By Hallie Golden Associated Press As Native Americans across the U.S. come together on Monday for Indigenous Peoples Day to celebrate their history and culture and acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face, many will do so with a focus on the election.

“Rural southeastern North Carolina matters. That’s why we dig deep into the power and people of Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties.” . . . . . . The Border Belt Independent is a nonprofit, digital newsroom that focuses on issues and challenges that affect Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina. We …

Recent Posts. Trump’s immigration orders spark fear in NC’s Border Belt; US attorney resigns, leaving Columbus County corruption probe in limbo

Dec 29, 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 ...

Nov 19, 2024 · By Jennifer Berry Hawes and Mollie Simon, ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. Read more in this series. Private schools across the South that were established for white children during desegregation are now benefiting from tens of millions in taxpayer dollars flowing from rapidly expanding voucher-style programs, a …

Recent Posts. Medicaid work requirements will likely be a priority in Congress and NC legislature; Trump’s immigration orders spark fear in NC’s Border Belt

Feb 4, 2025 · By Ben Rappaport [email protected] A shallow thrum can be heard along U.S. 74 in western Robeson County near a 40-acre solar farm that generates enough electricity to power more than 1,000 homes each year.

Apr 23, 2024 · By Rachel Baldauf. [email protected] . Scotland Early College High School in Laurinburg is the 70th best public high school in North Carolina, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

Jan 7, 2025 · By Ben Rappaport. [email protected] g . Ninety-five people in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties were identified as homeless in 2024, a 90% increase from the prior year.

4 days ago · By Ben Rappaport [email protected] The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lumbee Fairness Act on Tuesday, moving North Carolina’s largest Native American tribe a step closer to its 136-year fight for full federal recognition.