The cotton jassid is a looming threat to agriculture in North Carolina. Farmers already struggling to stay afloat fear what’s next.
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 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.
Posted inNews
Helping Homeless Residents in the Border Belt
The Whiteville police chief wants to connect people experiencing homelessness with social workers who can help them.
Posted inEnvironment
‘We Just Want Clean Water.’ Residents Sue Robeson County Over Landfill Contamination
The lawsuit, filed in federal district court, alleges the county has known for years that the landfill leaches PFAS into drinking water.
Posted inEnvironment
Bladenboro Gets $1.6 Million to Prevent Flooding
The project, funded by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, aims to improve drainage and keep water away from downtown.