Sticky post
Author: Les High
Les High, former editor and publisher of The News Reporter in Whiteville, is the founder and publisher of the Border Belt Independent. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism.
Sticky post
Donate to the Border Belt Independent; contributions matched until Dec. 31
By Les High Since founding the Border Belt Independent in the spring of 2021, we’ve produced in-depth coverage of the issues that impact the livesof people in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties. And we know that journalism like ours is more important than ever. As a nonprofit newsroom, we can’t do this critical work without your help. All of our content is free and …Read more Continue reading Donate to the Border Belt Independent; contributions matched until Dec. 31
Sticky post
Tar Heel Bus Tour makes stop at The News Reporter, Border Belt Independent
By Justin Smith Publisher, The News Reporter A Carolina blue bus filled with more than three dozen faculty members and senior administrators from UNC Chapel Hill stopped at The News Reporter Wednesday to learn about community journalism. The group, joined by Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, was part of the multi-day Tar Heel Bus Tour, which sends one bus on a westward route from Chapel Hill and …Read more Continue reading Tar Heel Bus Tour makes stop at The News Reporter, Border Belt Independent
Sticky post
Support the trusted journalism you’ve come to expect; donate today
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
Sticky post
Journalists hear that people want better access to local news and more stories that focus on solutions
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
Sticky post
Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss a story
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
Sticky post
Hospital, EMS seeing ‘a lot more’ overdose deaths
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
Sticky post
Pastor keeps faith despite losing father, brother and son who died from COVID in 18 days
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
The Lumber is one of five ‘Wild and Scenic’ rivers in North Carolina
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
The week in pictures
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