

In Red Springs, a flaming robo-vacuum raises concerns about the electric system
Though town officials call the April power surge an ‘Act of God,’ tens of thousands of dollars in lost home appliances and municipal financial documents suggest otherwise. Read more Continue reading In Red Springs, a flaming robo-vacuum raises concerns about the electric system

Some charter schools in the Border Belt are whiter and wealthier than public schools
Two charter schools in the Border Belt enroll a significantly higher percentage of white and wealthier students than the public school districts where they are located, according to a report from Public Schools First NC. Read more Continue reading Some charter schools in the Border Belt are whiter and wealthier than public schools

Talking to North Carolina’s latest Pulitzer Prize winner
UNC-Chapel Hill historian Kathleen DuVal won a Pulitzer Prize for her book Native Nations: A Millennium in North America. We talked to her about keeping history alive and overcoming misconceptions. Read more Continue reading Talking to North Carolina’s latest Pulitzer Prize winner

Food bank in southeastern NC hit with federal funding cuts
The Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina serves several counties, including Bladen and Robeson.Read more Continue reading Food bank in southeastern NC hit with federal funding cuts

Teens grapple with their prospects in rural North Carolina at Whiteville listening session
The Border Belt Independent and local news partners hosted a listening session for young people at The News Reporter office in Whiteville. Read more Continue reading Teens grapple with their prospects in rural North Carolina at Whiteville listening session

Domestic violence organizations in the Border Belt brace for federal cuts
Families First and the Southeastern Family Violence Center say they are already hurting from funding cuts. More could be on the way.Read more Continue reading Domestic violence organizations in the Border Belt brace for federal cuts

Inclusive playground in Scotland County set to unveil by end of this year
A wave of inclusive playground construction across rural southeastern North Carolina looks to make recreation available to all.Read more Continue reading Inclusive playground in Scotland County set to unveil by end of this year

Possible federal cuts to HIV program worry patients and medical providers in NC
Potential federal cuts to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program could affect patients in North Carolina, especially amid Medicaid uncertainty.Read more Continue reading Possible federal cuts to HIV program worry patients and medical providers in NC

For the Tuscarora, tradition and politics clash in quest for state recognition
The Tuscarora created a unified government. The only problem? Many longtime leaders aren’t on board with the plan.Read more Continue reading For the Tuscarora, tradition and politics clash in quest for state recognition

PFAS concerns plague the Robeson County Landfill
Robeson County commissioners voted to delay a decision on a potential landfill expansion amid concerns about PFAS.Read more Continue reading PFAS concerns plague the Robeson County Landfill