The Border Belt Independent is proud to announce Rachel Baldauf has joined the staff as a full-time reporter.

Baldauf is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. While a student, she wrote for the Medill Investigative Lab, helping to produce in-depth investigative stories. 

She has also worked as a research assistant at The Washington Post where she contributed data and research to large-scale investigative projects on topics ranging from health care to law enforcement.

“There are so many interesting stories to tell in this region,” Baldauf said of rural southeastern North Carolina. “I’m excited to write impactful stories on the issues that affect our readers’ lives.”

In her free time, Baldauf can be found practicing her moves in the ballet studio, cooking up a new recipe or curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Baldauf, who started with the Border Belt Independent on Aug. 7, will write stories focusing on health care, public safety, religion and children in crisis. Email her at rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org and follow her on Twitter @rachelbaldauf.