September: Looking back: Neuse News’ most-read stories of 2025

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.

Obituary: Raymond Pridgen

La Grange- Raymond Thomas Pridgen, 86, passed away peacefully at his home late on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. A service of love and remembrance will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with Elders William Edwards and Ernest Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m. A private committal will be held at Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

August: Looking back: Neuse News’ most-read stories of 2025

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.

Obituary: Sutton Hardy

Lemuel Sutton Hardy, 73, completed his course of faith and entered into rest in the arms of his Savior early Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Wheat Swamp Christian Church, with Pastor Hank Jarman officiating. Committal will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.

July: Looking back: Neuse News’ most-read stories of 2025

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.

Obituary: Selma Carter

Selma Jones Carter, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.

June: Looking back: Neuse News’ most-read stories of 2025

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.

May: Looking back: Neuse News’ most-read stories of 2025

January through December brought a wide range of headlines, including high-profile criminal cases, contentious political battles, major development projects, and deeply personal community stories. Readers closely followed election challenges, public safety investigations, school system updates, and decisions with long-term impacts on local taxpayers. Together, these monthly top stories offer a snapshot of a year defined by change, accountability, and an ongoing demand for transparency in Eastern North Carolina.