Category: News

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Columbus County, News, Politics / Government

Mark Robinson, under-fire candidate for NC governor, finds support in Columbus County

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Dot Gore knows Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has a history of making controversial comments. But Gore said she believes Robinson is a good person at his core, which is why she plans to vote for him for governor in November.  Robinson has drawn criticism for his remarks on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and more. A report by CNN last month said …Read more Continue reading Mark Robinson, under-fire candidate for NC governor, finds support in Columbus County

Avatar photoBen Rappaport
News, Politics / Government

Hurricane Helene brings climate change to forefront of the presidential campaign

By Matthew Daly Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene has brought climate change to the forefront of the presidential campaign after the issue lingered on the margins for months. Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Georgia Wednesday to see hard-hit areas, two days after her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, was in the state and criticized the federal response …Read more Continue reading Hurricane Helene brings climate change to forefront of the presidential campaign

Border Belt Independent
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Columbus County, Education, News

‘Not enough dentists’: Border Belt counties need better access to dental care

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org  On any given day throughout the school year, you’re likely to see a blue and white recreation vehicle parked outside a public school in Columbus County. It’s the Toothmobile, a mobile dental clinic that serves more than 1,000 students each year. Students can visit the Toothmobile during the school hours for cleanings, fillings and other critical dental procedures. Those without dental …Read more Continue reading ‘Not enough dentists’: Border Belt counties need better access to dental care

Rachel Baldauf
Bladen County, Columbus County, Culture, News, Robeson County

More Hispanic residents are moving to NC’s shrinking Border Belt region

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  It was a beautifully chaotic day for Alma Cruz. Acoustic guitars and trumpets played mariachi tunes as the 29-year-old ran around downtown Lumberton in her bright yellow, floral Tehuana dress, honoring her roots in Oaxaca, Mexico, during the Hispanic Cultural Festival. Cruz organized the inaugural event, which took place Sept. 14 and featured Latin food trucks, traditional dances, musical performances and …Read more Continue reading More Hispanic residents are moving to NC’s shrinking Border Belt region

Avatar photoBen Rappaport
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Columbus County, News

Why we’re suing Columbus County

By Carli Brosseau and Sarah Nagem Last year, we revealed that dozens of people had been subpoenaed as part of a wide-ranging federal investigation into abuses of power on the part of former Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene and some of his deputies. Greene, who made national news after a local TV station aired a recorded phone call in which he referred to deputies as …Read more Continue reading Why we’re suing Columbus County

Border Belt Independent
News

Border Belt Independent wins 5 awards from NC Press Association

The Border Belt Independent won five awards at the North Carolina Press Association’s annual ceremony on Thursday. Editor Sarah Nagem and reporters Rachel Baldauf and Ben Rappaport won individual awards. So did Ivey Schofield, who left the BBI last year to attend law school, and Kerria Weaver, who was an intern at BBI before accepting a job with The Arizona Republic in Phoenix. The BBI …Read more Continue reading Border Belt Independent wins 5 awards from NC Press Association

Border Belt Independent
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Bladen County, Columbus County, Health, News, Robeson County, Scotland County

CDC unveils strategic plan aimed at combating rural health issues

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org  The Office of Rural Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled a new strategic plan last week aimed at combating health issues in rural areas across the country. The new plan, which was developed alongside local partners like the N.C. Office of Rural Health, outlines a vision for the next five years to combat health issues like obesity, …Read more Continue reading CDC unveils strategic plan aimed at combating rural health issues

Rachel Baldauf
Columbus County, News

Scenes from Columbus County, where heavy rain caused flooding

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Heavy rains pummeled Columbus County on Monday, flooding roadways and leading to water rescues. The county saw 8.5 inches of rain in 24 hours, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Coastal North Carolina communities saw the most flooding from “Potential Tropical Cyclone #8,” but rain pelted much of the state on Monday. Bladen County got 3.5 inches of rain, Robeson County …Read more Continue reading Scenes from Columbus County, where heavy rain caused flooding

Avatar photoBen Rappaport
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Education, News, Robeson County

UNC Pembroke, known for its diversity, eliminates DEI office

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, one of the most diverse colleges in the South, dissolved its diversity office to comply with a new policy that eliminated diversity and inclusion mandates throughout the UNC System. As part of the change, UNC Pembroke eliminated two positions: director of student inclusion and diversity and American Indian liaison to the chancellor. In addition, …Read more Continue reading UNC Pembroke, known for its diversity, eliminates DEI office

Rachel Baldauf
Bladen County, Education, News, Public Safety

Parents question schools after Bladen County bus driver accused of multiple sex crimes

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Some Bladen County parents say the school district should have done more to protect students from a school bus driver who is accused of sexually assaulting several young girls.    The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on April 10 after a student told a school employee she was sexually assaulted by David Earl Denkins on the bus on the way to …Read more Continue reading Parents question schools after Bladen County bus driver accused of multiple sex crimes

Rachel Baldauf