school district improved its state test scores and graduation rate. Other districts in the Border Belt also saw improvements.
Health
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.
The Lumbee Tribe Wants Better Health Care. It May Be On Its Own.
Researchers and health care providers say money from the Indian Health Service won’t be enough to meet the tribe’s needs.
Scotland County Nonprofit Coalition Gets New Life
The group is in a new era but has the same goal: to improve the county’s poor health and economy by maximizing collaboration between local…