A Columbus County sheriff’s currently under investigation for use of force previously resigned after he was charged with assault.
Border Belt Independent
Posted inPolitics & Government
Q&A: Rep. Jarrod Lowery on Lumbee recognition, DEI policies, retirement savings and more
State Rep. Jarrod Lowery, a Robeson County Republican, discusses federal recognition for the Lumbee and more.
Posted inCourts & Justice
The moral of the story
The North Carolina Supreme Court is weighing the deinition of “good moral character” as it relates to an oicer
ired for dishonesty and neglect of duty. The court’s decision could upend occupational licensing in the state.
Posted inEducation
Two former students sue St. Andrews University over sex offender on campus
Two former St. Andrews University students are suing the Laurinburg school, alleging that it knowingly admitted the convicted sex offender who later sexually assaulted them.
Posted inNews
Robeson County sees another drop in traffic fatalities. What has changed?
Robeson County saw a drop in traffic fatalities in 2024 for the third year in a row, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Posted inHealth
Medicaid work requirements will likely be a priority in Congress and NC legislature
By Jaymie Baxley North Carolina Health News With President Donald Trump back in power, a Republican-led push for work requirements for Medicaid is gaining momentum. In recent days, Republican governors in South Carolina, Arkansas and Ohio have sought permission from the federal government to kick jobless beneficiaries off their states’ rolls. Russell T. Vought, nominated by Trump to lead the U.S. […]
Posted inPolitics & Government
Trump’s immigration orders spark fear in NC’s Border Belt
Executive orders from President Donald Trump calling for increased deportation of immigrants are stoking fears across rural southeastern North Carolina.
Posted inCourts & Justice
US attorney resigns, leaving Columbus County corruption probe in limbo
By Sarah Nagem and Carli Brosseau On Wednesday, Eastern North Carolina’s top federal prosecutor, Michael Easley Jr., announced his resignation as part of the Trump administration transition. Easley, who President Joe Biden appointed to be the U.S. attorney for the region in 2021, said he will step down February 3. While stepping down has become […]
Posted inNews
Check out scenes from a rare snow day in North Carolina’s Border Belt
When it snows in southeastern North Carolina, it’s a really big deal. In the Border Belt counties of Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland, social media users posted images from their communities. While the snow might be an exciting opportunity to experience a winter wonderland, state officials are urging caution on the roads. “During winter weather, […]
Posted inNews
Stories that mattered most in NC’s Border Belt in 2024
Looking back at 2024, the Border Belt Independent brought readers in-depth news coverage about the election, the economy, education, health care and so much more. Most importantly, we told stories about people who are making a difference in the community. Here are some of the stories that mattered most to our readers over the past […]