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.

New nonprofit reporting center will examine issues in four rural counties The Border Belt Reporting Center will use a three-year, $495,000 grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to create an online publication, the Border Belt Independent. A new nonprofit journalism center will soon begin publishing in-depth stories on issues facing Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties ...

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 ...

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.

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

Feb 4, 2025 · Executive orders from President Donald Trump calling for increased deportation of immigrants are stoking fears across rural southeastern North Carolina. Sheriff’s offices in Bladen and Robeson counties say they will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement as required by federal law ...

“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 …

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.

Feb 4, 2025 · By Ben Rappaport [email protected] More than 1,500 voters in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties had their votes challenged in the disputed election for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Dec 18, 2024 · 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.