Lumbee Recognition Nears Finish Line; NCORR Audit Sparks Outcry

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is just one signature away from full federal recognition, marking a historic milestone after decades of advocacy. Provisions granting recognition are included in federal legislation that has already cleared Congress, leaving final approval as the last step. Meanwhile, a new audit of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) details widespread failures in the agency’s handling of disaster recovery funds. State Auditor Dave Boliek sharply criticized the program, calling it a “third disaster” layered on top of the storms it was meant to address, as lawmakers and state officials continue pressing for accountability and reforms.