Hikers Ring in New Year at Lake Waccamaw State Park
About 60 people hiked 1.5-mile at Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County on January 1 to start the new year.
Dec. 31 Is Last Day To Have Contributions Matched
If you donate before Dec. 31, your tax-deductible contribution up to $1,000 will be doubled by NewsMatch, a journalism philanthropy group.
State Lawmakers Put Funding for Nonprofit Legal Help on Ice
Facing cuts, Legal Aid of North Carolin shuttered an office in Rocky Mount and announced plans to close another in Pembroke.
Border Belt Independent Wins Grant from NC Local News Lab Fund
The NC Local News Lab Fund’s second round of 2025 grants supports a wide range of trusted communicators working in North Carolina.
Flawed Economic Tier System Not Opening Doors for Growth in Struggling Communities
The shortcomings of the economic distress tier system used to promote economic development in N.C. are rooted in its convoluted history.
Local Food Pantries Prepare to Help Families Struggling Without Food Stamps
Food banks are preparing to help feed families affected by the suspension of SNAP, commonly known as food stamps.
State Schools Superintendent Mo Green Stops in Robeson County to Tout Success Plan
Achieving Educational Excellence is a five-year strategy that aims to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation by 2030.
More featured Coverage
In Cumberland County, a Focus on Indigenous Community and Revitalization
The Cumberland County Association for Indian People has a newly renovated community center and is looking toward the future.
Mass Shooting Roils Robeson County, Which Has Seen a Big Drop in Homicides
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting that left two people dead and 11 injured.
Competing Hospitals Proposed 7 Miles and Days Apart
Novant Health and Columbus Regional both want to build community hospitals serving the fast-growing Leland area.
Municipal Elections Are Underway in the Border Belt. But Most People Won’t Vote
The rural region typically sees low voter turnout, even when candidates for president and governor are on the ballot.
Journalist Morgan Casey Joins Border Belt Independent
Casey will cover health topics impacting southeastern North Carolina, from physician shortages to the opioid crisis.
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