Sticky post
‘Vote in hope of change’: education, community concerns top voter issues here
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Before heading to the polls, Theresa Guyton gets on a group call with every member of her family. They sort through each office on the ballot — from president, to state auditor and everything in between. Each person is assigned a different race to research prior to Election Day, then they confer and decide who earns their vote. This primary was …Read more Continue reading ‘Vote in hope of change’: education, community concerns top voter issues here
Sticky post
Anti-establishment success: takeaways from the 2024 primaries in southeastern NC
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org While Super Tuesday didn’t yield many surprises in the high-profile races for North Carolina, voters in the rural southeastern region of the state distinguished themselves in important ways. Most notably, they opted for “anti-establishment” candidates in both parties, many of whom campaigned in the region showing a need for increased engagement of rural voters in the lead-up to the election in …Read more Continue reading Anti-establishment success: takeaways from the 2024 primaries in southeastern NC
Sticky post
Private school vouchers in southeast NC see sharp increase as funding more than doubles
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Private schools are on the rise in North Carolina, and the Border Belt region is no exception. A successful Republican-led push to expand the state’s private school voucher program last year has created massive growth in the number of students receiving vouchers and the amount of state funding in the program. Private school vouchers, also known as Opportunity Scholarships, provide families …Read more Continue reading Private school vouchers in southeast NC see sharp increase as funding more than doubles
Sticky post
Reynolds Trust renews three-year grant for Border Belt Independent
The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust renewed a three-year, $495,000 grant for the Border Belt Independent, the trust recently announced. “Our journalism is funded by grants like these and donations from readers,” said Publisher Les High. “We do not sell advertising, and all content is free. Without the support of organizations like the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and others, there would be no Border …Read more Continue reading Reynolds Trust renews three-year grant for Border Belt Independent
Sticky post
‘Feel more pain’: southeastern NC is at the heart of a 30-year public education fight
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org For 28 days, Angus Thompson has been undergoing intensive radiation therapy at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton. The treatments have left him tired and he now walks with two canes for support. But the fire hasn’t left the 72-year-old retired public defender. Neither has the fervor in his booming voice. He’s a presence that demands attention and a listening ear when he …Read more Continue reading ‘Feel more pain’: southeastern NC is at the heart of a 30-year public education fight
Sticky post
Q&A with Carol Caldwell: ‘My story is told for a lifetime, not just February’
By Kerria Weaver kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org Carol Caldwell knows the importance of recognizing Black voices in her Columbus County community. So she and some other residents created a committee that focuses on the preservation of African American culture. The Border Belt Independent spoke with Caldwell about her efforts. Q. When did the Columbus County Committee for the Preservation of African American Culture start? It actually started as …Read more Continue reading Q&A with Carol Caldwell: ‘My story is told for a lifetime, not just February’
Rural Black voters, including those in Scotland County, are key for Democrats in NC
By Ben Rappaport and Kerria Weaver benrappaport@borderbelt.org kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org In a navy blue pinstripe suit and black and gold paisley tie, 93-year-old William Matthews Jr. drove through downtown Laurinburg in a Wagoneer bearing his name, waving and tossing candy out the window as he passed the crowds. Matthews, a retired command sergeant major in the National Guard, was the grand marshal for Scotland County’s Second Annual …Read more Continue reading Rural Black voters, including those in Scotland County, are key for Democrats in NC
Sticky post
Homicides in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties in 2024
The Border Belt Independent is tracking homicides in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina. The map will be updated each week using information from local law enforcement agencies and media reports. Click on the pins within the map for details. Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties typically record violent crime rates that exceed statewide figures. When asked what contributes to the …Read more Continue reading Homicides in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties in 2024
Chemours asks federal appeals court to negate EPA health goal for GenX
By Lisa Sorg NC Newsline This story was originally published by NC Newsline. Chemours, the company responsible for polluting the drinking water of 800,000 people in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin with GenX, is asking a court to negate the EPA’s health advisory for the toxic chemical. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia, heard arguments last week. There is not a timetable …Read more Continue reading Chemours asks federal appeals court to negate EPA health goal for GenX
Sticky post
How can Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties gain better access to food?
By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Four open-house forums about the future of food access in southeastern North Carolina will take place across Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties this month. The events, organized by N.C. State University’s Visioning Our Food Future project, will gather community input on how to improve residents’ access to healthy and affordable food. Visioning Our Food Future brings together N.C. State researchers with …Read more Continue reading How can Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties gain better access to food?
