Category: Scotland County

Bladen County, Columbus County, Elections, News, Recent Stories, Robeson County, Scotland County

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

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Justice, News, Public Safety, Recent Stories, Robeson County, Scotland County

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 

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Economy, News, Recent Stories, Robeson County, Scotland County

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

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Bladen County, Columbus County, News, Robeson County, Scotland County

Stories that mattered most in NC’s Border Belt in 2024

Looking back at 2024, the Border Belt Independent brought readers in-depth news coverage about the election, the economy, education, health care and so much more. Most importantly, we told stories about people who are making a difference in the community. Here are some of the stories that mattered most to our readers over the past year. ‘Feel more pain’: Southeastern NC is at the heart …Read more Continue reading Stories that mattered most in NC’s Border Belt in 2024

Border Belt Independent
Elections, Politics / Government, Scotland County

In major shift, Republicans gain majority on Scotland County Board of Commissioners

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  For the first time in modern history, Republicans will hold a majority of the seats on the Scotland County Board of Commissioners.  Democratic incumbents John Alford and Darrell “BJ” Gibson lost their seats on Election Day to Republican challengers Tanya Edge and Jeff Shelley, respectively. An open at-large seat vacated by Whit Gibson, who is an unaffiliated voter, was filled by …Read more Continue reading In major shift, Republicans gain majority on Scotland County Board of Commissioners

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Elections, Robeson County, Scotland County

Rural southeastern NC gets more red, even as Democrats win key state races

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  Democrat Josh Stein trounced Mark Robinson in the North Carolina governor’s race, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at unofficial results in rural southeastern North Carolina.  Voters in Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties picked Robinson, the Republican candidate whose campaign took a huge hit in September when CNN reported that he called himself a “Black Nazi” and made other disturbing …Read more Continue reading Rural southeastern NC gets more red, even as Democrats win key state races

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Elections, Politics / Government, Robeson County, Scotland County

Incumbents in NC’s Border Belt keep seats in NC General Assembly 

By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Voters in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties elected their representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly to new terms. Every state legislature incumbent in the four-county region who was up for re-election won on Tuesday, according to unofficial results from the state Board of Elections.  To keep up with more election news, sign up for our free newsletter. None of the …Read more Continue reading Incumbents in NC’s Border Belt keep seats in NC General Assembly 

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Elections, Robeson County, Scotland County

Rural southeastern NC, already known for low voter turnout, sees further drop

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  Voter turnout in rural southeastern North Carolina was lower this year than it was in the 2020 general election, unofficial results show.  All of the Border Belt counties — Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland — saw fewer voters than in 2020 and lagged behind the statewide turnout rate of 73%, according to unofficial vote counts from the North Carolina State Board …Read more Continue reading Rural southeastern NC, already known for low voter turnout, sees further drop

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Bladen County, Columbus County, Elections, Politics / Government, Robeson County, Scotland County

2024 election results in North Carolina

From Border Belt staff Below are the election results in North Carolina, including the races for president, governor and other statewide seats as published by the Associated Press. Included are races that are relevant in Bladen, Columbus Robeson, and Scotland counties, including the 7th and 8th congressional districts and several races for the state General Assembly. Not included are local races for school boards and …Read more Continue reading 2024 election results in North Carolina

Border Belt Independent
Bladen County, Columbus County, Elections, Politics / Government, Robeson County, Scotland County

Where the candidates stand on key issues in NC’s 7th and 8th congressional districts

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org  Republican David Rouzer, who has represented North Carolina’s 7th Congressional district since 2014, is running for another term in office.  Rouzer is a staunch conservative who has criticized President Joe Biden’s policies and expressed doubts about the fairness of the 2020 election. His challenger, Marlando Pridgen, a Whiteville Democrat, is a political newcomer whose campaign focuses on environmental justice and bringing …Read more Continue reading Where the candidates stand on key issues in NC’s 7th and 8th congressional districts

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