Trump’s immigration orders spark fear in NC’s Border Belt

By Heidi Perez-Moreno and Ben Rappaport Executive orders from President Donald Trump calling for increased deportation of immigrants are stoking fears across rural southeastern North Carolina.  Sheriff’s offices in Bladen and Robeson counties say they will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement as required by federal law. Meanwhile, school districts across the Border Belt say they understand concerns among students and staff.   Bladen County Sheriff …Read more Continue reading Trump’s immigration orders spark fear in NC’s Border Belt

US attorney resigns, leaving Columbus County corruption probe in limbo

By Sarah Nagem and Carli Brosseau On Wednesday, Eastern North Carolina’s top federal prosecutor, Michael Easley Jr., announced his resignation as part of the Trump administration transition. Easley, who President Joe Biden appointed to be the U.S. attorney for the region in 2021, said he will step down February 3.  While stepping down has become standard practice when a new president takes office, Easley’s departure …Read more Continue reading US attorney resigns, leaving Columbus County corruption probe in limbo

Robeson County leads North Carolina in solar farms. How many are too many?

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  A shallow thrum can be heard along U.S. 74 in western Robeson County near a 40-acre solar farm that generates enough electricity to power more than 1,000 homes each year. It’s a familiar sound in Robeson, which has 41 solar farms, more than any other North Carolina county. With mild winters, consistent sunshine and relatively cheap land, the southeastern corner of …Read more Continue reading Robeson County leads North Carolina in solar farms. How many are too many?

Check out scenes from a rare snow day in North Carolina’s Border Belt

When it snows in southeastern North Carolina, it’s a really big deal. In the Border Belt counties of Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland, social media users posted images from their communities. While the snow might be an exciting opportunity to experience a winter wonderland, state officials are urging caution on the roads. “During winter weather, just like in any severe weather situation in our state, …Read more Continue reading Check out scenes from a rare snow day in North Carolina’s Border Belt

More than 1,500 ballots in Border Belt challenged in NC Supreme Court race

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  More than 1,500 voters in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties had their votes challenged in the disputed election for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court.  Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs won the statewide election by 734 votes in November, but her opponent, Republican Jefferson Griffin, challenged the validity of more than 60,000 ballots. Griffin has said he challenged the …Read more Continue reading More than 1,500 ballots in Border Belt challenged in NC Supreme Court race

Court of Appeals rules against Robeson County sweepstakes operator

By Heidi Perez-Moreno heidiperez-moreno@borderbelt.org In a split decision, the N.C. Court of Appeals ruled against a video sweepstakes operator in Robeson County, saying the company’s games violated state gambling laws.  The ruling handed down Dec. 31 dealt the latest blow to video sweepstakes in North Carolina, where state lawmakers have been limiting the industry for two decades.  No Limit Games sued Robeson County, the town …Read more Continue reading Court of Appeals rules against Robeson County sweepstakes operator

Robeson County saw fewer murders in 2024, unofficial tally shows 

By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Robeson County saw a significant drop in reported murders in 2024 after experiencing what might have been a record high the prior year.  Law enforcement agencies in the county investigated at least 41 homicides last year, according to a list compiled by the Border Belt Independent. That’s down from 51 in 2023. (The 2024 figure could change when the State Bureau …Read more Continue reading Robeson County saw fewer murders in 2024, unofficial tally shows 

NC’s Border Belt sees increase in homelessness

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  Ninety-five people in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties were identified as homeless in 2024, a 90% increase from the prior year.  The local numbers, released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, reflect a rise in homelessness across North Carolina and the country. The number of unhoused people in the state increased 19% last year compared to 2023, …Read more Continue reading NC’s Border Belt sees increase in homelessness

UNC Health Southeastern updates maternity ward with a focus on comfort

By Heidi Perez-Moreno heidiperez-moreno@borderbelt.org When Mary Campbell gave birth to her first daughter in 2021, her maternity room at UNC Health Southeastern was cramped and loud. The hospital’s thin walls did little to muffle the sounds of crying babies and foot traffic in the hallways, and Campbell could barely nap during her 36-hour stay.  But when Campbell, who works as an emergency room nurse at …Read more Continue reading UNC Health Southeastern updates maternity ward with a focus on comfort

US House passes Lumbee recognition bill

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act on Tuesday, moving North Carolina’s largest Native American tribe a step closer to its 136-year fight for full federal recognition. The tribe has gotten this close before, only for the Senate to leave its version of the bill on the table without voting on it. The legislation has been introduced 30 times …Read more Continue reading US House passes Lumbee recognition bill