What’s in the State Budget for the Border Belt?
The spending plan lawmakers released this week includes millions of dollars for local initiatives.
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.
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.
Helping Homeless Residents in the Border Belt
The Whiteville police chief wants to connect people experiencing homelessness with social workers who can help them.
UNC Pembroke Wants To Train More STEM Teachers
A new program will offer free tuition to students who pledge to teach math and science in the Sandhills.
Data Point: How Many Border Belt Students Get Private School Vouchers?
More students in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties received taxpayer-funded Opportunity Scholarships this year.
Drought, Rising Fuel Costs Strain North Carolina Farmers
Despite recent rainfall, the state is experiencing the worst drought in nearly two decades.
More Columbus County Coverage
Border Belt Counties Push Back Against Proposed Changes to Property Taxes
Local leaders say counties should determine property revaluations and tax rates, not the North Carolina legislature.
What the Medicaid Deal Means for the Border Belt
The legislature approved $319 million to keep the program afloat for more than 3 million recipients across North Carolina.
Small Airports in Rural Southeastern N.C. Are Expanding
The Laurinburg-Maxton Airport plans to open a new terminal to keep up with demand and potentially attract aviation businesses.
Why Border Belt Counties Lag Behind Wealthier Communities in School Funding
The gap between the richest and poorest schools continues to widen, even as low-wealth counties tax themselves more heavily, a report shows.
State Approves Plans for Two Hospitals Near Brunswick-Columbus County Line
N.C. regulators gave the preliminary go-ahead to Columbus Regional Healthcare System and Novant Health to build hospitals seven miles apart.
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