Schools in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties could lose more than $6 million as part a freeze on federal funding.
Ben Rappaport
Ben Rappaport is a reporter at the Border Belt Independent. He is a graduate of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill, and he previously worked for the Chatham News + Record.
Posted inPolitics & Government
Candidate filing is underway for municipal elections in November
By Ben Rappaport The candidate filing period for the November municipal elections began Monday. Those seeking elected office have until noon on July 18 to register their candidacy with their local board of elections. Dozens of seats are up for grabs across Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties. Columbus County has the most in the […]
Posted inPolitics & Government
In the Border Belt, new county budgets reflect economic changes
Some counties in the Border Belt are tightening their spending as pandemic-era federal relief money runs out and costs for services climb.
Posted inPolitics & Government
Robeson County’s shift toward the GOP trickles down to the local level
The Robeson County Board of Commissioners is now ruled by Republicans for the first time in history after three members switched political parties. The move underscores a deeper political shift that has been building in the county for years.
Posted inNews, Business & Economy, Culture
Downtown Lumberton, gritty and historic, looks for new life
Lumberton is seeing downtown revitalization. But there are roadblocks to progress in the Robeson County town.
Posted inNews
Teens grapple with their prospects in rural North Carolina at Whiteville listening session
The Border Belt Independent and local news partners hosted a listening session for young people at The News Reporter office in Whiteville.
Posted inNews, Environment, Politics & Government
PFAS concerns plague the Robeson County Landfill
Robeson County commissioners voted to delay a decision on a potential landfill expansion amid concerns about PFAS.
Posted inCourts & Justice, News, Politics & Government
Judge orders Columbus County sheriff to release additional records
The ongoing legal dispute would give The Assembly and Border Belt Independent access to important public records about former sheriff Jody Greene.
Posted inEducation
Saying goodbye to St. Andrews University
St. Andrews University, which announced its closure last month, had its final graduation ceremony in Laurinburg.
Posted inNews
‘We’re all still in shock’: St. Andrews University to close on May 5
The small private school in Laurinburg has faced the threat of closure for decades. On Friday, school officials told faculty the university will cease operations in less than two weeks.