LAURINBURG — Senior Taylor Johnson has been named the conference swimmer of the year and has qualified for the state swim meet. She will be competing in the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle events. The meet is scheduled to take place at the Triangle Aquatic Center on Feb. 13.

Here are three stories about North Carolina’s economy that made headlines last week — each undeniably newsworthy and yet each requiring more information to put in proper historical context.

LAURINBURG —Fighting Scots women’s soccer is poised for a more organized and better-prepared season after completing a transition season marked by a head coaching change just two weeks before the season, the fourth in four years. Preseason workouts have already started and will continue until the start of the season. Here are some players to watch heading into the 2025-26 season.

LAURINBURG — The Fighting Scots football team will be without another key member of their secondary.

LUMBERTON — The Carolina Civic Center and Historic Theater in downtown Lumberton announced auditions for its upcoming spring shows. Auditions will take place at 315 N. Chestnut St. in downtown Lumberton.

LAURINBURG —The Highland Hooligans announced Joe Critcher as their new head coach on Jan. 17, 2026, bringing in a leader who emphasizes toughness, fundamentals and winning. Critcher was selected by general manager Billy Norris Jr. as the team looks to build on the success of its inaugural season.

LAURINBURG — Scotland County’s own Kaden Hunsucker has signed to play baseball at Erskine College next year. Here are photos from his signing day.