Ben Rappaport
@brappaport.bsky.social
Reporter at Border Belt Independent | Previous reporting at Chatham News + Record, WCHL, Daily Tar Heel Opinion | UNC 2021 | Email: benrappaport@borderbelt.org
Enthusiasm for NYC's first Muslim mayor is especially high among Pakistanis in the city. In Midwood, Brooklyn, Zohran Mamdani’s victory means more than just a new mayor. I put together this audio feature for a recent class.
soundcloud.com/ben-rappapor...
soundcloud.com/ben-rappapor...
After the trauma of post-9/11 raids, Mamdani represents a new future for Brooklyn
Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected New York City mayor, energized voters in New York’s Muslim community. Voter turnout among Muslims in June’s primary increased by 60% from the previous mayoral electio
soundcloud.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Enthusiasm for NYC's first Muslim mayor is especially high among Pakistanis in the city. In Midwood, Brooklyn, Zohran Mamdani’s victory means more than just a new mayor. I put together this audio feature for a recent class.
soundcloud.com/ben-rappapor...
soundcloud.com/ben-rappapor...
One final piece for Border Belt Independent that encapsulates a lot of what makes the Border Belt special: trials of rural communities, resilience in the face of hardship and a deep desire to see opportunity amid the struggle. (W/ @eringretzinger.bsky.social)
borderbelt.org/laurinburg-n...
borderbelt.org/laurinburg-n...
What remains of St. Andrews
Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and the now-empty campus property.
borderbelt.org
July 31, 2025 at 5:33 PM
One final piece for Border Belt Independent that encapsulates a lot of what makes the Border Belt special: trials of rural communities, resilience in the face of hardship and a deep desire to see opportunity amid the struggle. (W/ @eringretzinger.bsky.social)
borderbelt.org/laurinburg-n...
borderbelt.org/laurinburg-n...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
I'm quoted in this great piece diving into the closure of St. Andrews University in North Carolina and what it means for the local community. The Assembly is one of the best local sources for higher ed coverage in the country.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
What Remains of St. Andrews
Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and a now-empty campus.
www.theassemblync.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I'm quoted in this great piece diving into the closure of St. Andrews University in North Carolina and what it means for the local community. The Assembly is one of the best local sources for higher ed coverage in the country.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
When St. Andrews suddenly closed in May, it left behind a lot of questions.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
July 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
When St. Andrews suddenly closed in May, it left behind a lot of questions.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
After two years at the Border Belt Independent, my time has come to an end. Today is my last day with BBI, and this fall I’ll be headed to New York City for a graduate journalism program through the @newmarkjplus.bsky.social at CUNY. It’s bittersweet.
July 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM
After two years at the Border Belt Independent, my time has come to an end. Today is my last day with BBI, and this fall I’ll be headed to New York City for a graduate journalism program through the @newmarkjplus.bsky.social at CUNY. It’s bittersweet.
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 as the town attempts a rebirth, those who have been in Lumberton for decades know progress never comes easily. #ncpol
borderbelt.org/downtown-lum...
borderbelt.org/downtown-lum...
Downtown Lumberton, gritty and historic, looks for new life
Lumberton is seeing downtown revitalization. But there are roadblocks to progress in the Robeson County town.
borderbelt.org
July 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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 as the town attempts a rebirth, those who have been in Lumberton for decades know progress never comes easily. #ncpol
borderbelt.org/downtown-lum...
borderbelt.org/downtown-lum...
In the fall and winter of 2022, I spent significant time reporting on Merry Oaks Baptist Church near Moncure. The church had stood since 1888. Back then, the church was under threat of destruction by NCDOT to make way for VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker with plans for a factory near the church 🧵
June 19, 2025 at 2:32 PM
In the fall and winter of 2022, I spent significant time reporting on Merry Oaks Baptist Church near Moncure. The church had stood since 1888. Back then, the church was under threat of destruction by NCDOT to make way for VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker with plans for a factory near the church 🧵
The Robeson County landfill has some of the highest PFAS levels in the state. The county wants to keep growing it. On Monday, local residents voiced concerns about the adverse effects of the landfill and its persistent issues with toxic chemicals.
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
PFAS concerns plague the Robeson County Landfill. But the dump keeps getting bigger
Robeson County commissioners voted to delay a decision on a potential landfill expansion amid concerns about PFAS.
borderbelt.org
May 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The Robeson County landfill has some of the highest PFAS levels in the state. The county wants to keep growing it. On Monday, local residents voiced concerns about the adverse effects of the landfill and its persistent issues with toxic chemicals.
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
I've always wondered what it looks like when an entire university goes out of business. @brappaport.bsky.social has the answers in this story about St. Andrew's University in Laurinburg: borderbelt.org/students-alu...
Saying goodbye to St. Andrews University
St. Andrews University, which announced its closure last month, had its final graduation ceremony in Laurinburg.
borderbelt.org
May 8, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I've always wondered what it looks like when an entire university goes out of business. @brappaport.bsky.social has the answers in this story about St. Andrew's University in Laurinburg: borderbelt.org/students-alu...
St. Andrew’s and Laurinburg have a sort of quirky magic.
Its final days were full of personal stories, tears and mourning for the now-closed institution that shaped the minds of so many in the community. #nced #ncpol
borderbelt.org/students-alu...
Its final days were full of personal stories, tears and mourning for the now-closed institution that shaped the minds of so many in the community. #nced #ncpol
borderbelt.org/students-alu...
Saying goodbye to St. Andrews University
St. Andrews University, which announced its closure last month, had its final graduation ceremony in Laurinburg.
borderbelt.org
May 7, 2025 at 11:12 PM
St. Andrew’s and Laurinburg have a sort of quirky magic.
Its final days were full of personal stories, tears and mourning for the now-closed institution that shaped the minds of so many in the community. #nced #ncpol
borderbelt.org/students-alu...
Its final days were full of personal stories, tears and mourning for the now-closed institution that shaped the minds of so many in the community. #nced #ncpol
borderbelt.org/students-alu...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
BREAKING: St. Andrews University will close May 5. @brappaport.bsky.social and I have the story for
@theassemblync.bsky.social and Border Belt Independent, including details about what President Tarun Malik told faculty in a meeting this morning.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
@theassemblync.bsky.social and Border Belt Independent, including details about what President Tarun Malik told faculty in a meeting this morning.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
St. Andrew's Unversity in N.C. to Close Amid Financial Struggles
Following decades of struggles for the small private school in Laurinburg, officials said it will cease operations in less than two weeks.
www.theassemblync.com
April 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
BREAKING: St. Andrews University will close May 5. @brappaport.bsky.social and I have the story for
@theassemblync.bsky.social and Border Belt Independent, including details about what President Tarun Malik told faculty in a meeting this morning.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
@theassemblync.bsky.social and Border Belt Independent, including details about what President Tarun Malik told faculty in a meeting this morning.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
BREAKING: St. Andrews University announced it will close in two weeks. The private liberal arts college in Laurinburg, which has been in rural southeastern North Carolina since 1958, has long faced an uphill battle to survive.
borderbelt.org/st-andrews-u...
borderbelt.org/st-andrews-u...
St. Andrews University to close on May 5
The small private school in Laurinburg has faced the threat of closure for decades. On Friday, school officials told faculty the university will cease operations in less than two weeks.
borderbelt.org
April 25, 2025 at 5:27 PM
BREAKING: St. Andrews University announced it will close in two weeks. The private liberal arts college in Laurinburg, which has been in rural southeastern North Carolina since 1958, has long faced an uphill battle to survive.
borderbelt.org/st-andrews-u...
borderbelt.org/st-andrews-u...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
A Trump presidential library at UNC-Pembroke in Robeson County?
Rep. Jarrod Lowery of RobCo filed a bill seeking $10M for this idea.
Ben Rappaport of the Border Belt Independent has the story:
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
#ncga #ncpol
Rep. Jarrod Lowery of RobCo filed a bill seeking $10M for this idea.
Ben Rappaport of the Border Belt Independent has the story:
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
#ncga #ncpol
Trump's presidential library at UNC Pembroke? NC House bill would set aside money for it
A new bill in the state House would set aside money for a presidential library in honor of Donald Trump at UNC Pembroke.
borderbelt.org
April 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
A Trump presidential library at UNC-Pembroke in Robeson County?
Rep. Jarrod Lowery of RobCo filed a bill seeking $10M for this idea.
Ben Rappaport of the Border Belt Independent has the story:
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
#ncga #ncpol
Rep. Jarrod Lowery of RobCo filed a bill seeking $10M for this idea.
Ben Rappaport of the Border Belt Independent has the story:
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
#ncga #ncpol
A new bill in the state House of Representatives would set aside money for a presidential library in honor of Donald Trump at UNC-Pembroke.
“This was an opportunity to put a shot out there,” Jarrod Lowery said. “Why not UNC Pembroke?” #ncpol
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
“This was an opportunity to put a shot out there,” Jarrod Lowery said. “Why not UNC Pembroke?” #ncpol
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
Trump's presidential library at UNC Pembroke? NC House bill would set aside money for it
A new bill in the state House would set aside money for a presidential library in honor of Donald Trump at UNC Pembroke.
borderbelt.org
April 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
A new bill in the state House of Representatives would set aside money for a presidential library in honor of Donald Trump at UNC-Pembroke.
“This was an opportunity to put a shot out there,” Jarrod Lowery said. “Why not UNC Pembroke?” #ncpol
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
“This was an opportunity to put a shot out there,” Jarrod Lowery said. “Why not UNC Pembroke?” #ncpol
borderbelt.org/nc-bill-call...
Youth violence has become an epidemic in Scotland County. Educators say kids there are constantly in “survival mode.” Now, community leaders are coming together to tackle the issue. Can they make a change? #ncpol
borderbelt.org/youth-violen...
borderbelt.org/youth-violen...
Youth violence rattles Scotland County as leaders call for unity
The Scotland County Stop the Violence Community Coalition hosted a forum to address youth violence following a fatal shooting.
borderbelt.org
April 4, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Youth violence has become an epidemic in Scotland County. Educators say kids there are constantly in “survival mode.” Now, community leaders are coming together to tackle the issue. Can they make a change? #ncpol
borderbelt.org/youth-violen...
borderbelt.org/youth-violen...
As President Donald Trump moves toward dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, school officials in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties say they anticipate their districts’ federal funds will be slashed by up to 30% in the coming fiscal year.
borderbelt.org/federal-cuts...
borderbelt.org/federal-cuts...
Rural schools in NC's Border Belt brace for federal funding cuts
Federal funding is especially crucial for low-income schools like those in rural southeastern North Carolina.
borderbelt.org
March 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
As President Donald Trump moves toward dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, school officials in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties say they anticipate their districts’ federal funds will be slashed by up to 30% in the coming fiscal year.
borderbelt.org/federal-cuts...
borderbelt.org/federal-cuts...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
Trump’s initiatives to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants have prompted a spike in calls to an advocacy hotline and a scramble among school districts to tell families how they would handle law enforcement showing up on campuses.
www.theassemblync.com/politics/nor...
www.theassemblync.com/politics/nor...
Rumors Spread as N.C. Immigrants Brace for ICE Deportations
Calls to a Durham hotline spiked, and schools and churches scrambled to communicate with families about how they would react if ICE arrived.
www.theassemblync.com
February 12, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Trump’s initiatives to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants have prompted a spike in calls to an advocacy hotline and a scramble among school districts to tell families how they would handle law enforcement showing up on campuses.
www.theassemblync.com/politics/nor...
www.theassemblync.com/politics/nor...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
An important read on RebuildNC and the recovery efforts in Eastern NC. Important lessons for those of us who care about WNC building back better. www.wunc.org/2025-02-11/r...
ReBuild NC promised to help hurricane victims. Over five years later, the program is on "pause"
North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency admitted in the fall that it had overrun its budget and was out of money for ReBuild NC, a program to repair and rebuild homes damaged by hurricanes Ma...
www.wunc.org
February 12, 2025 at 6:54 PM
An important read on RebuildNC and the recovery efforts in Eastern NC. Important lessons for those of us who care about WNC building back better. www.wunc.org/2025-02-11/r...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
“We as the judicial leadership for the district have urged ICE that it is counter-productive for them to increase enforcement activities within the courthouse,” Wake DA Lorrin Freeman told Jane Porter. #ncpol
indyweek.com/news/wake/pl...
indyweek.com/news/wake/pl...
Plain Clothes ICE Agent at Wake County Justice Center Tells Attorneys to Take Their Immigration Conversation Elsewhere
A plain clothes ICE agent at Wake County Justice Center tells attorneys to take their immigration conversation elsewhere.
indyweek.com
February 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
“We as the judicial leadership for the district have urged ICE that it is counter-productive for them to increase enforcement activities within the courthouse,” Wake DA Lorrin Freeman told Jane Porter. #ncpol
indyweek.com/news/wake/pl...
indyweek.com/news/wake/pl...
It’s official! We are now part of The Assembly network. It’s a win for our readers, a win for our reporters and a win for North Carolina journalism. #ncpol
Border Belt Independent is officially joining The Assembly’s network of newsrooms across the state.
BBI covers Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.
theassemblync.com/internal/bor...
BBI covers Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.
theassemblync.com/internal/bor...
Announcing a New Partnership with the Border Belt Independent
The addition to The Assembly's network will expand and elevate coverage from Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties.
theassemblync.com
February 7, 2025 at 8:16 PM
It’s official! We are now part of The Assembly network. It’s a win for our readers, a win for our reporters and a win for North Carolina journalism. #ncpol
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
Border Belt Independent is officially joining The Assembly’s network of newsrooms across the state.
BBI covers Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.
theassemblync.com/internal/bor...
BBI covers Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.
theassemblync.com/internal/bor...
Announcing a New Partnership with the Border Belt Independent
The addition to The Assembly's network will expand and elevate coverage from Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties.
theassemblync.com
February 7, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Border Belt Independent is officially joining The Assembly’s network of newsrooms across the state.
BBI covers Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.
theassemblync.com/internal/bor...
BBI covers Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.
theassemblync.com/internal/bor...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
The Lumbee Tribe have been pursuing full federal recognition for over 130 years. Donald Trump's campaign promise has given them hope.
But as we talk about on The Broadside this week, it’s also renewed centuries-old questions about who gets to be Native in America.
www.wunc.org/podcast/the-...
But as we talk about on The Broadside this week, it’s also renewed centuries-old questions about who gets to be Native in America.
www.wunc.org/podcast/the-...
Who gets to be Native in America
A campaign promise kept by Donald Trump is renewing centuries old questions about who gets to be Native in America.
www.wunc.org
February 7, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The Lumbee Tribe have been pursuing full federal recognition for over 130 years. Donald Trump's campaign promise has given them hope.
But as we talk about on The Broadside this week, it’s also renewed centuries-old questions about who gets to be Native in America.
www.wunc.org/podcast/the-...
But as we talk about on The Broadside this week, it’s also renewed centuries-old questions about who gets to be Native in America.
www.wunc.org/podcast/the-...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
Robeson County has more solar farms than any other NC county, but now it's considering a moratorium, @brappaport.bsky.social reports.
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
Robeson County leads North Carolina in solar farms. How many are too many?
While Robeson leaders have long touted solar farms as a boon for the economically distressed county, they are now reconsidering their stance.
borderbelt.org
January 23, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Robeson County has more solar farms than any other NC county, but now it's considering a moratorium, @brappaport.bsky.social reports.
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
borderbelt.org/robeson-coun...
Reposted by Ben Rappaport
Sarah Nagem and I have been following the corruption investigations in Columbus County, NC, for years now. In our latest piece, we break down a previously unreported federal subpoena. #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/politics/law...
What We’ve Learned About the Federal Probe in Columbus County
Federal investigators have demanded extensive information about finances and use of force at the Columbus County Sheriff's Office.
www.theassemblync.com
December 9, 2024 at 9:23 PM
Sarah Nagem and I have been following the corruption investigations in Columbus County, NC, for years now. In our latest piece, we break down a previously unreported federal subpoena. #ncpol www.theassemblync.com/politics/law...
Federal investigators asked for information about 51 "relevant parties," including some deputies and prominent business owners related to former Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene. Here's what the Border Belt and @theassemblync.bsky.social have learned so far:
#ncpol
borderbelt.org/columbus-cou...
#ncpol
borderbelt.org/columbus-cou...
What we've learned about the federal probe in Columbus County
Federal investigators demanded that the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office turn over extensive information about its finances and use of force.
borderbelt.org
December 9, 2024 at 7:19 PM
Federal investigators asked for information about 51 "relevant parties," including some deputies and prominent business owners related to former Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene. Here's what the Border Belt and @theassemblync.bsky.social have learned so far:
#ncpol
borderbelt.org/columbus-cou...
#ncpol
borderbelt.org/columbus-cou...