By Jacob Biba This story was produced in partnership with the Garrison Project. In February and early March, a Johnston County Superior Court judge held an evidentiary hearing related to a claim filed by Hasson Bacote that race played an impermissible role in the jury selection of his first-degree murder conviction and death sentence.  For nearly 14 years, Bacote, a Black man, has sought relief …Read more Continue reading In historic NC hearing, Joe Freeman Britt’s troubled past as prosecutor looms

By Lisa Sorg This story was originally published by NC Newsline. On its face, the Emerging Technology Institute in Red Springs, in northwestern Robeson County, promotes STEM education — wowing school kids with drones and dog robots. But behind the scenes, the well-connected defense contractor reveals its other mission: Offering military-style urban and rural tactical training with role players and drones. Rifle and pistol marksmanship. Exercises in countering “emerging threats.” A …Read more Continue reading Robeson County company got state funds for STEM classes. It also does military training

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust renewed a three-year, $495,000 grant for the Border Belt Independent, the trust recently announced. “Our journalism is funded by grants like these and donations from readers,” said Publisher Les High. “We do not sell advertising, and all content is free. Without the support of organizations like the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and others, there would be no Border …Read more Continue reading Reynolds Trust renews three-year grant for Border Belt Independent

By Carli Brosseau and Sarah Nagem This story is co-published by The Assembly and the Border Belt Independent. Not three months after Bill Rogers accepted an appointment as Columbus County sheriff, he received a subpoena to testify before a federal grand jury in Raleigh.  At the center of the investigation was his predecessor as the county’s top law enforcement officer, Jody Greene. Rogers had known …Read more Continue reading Clouds over Columbus County