James H. Marshburn had worked as a trooper for the North Carolina Highway Patrol for less than two months when he was shot and killed on Sept. 19, 1964. borderbelt.org/robeson-county…

Bladen County’s population is projected to grow 5.7% by 2030 — and 45.5% by 2060. borderbelt.org/bladnen-columb…

A Superior Court judge heard arguments in the case on Monday at the Scotland County courthouse, ahead of a jury trial that is set for June. borderbelt.org/judge-hears-ar…

The Lumbee tribe will protect nearly 1,400 acres of wetlands and forest in Robeson County. borderbelt.org/lumbee-tribe-g…

At least four Scotland County teens have died this school year as a result of gun violence. borderbelt.org/youth-violence…

Dust containing "forever chemicals" has been detected in homes in Bladen and Cumberland counties near the Chemours factory, according to researchers. borderbelt.org/pfas-found-in-…

The deadline is this week for U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to submit a report outlining potential paths for the Lumbee tribe to get full federal recognition. borderbelt.org/lumbee-tribe-d…

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke could face budget cuts after UNC System President Peter Hans said schools need to limit administrative costs. borderbelt.org/unc-pembroke-c…

A Columbus County judge has issued an order requiring the county and the sheriff’s office to release additional public records to The Assembly & Border Belt Independent concerning former sheriff Jody Greene and operations at his office. #ncpol theassemblync.com/politics/court…

The Robeson Health Care Corporation and UNC Pembroke are teaming up for the project. borderbelt.org/rhcc-and-unc-p…

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. borderbelt.org/robeson-county…

“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.” borderbelt.org/nc-small-busin…

The Tuscarora created a unified government. The only problem? Many longtime leaders aren’t on board with the plan. theassemblync.com/politics/tusca…

The Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina serves several counties, including Bladen and Robeson. borderbelt.org/action-pathway…

Red Springs officials called a power surge in April that damaged residents' appliances an "Act of God." But public documentsshow the town's electric system is in disrepair. borderbelt.org/red-springs-po…

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson sued FEMA and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, joining several other states in a lawsuit asking for the money to be restored. borderbelt.org/fema-cancels-f…

The party's rural listening tour stopped in Scotland County on Monday. It will be in Bladen and Columbus counties next week. borderbelt.org/nc-democratic-…

St. Andrews University was a bedrock of the Laurinburg community for more than 60 years. Now the town is grappling with the school's absence. By Erin Gretzinger and Ben Rappaport borderbelt.org/laurinburg-nc-…

The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine in Fayetteville expects to welcome its first class of 64 students in July 2026. borderbelt.org/will-methodist…

The Border Belt Independent was recognized during the North Carolina Press Association’s annual awards banquet on Thursday. borderbelt.org/border-belt-in…