Most public school districts in the Border Belt saw academic gains last school year, but scores were below pre-pandemic and statewide figures.
Heidi Perez-Moreno
Heidi Perez-Moreno covers education and more at the Border Belt Independent. She is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and previously worked at The Washington Post.
Posted inEducation
With new year, Border Belt School Leaders Are Frustrated by Federal Funding Whiplash
Uncertainty surrounding federal money for schools has led to sleepless nights and contingency plans for school leaders in rural southeastern NC.
Posted inCourts & Justice
Talking to the First Lumbee to Lead North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Carma Locklear Henson talks bout her new role, federal recognition for the Lumbee tribe and her passion for advocating for elderly residents.
Posted inNews
Developer Wants to Build 25 homes in Bladen County
The Bladen County Planning Board OK’d a plan by the Home Ownership Center to build a subdivision on 20 acres off N.C. 242.
Posted inEducation
New $22 million automotive facility will open at Southeastern Community College
Southeastern Community College in Columbus County will break ground on a STEM facility focused on careers in automotive technology.
Posted inBusiness & Economy
Bladen County business owners share ideas and challenges
By Heidi Perez-Moreno Sonya Hillburn used three decades of retirement and personal savings to open Above & Beyond Wellness & Medical Spa in Elizabethtown in 2021. Local banks refused to give her a business loan, she said, since she could not prove the business would make money. It took two years for Hillburn, a nurse […]
Posted inPolitics & Government
North Carolina Democratic Party Tries to Organize Rural Voters
The party is hosting listening sessions in rural North Carolina counties in an effort to rally voters ahead of the 2026 midterm election.
Posted inEnvironment
FEMA cancels $11 million for flood mitigation projects in Columbus and Robeson counties
The Federal Emergency Management Agency canceled more than $200 million, including nearly $11 million in Columbus and Robeson counties. State Attorney General Jackson is suing.
Posted inHealth
Behavioral Health Urgent Care Hopes to Fill Critical Need in Robeson County
Southeastern Integrated Care will operate the center, which is funded by Trillium and is expected to open by the end of 2025.
Posted inNews
Alligator ‘incident’ reignites safety concerns in Lake Waccamaw
A 12-year-old girl was injured by an alligator in the Columbus County lake in June. But Wildlife officials say alligators encounters are rare.