Border Belt Independent

08/07/2025

For the first time in a long time, business owners and town officials say, Lumberton is on the precipice of becoming a true destination. But plenty of roadblocks threaten progress. Most downtown buildings are owned by a few family estates, including those of a former mayor and state senator whose family no longer lives in Robeson County. Many of the properties need major repairs and have become eyesores.

Lumberton is seeing downtown revitalization. But there are roadblocks to progress in the Robeson County town.

07/07/2025

The Robeson County Board of Commissioners is now ruled by Republicans for the first time in history after three members switched political parties. The move underscores a deeper political shift that has been building in the county for years.

The Robeson County Board of Commissioners is now ruled by Republicans for the first time after three members switched political parties.

27/06/2025

Copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights will be permanently displayed outside the Bladen County government office in Elizabethtown. The Civil Rights Amendments will also be on display.

Life-size replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights will be installed in Elizabethtown.

25/06/2025

Red Springs officials called a power surge in April that damaged residents' appliances an "Act of God." But public documents and interviews show the town's electric system is in disrepair and that the town has used proceeds from its electric fund to float other government operations.

Town officials call say a power surge an "Act of God." But lost home appliances and municipal financial documents suggest otherwise.

17/06/2025

The Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina serves several counties, including Bladen and Robeson.

13/06/2025

More than a dozen teenagers across Bladen and Columbus counties shared insights on their goals, challenges, and concerns for the future. The event was held in partnership with NC Local, Open Campus, WUNC, and the News Reporter. Ideas expressed by those in attendance will help shape future coverage and stories from BBI and its partners.

The Border Belt Independent and local news partners aim to shape coverage and bolster news and information through a listening session for young people in Columbus County on Thursday.

10/06/2025

Families First in Whiteville and the Southeastern Family Violence Center in Lumberton say they are already feeling a budget crunch. More funding cuts could be on the way as part of President Donald's Trump plan to slash federal spending.

Families First and the Southeastern Family Violence Center say they are already hurting from funding cuts. More could be on the way.

04/06/2025

Scotland County is the latest in the Border Belt region to secure funds to build a playground to accommodate children with a range of developmental and neurological needs.

A wave of inclusive playground construction across rural southeastern North Carolina looks to make recreation available to all.

29/05/2025

The Tuscarora created a unified government. The only problem? Many longtime leaders aren’t on board with the plan.

22/05/2025

“I’m definitely making less money now,” said Bree Sanders, who has owned Whiteville Nutrition since last May. “Do I want to raise prices? Yes. Should I? Yes. But if I do, then I feel it would damage my reputation as a passionate member of the community.”

Many small business owners say they are struggling with rising costs, shipping delays, and economic uncertainty amid higher tariffs.

21/05/2025

About 75 community members, activists and environmental lawyers attended a Robeson County commissioners' meeting on Monday to oppose an expansion of the county's landfill. Commissioners agreed to explore ways to conduct more PFAS testing.

Robeson County commissioners voted to delay a decision on a potential landfill expansion amid concerns about PFAS.

15/05/2025

The Robeson Health Care Corporation and UNC Pembroke are teaming up for the project.

A new medical center in Robeson County will offer optometry services through a partnership with The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.