Sticky post
Federal funding is especially crucial for low-income schools like those in rural southeastern North Carolina. Read more Continue reading Rural schools in NC’s Border Belt brace for federal funding cuts
Sticky post
Farmers say they’re waiting for payments linked to conservation programs, projects aimed at combating climate change, and disaster loans.Read more Continue reading North Carolina farmers reel from Trump administration payment delays
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Officials are urging caution in much of southeastern North Carolina as wildfires remain a risk during windy conditions. Wildfires have been burning in the region since last week. More than 200 acres burned in the Evergreen community in Columbus County, and other fires broke out near a sawmill in Riegelwood. Robeson County has seen 15 wildfires that burned more than 220 …Read more Continue reading Rain moves into southeastern North Carolina after wildfires
Sticky post
School districts across the Border Belt saw increases in crime and suspension rates in the 2023-2024 school year, although statewide figures declined, according to a report from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Read more Continue reading Border Belt schools see increase in crime, violence and suspensions
Sticky post
Most school districts in North Carolina’s Border Belt experienced more learning loss than the state overall since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, a new report shows. Read more Continue reading Border Belt schools still feel effects of COVID learning loss, new report shows
Sticky post
News of President Donald Trump’s move to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee tribe was met with joy and caution. Read more Continue reading Trump’s push for Lumbee recognition energizes tribe. But could it make a difference?
Sticky post
Robeson County officials have long touted solar farms as a boon for the economically distressed county. Now they are reconsidering. Read more Continue reading Robeson County leads North Carolina in solar farms. How many are too many?
Sticky post
More than 1,500 voters in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties had their votes challenged in the disputed election for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Read more Continue reading More than 1,500 ballots in Border Belt challenged in NC Supreme Court race
Sticky post
Ninety-five people in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties were identified as homeless in 2024, a 90% increase from the prior year. But the real number of unhoused people is likely much higher. Read more Continue reading NC’s Border Belt sees increase in homelessness
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act on Tuesday, moving North Carolina’s largest Native American tribe a step closer to its 136-year fight for full federal recognition. The tribe has gotten this close before, only for the Senate to leave its version of the bill on the table without voting on it. The legislation has been introduced 30 times …Read more Continue reading US House passes Lumbee recognition bill
