The Pilot's News Briefing 12/17/25

Following the announcement of a $75,000 grant to the Town of Robbins for an accessible playground, funds for which were initially seeded by the Ellie Jean Project, the town's Board of Commissioners tabled a decision on accepting the funds pending a “transparent figure” for the complete project. Reporter Jonathan Bym explains the details ahead of a special-called meeting to address the project. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/