ROBESON COUNTY — The number of murders reported in Robeson County in 2025 declined from the 2024 rate, continuing a trend of less murders locally as the state and national statistics also show a downward trend.

National Kite Flying Day: It might be a little cold, but perhaps it will be windy enough to fly a kite for this commemoration on Sunday.

“Federal recognition is about respect, accountability and selfdetermination. By formally recognizing the Lumbee Tribe, President Trump and the Department of the Interior are acknowledging a long and welldocumented history of tribal governance and ensuring the tribe has a direct, sovereign relationship with the federal government. This action reflects our responsibility to listen to tribes, honor commitments and support strong tribal governments.”

PEMBROKE — Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery shared the following in his weekly video update on the Tribe’s federal recognition transition:

LUMBERTON — Lumberton Junior High School students brought home a prestigious award earned during the NC Future City Competition held recently.

After winter weather has prevented the Robeson Community College baseball team from opening its inaugural season for the last week, the Diamond Eagles are set to finally play their first game on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. doubleheader against Guilford Tech. Pictured, Mackie Register, left, and Jeff McLamb, right, work to prepare the field at the Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex on Friday ahead of Saturday’s games.

The bridge which carries West Fifth Street over the Lumber River in downtown Lumberton officially closed on Friday, beginning a $6.5 million project to demolish the existing bridge, built in 1956, and replace it with a new bridge. The N.C. Department of Transportation anticipates the new bridge will be open for traffic in late 2027.

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity surges nationwide under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign, some Native Americans have been detained alongside immigrants.

PEMBROKE — The second phase of Lumbee Tribal enrollment updates will begin on Monday.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem seeking answers about interior enforcement operations conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including Operation Charlotte’s Web and recent activity in Minneapolis, ahead of Noem’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3.

The month of February has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in Feb. 1926.