Scotland County Detention Center Has Dire Needs, Local Officials Say
The jail in Laurinburg hasn’t passed a state inspection since 2022. But replacing it poses challenges for the poor county.
RECENT STORIES
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 organizations.
Funding Model for Students With Disabilities Leaves Some N.C. Schools Scrambling
Public school leaders and advocates say the state should revamp the way it pays for exceptional children’s programs.
Is North Carolina Ready for an Invasion of Bee-Killing Hornets?
After creeping north for three years, the yellow-legged hornet has arrived. Both hobbyists and professional beekeepers are gearing up for a fight.
New Work Rules Could Drop Thousands of Sick N.C. Residents From Medicaid
People with serious illnesses will need a doctor to verify twice a year that they’re too sick to work, or they risk losing their health insurance.
Columbus County Still Has ‘Financial Management Issues,’ State Auditor Says
The state, which has been monitoring the county’s finances since 2020, highlighted several concerns in a new report.
Border Belt Independent Wins State Reporting Awards
The North Carolina Press Association will honor winners at a September 10 dinner.
They Harvest the Nation’s Food, But a New Rule May Strip Them of Health Insurance
New work requirements could could pose a significant challenge to Medicaid-eligible farmworkers, who
Politics / Government
State Board Dismisses Columbus County Election Complaint
The complaint accused the local elections board chair of failing to provide virtual access to a meeting.
Chemours Settles Forever Chemicals Lawsuit Out of Court
More than 2,600 plaintiffs sued the chemical manufacturer for releasing GenX and other PFAS into the Cape Fear River.
Rising Costs for State Health Plan Strain Local Budgets
Whiteville officials said they had to raise taxes to keep up with the insurance program for government employees. Meanwhile, Columbus County workers won’t get raises.
Columbus County Will Get a New Team of Community Paramedics
Officials say a state grant will help the county handle emergency calls for behavioral health issues, including overdoses.
Education
In Some Parts of N.C., Majority-Black Public Schools Are First on the Chopping Block
Studies have found districts tend to close schools that serve minority students first. The closure of a Bladen County school highlights the impact.
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.
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.
Health
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.
‘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.
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.