Month: April 2024

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Politics / Government, Robeson County, Scotland County

Gambling, immigration, education among priorities for lawmakers in NC’s Border Belt

By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org State Sen. Danny Britt says video gambling is one of his top priorities for the current legislative session — and although top Republican leaders have said casinos likely won’t be considered, he’s not giving up on the idea of an “entertainment center” with a casino in southeastern North Carolina.  The Republican-led legislature could decide whether to legalize video slot machines during …Read more Continue reading Gambling, immigration, education among priorities for lawmakers in NC’s Border Belt

Sarah NagemSarah Nagem
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Scotland County

Scenes from the Special Olympics in Scotland County

By Les High If only most sporting experiences could be as carefree and joyful as the Special Olympics Scotland County— an event where placing first usually comes second to cheerful high fives from volunteers, sharing joy with classmates, and snack time. That’s not to say the athletes don’t try their hardest. It’s easy to see the desire and determination they sprint to the finish line …Read more Continue reading Scenes from the Special Olympics in Scotland County

Les High
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Politics / Government, Scotland County

In rural Scotland County, voters say candidates must show up to gain their support

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  When Scotland High opened in the late 1960s as an integrated school, Marie Willis’s cousins, who are Black, got into fights with white students. Her cousins were expelled, while the white kids faced few consequences. Then, North Carolina civil rights attorneys Julius Chambers and Adam Stein stepped in and got the expulsions reversed.  It’s a story that has stuck with Willis. …Read more Continue reading In rural Scotland County, voters say candidates must show up to gain their support

Avatar photoBen Rappaport
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Bladen County, Columbus County, Education, Robeson County, Scotland County

Here’s how high schools in NC’s Border Belt performed in latest rankings

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org  Scotland Early College High School in Laurinburg is the 70th best public high school in North Carolina, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The school far out-ranked other public high schools in the Border Belt region of Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties. PSRC Early College at Robeson Community College ranked 168th. All others fell below the …Read more Continue reading Here’s how high schools in NC’s Border Belt performed in latest rankings

Rachel Baldauf
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News, Politics / Government, Robeson County

Two Robeson County commissioners are accused of bribing voters in primary election

By Ben Rappaport and Paul Woolverton This story was co-published by The Assembly, CityView and the Border Belt Independent. Update: Superior Court Judge Hoyt Tessener issued a temporary pause April 23 on the election results between Lacy Cummings and Judy Sampson. A hearing is scheduled for April 29 in Raleigh. Two Robeson County commissioners are accused of bribing at least 21 voters in the March …Read more Continue reading Two Robeson County commissioners are accused of bribing voters in primary election

Avatar photoBen Rappaport
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Bladen County, Politics / Government

Protested election in Bladen County is a reminder of past troubles

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  An election dispute following the March primary highlights ongoing criticism of the electoral process in Bladen County, which made national headlines six years ago amid ballot-harvesting accusations.       The Rev. Keith Graham lost the Democratic primary for the Bladen County Board of Commissioners’ District 1 seat by 31 votes on March 5. He filed an election protest, calling for a new election …Read more Continue reading Protested election in Bladen County is a reminder of past troubles

Avatar photoBen Rappaport
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Bladen County, Columbus County, News, Robeson County, Scotland County

Thousands of southeastern NC residents will likely lose discount for internet service 

By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Tens of thousands of people in rural southeastern North Carolina are set to lose access to a federal program that helps pay for internet service. The Affordable Connectivity Program allows eligible residents to save up to $30 on their monthly internet bill. But the program for low-income families is set to end in May unless Congress agrees to extend its funding. …Read more Continue reading Thousands of southeastern NC residents will likely lose discount for internet service 

Sarah NagemSarah Nagem
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Columbus County, Economy

‘Red Whiteville and Blue’ film follows fight for income equality in Columbus County

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org  Patriotic Millionaires, a political advocacy group run by a group of wealthy Americans who want higher taxes for the rich, went to the N.C. Pecan Harvest Festival in Whiteville in November 2022 to ask fairgoers a question: What do you think about the economy? The group was in the midst of launching a pilot program aimed at engaging local voters in …Read more Continue reading ‘Red Whiteville and Blue’ film follows fight for income equality in Columbus County

Rachel Baldauf
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Bladen County, Columbus County, Culture, Profile

Q&A with Terry Mann: Jewish synagogue donation honors close relationship with communities

By Kerria Weaver kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org Terry Mann believes in giving back to the community while also making sure the Jewish community is recognized and remembered.  Mann and other Jewish families who were members of the Beth Israel Synagogue came together earlier this year to donate $200,000 to the Southeastern Community College Foundation and Bladen Community College.  Mann, 71, currently serves as the mayor of Whiteville. For …Read more Continue reading Q&A with Terry Mann: Jewish synagogue donation honors close relationship with communities

Kerria Weaver
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Public Safety, Robeson County

Robeson County residents want to create a safer community. But how?

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  It’s been 1,214 days since Stephanie Minnigan-Judd got a good night’s sleep. Her son, Tahleel, was just 25 when he was shot and killed in Robeson County in December 2020. Nearly three and a half years later, the man charged in the case has not gone on trial.  “The things that go on in this county are just unimaginable,” she said. …Read more Continue reading Robeson County residents want to create a safer community. But how?

Avatar photoBen Rappaport