Why some Black men are hesitant to vote for Harris, according to rural NC activists
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Marlando Pridgen, who is running for North Carolina’s 7th Congressional district, has a theory about why fewer Black voters are casting early ballots and missing out on the opportunity to support presidential candidate Kamala Harris ahead of Election Day. “In the churches,” he said, “there is this mindset of women not having a meaningful place in leadership.” About 44,500 fewer Black …Read more Continue reading Why some Black men are hesitant to vote for Harris, according to rural NC activists
As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives
By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Grace Gerberry has been riding horses since she was big enough to sit up on one. When it came time to choose a college, a Google search led her to St. Andrews University in North Carolina. After talking with the roughly 40 members of the school’s equestrian program, which boasts a 300-acre facility, nearly 70 horses and a reputation for success, …Read more Continue reading As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives
Election officials step up security in rural southeastern North Carolina
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Wanda Monroe, the elections director in Bladen County, wasn’t expecting any security threats at the polls this year. But she wanted to be proactive. “We did have a meeting with all the law enforcement agencies in our county and emergency management teams to discuss safety issues that could arise,” Monroe said. Chief judges responsible for the county’s voting precincts underwent “extensive …Read more Continue reading Election officials step up security in rural southeastern North Carolina
Garland Pierce, a lone Democrat in a swath of red, wants to keep his NC House seat
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Garland Pierce might feel a little lonely these days. Pierce, a 20-year political veteran, is the only Democrat in the state legislature representing any county in the 200-mile stretch between Charlotte and Wilmington along North Carolina’s southern border. Once a textile and manufacturing hub, the area was a sure thing for Democrats for decades until more rural voters shifted to the …Read more Continue reading Garland Pierce, a lone Democrat in a swath of red, wants to keep his NC House seat
Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs
By Rachel Baldauf Eric Cromartie III thrived at Lumberton High School, where he maintained a grade point average above 4.0 and received academic awards. Cromartie, who has autism, graduated in 2022, although his mother, Selena McMillan, had thought he would return to Lumberton High the next school year in accordance with his individualized education program. Frustrated, McMillan filed a petition with the N.C. Office of …Read more Continue reading Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs
Early voting turnout in NC’s Border Belt lags behind statewide surge
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org North Carolina has seen record highs for in-person early voter turnout so far this election, but most of the Border Belt counties are lagging behind the rest of the state. Columbus and Scotland counties both had a turnout rate of about 12% as of Sunday, after three days of early in-person voting, according to the state Board of Elections. Robeson County …Read more Continue reading Early voting turnout in NC’s Border Belt lags behind statewide surge
Donald Trump Jr. will make campaign stop in Robeson County
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to make a stop in Robeson County on Friday, a sign that his father’s campaign is counting on Lumbee voters to help win North Carolina. Trump Jr. is set to appear with Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. House representative from Hawaii, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. They will deliver remarks at a 6 p.m. event …Read more Continue reading Donald Trump Jr. will make campaign stop in Robeson County
Border Belt Independent receives $110,000 to boost reporting staff
The Border Belt Independent has received $110,000 in grants to support its reporting team. The Border Belt Independent (BBI) is one of 205 local news outlets to secure a Press Forward grant of $100,000 to be used over two years. The grant is part of $20 million awarded by Press Forward, a nationwide movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. Press Forward awarded grants …Read more Continue reading Border Belt Independent receives $110,000 to boost reporting staff
Kamala Harris launches radio ad targeting rural North Carolina voters
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ campaign is launching a radio ad targeted at rural North Carolina voters in an effort to narrow the gap in traditionally red counties. In the one-minute ad, titled “Like Us,” vice presidential candidate Tim Walz touts his rural roots. “In a small town, you don’t focus on the politics,” he says. “You focus on taking care …Read more Continue reading Kamala Harris launches radio ad targeting rural North Carolina voters
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Political signs target Whiteville Democrats. They say it’s voter intimidation
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org A Whiteville woman was surprised when she went to her mailbox on Thursday and noticed a yard sign planted across the street from her home. “ILLEGALS WELCOME,” it read in large blue lettering, with an arrow pointed at her front door. The woman, Laura — the Border Belt Independent is identifying her by her first name only to protect her privacy — …Read more Continue reading Political signs target Whiteville Democrats. They say it’s voter intimidation