Data Point: Finding Childcare in Rural Communities
The number of so-called childcare deserts are increasing in rural communities across the United States, according to a new report.
RECENT STORIES
Is the Lumbee Casino Plan Dead?
Two days after tribal members voted against a constitutional amendment that would have opened the door to gaming, the tribal council directed its attorney to explore other “legal pathways.”
State Board of Elections to Decide Columbus County’s Early-Voting Sites
The local elections board could not decide whether to open four or five sites ahead of the November election.
Scotland and Bladen Counties Can’t Use New Property Values
A new state law that mandates a one-year moratorium on property tax rate increases in some counties has led to budget uncertainty.
Lumbee Tribe Rejects Amendment Opening the Door for a Casino
Tribal leaders said a casino could bring jobs to rural southeastern N.C., but critics worried about speed and transparency.
Helping Homeless Residents in the Border Belt
The Whiteville police chief wants to connect people experiencing homelessness with social workers who can help them.
What’s in My Weed?
Our investigation found many hemp products for sale don’t have the THC levels they claim—but do contain bacteria and other contaminants.
Robeson County Commissioners Decline to Censure Chairman for Controversial Post
David Edge apologized on June 15 for sharing an “offensive” meme about President Barack Obama.
‘We Just Want Clean Water.’ Residents Sue Robeson County Over Landfill Contamination
The lawsuit, filed in federal district court, alleges the county has known for years that the landfill leaches PFAS into drinking water.
Politics / Government
Casino Vote Divides Lumbee Tribe
Some tribal members say they support gaming but question who should hold the power to make big decisions.
Popular Police Chief’s Resignation Ignites Firestorm in Red Springs
Some community members say they want the town manager to quit or be fired and the police chief to return.
Crowded N.C. Jails Grapple with Iryna’s Law
Some law enforcement officials and district attorneys say the law has put strain on local jails without providing more resources.
Data Point: Border Belt’s Biggest Cities See Population Losses
Meanwhile, some smaller towns grew or held steady between 2020 and 2025, Census figures show.
Education
UNC Pembroke Wants To Train More STEM Teachers
A new program will offer free tuition to students who pledge to teach math and science in the Sandhills.
North Carolina’s Medical School Boom
New schools in Charlotte and Fayetteville—and soon Wilmington—could help ease the state’s doctor shortage.
Bladen County School Closure Puts Summer Camp at Risk
Men and Women United for Youth and Families hosts a 10-week program at East Arcadia School, which will close in June.
Data Point: How Many Border Belt Students Get Private School Vouchers?
More students in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties received taxpayer-funded Opportunity Scholarships this year.
Health
UNC Health Southeastern Partners with Local Nonprofit to Improve Care
The director of the Robeson County Church and Community Center director called the partnership “revolutionary” for health care access in rural areas.
What the Medicaid Deal Means for the Border Belt
The legislature approved $319 million to keep the program afloat for more than 3 million recipients across North Carolina.
Behavioral Health Urgent Care Set to Open in Robeson County
The facility will be open 24 hours a day to help patients who are experiencing a mental health or substance misuse crisis.
State Approves Plans for Two Hospitals Near Brunswick-Columbus County Line
N.C. regulators gave the preliminary go-ahead to Columbus Regional Healthcare System and Novant Health to build hospitals seven miles apart.