North Carolina’s newly passed budget includes money for eight new public defense districts, including one in the southeastern region.
Border Belt Independent
Posted inNews
In rural Bladen County, schism in United Methodist Church hits close to home
Elizabethtown used to be home to six United Methodist churches. Today, there is one. Many UMC congregations have voted to disaffiliate.
Posted inNews
NC prison staffer sounds alarm on overcrowding, neglect at Scotland Correctional
An email from a prisoner to NC Newsline describes disturbing, inhumane conditions at Scotland Correctional Institution in Laurinburg.
Posted inEnvironment
Climate change makes life along the Lumber River uncertain. Here’s why some stay
Climate change is making life along the Lumber River more uncertain. But for many people, moving isn’t a meaningful option.
Posted inCourts & Justice
How NC’s Border Belt counties reduced court backlogs caused by pandemic
Bladen, Columbus, Scotland and Robeson counties have seen drops in court case backlogs since the height of COVID.
Posted inNews
Idalia causes power outages, flooding, road closures in southeastern North Carolina
Tropical Storm Idalia left thousands of people without power Thursday morning as flooding and downed trees closed roads across the region.
Posted inHealth
Bladen County students will get access to behavioral health care through new program
UNC Health is partnering with Bladen County Schools to give students access to behavioral health care through a pilot program.
Posted inNews
Border Belt Independent wins 8 awards from NC Press Association
The Border Belt Independent won eight awards at the North Carolina Press Association’s annual ceremony on Thursday.
Posted inCourts & Justice
Innocence commission refers 2017 Robeson County murder conviction to 3-judge panel
The NC Innocence Inquiry Commission voted to refer a 2017 Robeson County murder conviction to a three-judge panel.
Posted inBusiness & Economy
Business is booming along future I-74 in NC’s Border Belt. What’s next for upgrades?
Economic development officials say good things are happening along the future I-74 corridor in southern North Carolina.