Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Richmond, Robeson, and Scotland counties are working together on regional solutions to the crisis.
Morgan Casey
Morgan Casey covers health care in southeastern North Carolina for The Assembly Network. She is a Report for America corps member and holds a master's degree in investigative journalism from Arizona State University. You can contact her at morgancasey@borderbelt.org.
Posted inEnvironment
How the Border Belt Will Use Millions of Dollars from Chemours Settlement
The company will pay Bladen, Columbus, and Robeson counties and the city of Lumberton at least $66.4 million over the next decade.
Posted inEnvironment
Chemours to Pay $455 Million for Fayetteville Works Contamination
The company will pay the sum over the next 15 years for contamination caused by its plant on the border of Cumberland and Bladen counties.
Posted inAgriculture
N.C. Cotton Farmers Contend With a New Pest
The cotton jassid is a looming threat to agriculture in North Carolina. Farmers already struggling to stay afloat fear what’s next.
Posted inCourts & Justice
Scotland County Detention Center Has Dire Needs, Local Officials Say
The jail in Laurinburg hasn’t passed a state inspection since 2022. But replacing it poses challenges for the poor county.
Posted inNews
Scotland County Nonprofit Coalition Gets New Life
The group is in a new era but has the same goal: to improve the county’s poor health and economy by maximizing collaboration between local organizations.
Posted inPolitics & Government
Columbus County Still Has ‘Financial Management Issues,’ State Auditor Says
The state, which has been monitoring the county’s finances since 2020, highlighted several concerns in a new report.
Posted inHealth Care
Columbus County Will Get a New Team of Community Paramedics
Officials say a state grant will help the county handle emergency calls for behavioral health issues, including overdoses.
Posted inElections
State Board of Elections to Decide Columbus County’s Early-Voting Sites
The local elections board could not decide whether to open four or five sites ahead of the November election.
Posted inElections
Columbus County Elections Board Might Eliminate Some Early-Voting Sites
Some residents and activists have pushed back against the plan, saying it would limit access for marginalized voters.