Members of the Lumbee tribe, which won full federal recognition last December, can soon access more federal programs and may open a casino.
Sarah Nagem
Sarah Nagem is editor of the Border Belt Independent. She previously worked for The News & Observer and currently attends graduate school at Duke University.
Posted inNewsletters
Cumberland County Schools Down More Than 1,200 Students, Putting Millions In State Funding At Risk
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. Cumberland County Schools is down more than 1,200 students this school year, a decline district leaders say could cost the system millions in future state funding and lead to fewer teaching positions. During the district’s first Budget and Finance Committee meeting of the year, Associate Superintendent of […]
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Fayetteville Nonprofit Wants to Build Tiny‑Home Village for Veterans
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. Redeploying American Veterans has early plans to build clusters of 400‑square‑foot homes paired with wrap‑around services designed to help veterans move into long‑term, stable housing. On Monday, the nonprofit asked the Fayetteville City Council for help clearing bureaucratic hurdles for the project. Read more in today’s lead […]
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Cumberland County Reminds Residents of Property Tax Relief Options
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. Cumberland County officials are urging eligible residents to review and apply for several property tax relief programs designed to ease the financial burden on agricultural producers, older adults, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans. The programs carry specific requirements and deadlines for the 2026 tax year. Read […]
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Here’s Who Is Running in Cumberland County’s 2026 Elections
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. The candidate filing period for the 2026 election ended Friday. So, who’s running for what in Cumberland County? Thirteen candidates want to nab two at-large seats and two District 1 seats on the Board of Commissioners. Three Democrats and one Republican are challenging Sheriff Johnathan Morgan. And […]
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Fayetteville-Based Company Wants to Give Workers with Criminal Records a Second Chance
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. Jelissa Thomas, founder and chief executive of D3 Delivery in Fayetteville, started the company in 2021 with a goal of hiring workers who have been incarcerated or are recovering from addiction. The company, which received a $1,500 grant from the city in August, hopes to offer more […]
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After Decades of Fighting, Congress Recognizes Lumbee Tribe
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to grant full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a moment 137 years in the making. The chamber passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included Lumbee recognition, following approval by the House last week. President Donald Trump is […]
Posted inPolitics & Government
After Decades of Fighting, Congress Recognizes the Lumbee
President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes Lumbee recognition, into law.
Posted inNewsletters
Councilwoman Brenda McNair’s Former Opponent Files Ethics Complaint
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. A Fayetteville activist who launched an unsuccessful bid for city council this year has accused her former opponent of unfairly prioritizing Black residents in city services. Kathy Greggs, a veteran and founder of the police reform group Fayetteville PACT, filed a complaint with the city’s Ethics Commission […]
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State Senator Threatens to Sue Opponent for Defamation
View This Email In Your Browser Good morning. State Sen. Tom McInnis, who represents Moore and Cumberland counties in the General Assembly, is threatening to sue his 2026 election opponent Ray Daly for libel. A cease-and-desist letter from McInnis’ lawyer in November asserts Daly falsely accused McInnis of lying to voters and of cozying up […]