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Help the Border Belt Independent kick off our 2022 fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29.Read more Continue reading Support the trusted journalism you’ve come to expect; donate today
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A group of Border Belt-area residents and UNC Pembroke students told journalists Thursday evening that reliable news is hard to come by. Organizers say the forum helped them understand how people get their news, what the barriers are, and what types of stories people want. “To extend better service to communities, news organizations first need to spend time listening to people, understanding their habits, and …Read more Continue reading Journalists hear that people want better access to local news and more stories that focus on solutions
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By Les High Publisher There’s a line from the Apple TV series Ted Lasso in which Ted is told: “The truth will set you free, but first, it will really piss you off.” The truth, however, is hard to come by today. That’s one of the reasons why we founded the Border Belt Independent in May, and why we need your continued support. Newsrooms like …Read more Continue reading Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss a story
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Publisher’s note: This is the third in a multi-part series where the Border Belt Independent looks at what has changed since The News Reporter’s six-part series in 2017 that reported on the opioid crisis and associated mental health issues. Today, Publisher Les High looks at the increase in overdose deaths, particularly during the pandemic, and how overdoses and mental crises strain the resources of the …Read more Continue reading Hospital, EMS seeing ‘a lot more’ overdose deaths
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Pastor Jerome Bullard of the Bridge of Life Church in Leland, N.C., conducted the funerals of his father, brother and son, all of whom died from COVID within a span of 18 days in late July and August. Read more Continue reading Pastor keeps faith despite losing father, brother and son who died from COVID in 18 days
Editor’s note. This is the third of a three-part series on the Lumber River and its potential as an eco-tourism destination. Even though the Lumber River is one of only five rivers in North Carolina designated as “Wild and Scenic” by Congress, the meandering waterway sees limited use except for locals who were raised on it. The Lumber River runs 115 miles from its headwaters …Read more Continue reading The Lumber is one of five ‘Wild and Scenic’ rivers in North Carolina
Part II of a three-part series on Fair Bluff and the lower Lumber River. The UNC Pembroke sustainable farming program. Photos by Les High. The UNC Pembroke Hub helps farmers innovate to meet a changing agricultural landscapeRead more Continue reading The week in pictures
Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part series that features the Lumber River. Part I covered ecotourism possibilities for Lumber River State Park and Fair Bluff. In this story, Publisher Les High talks with Fair Bluff residents who frequent the river. For the people of Fair Bluff, love of the Lumber River comes naturally. The Rev. Ray Lundy, pastor at Fair Bluff Baptist …Read more Continue reading The Lumber River defines wilderness and serenity for those who love it
This video was taken at Red Belly Slough off the Lumber River near Fair Bluff. The BBI is doing a three-part series on the river and its ecotourism possibilities. Look for the second story in the series next week. Video by Les HighRead more Continue reading A chill video to start your weekend
Sarah Nagem will join the staff of the Border Belt Independent as editor June 1. “Sarah brings with her a passion for journalism that gives voice to the most vulnerable people in society,” said BBI Publisher Les High. “Growing up poor in West Virginia, she saw firsthand how generational poverty can limit access to many basic needs, including health care, transportation and education. She is …Read more Continue reading Sarah Nagem named editor of the Border Belt Independent
