Fewer teachers are leaving schools in rural southeastern NC, data shows

Border Belt school districts saw lower teacher attrition rates in 2024 than in recent years, but vacancies continued to increase. Read more Continue reading Fewer teachers are leaving schools in rural southeastern NC, data shows

PFAS found in dust of homes in Bladen and Cumberland counties near Chemours plant

Dust containing PFAS has been detected in homes in Bladen and Cumberland counties near the Chemours facility.Read more Continue reading PFAS found in dust of homes in Bladen and Cumberland counties near Chemours plant

Residents with private wells in Lumberton and Pembroke can get their water tested by Chemours for PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”Read more Continue reading Expanded well testing for PFAS: what you need to know

Nearly 200 students from wealthier families are using taxpayer-funded vouchers to attend private schools this year in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties, data shows. Read more Continue reading More students are using private school vouchers in rural southeastern NC

Bladen and Columbus counties are expected to see significant growth in the next five years, newly released projections show. Read more Continue reading Bladen and Columbus counties are set to grow by 2030, state projections show

Two NC Black men, the late Sanford Thurman and Vincent Spaulding , came close to making it big with their inventions. Read more Continue reading Local Black inventors find the path to riches and fame is tough

Federal funding is especially crucial for low-income schools like those in rural southeastern North Carolina. Read more Continue reading Rural schools in NC’s Border Belt brace for federal funding cuts

Farmers say they’re waiting for payments linked to conservation programs, projects aimed at combating climate change, and disaster loans.Read more Continue reading North Carolina farmers reel from Trump administration payment delays

North Carolina churches are raising concerns that letting ICE enforce within congregations will deter immigrants from attending worship services and make it harder to offer a safe community haven. Many of those fears are already being realized. Read more Continue reading Trump immigration orders fuel isolation for immigrant parishioners

School districts across the Border Belt saw increases in crime and suspension rates in the 2023-2024 school year, although statewide figures declined, according to a report from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Read more Continue reading Border Belt schools see increase in crime, violence and suspensions