RALEIGH, NC —  Today the Board of Elections dismissed my appeal, claiming my evidence wasn’t “sufficient.” That’s their word. Mine? Laughable.  Because when the system allows me to both run for office and vote while on probation , that’s not just evidence—it’s a flashing neon sign that the system is broken. “If I can run and vote while on probation, then the voter rolls are a circus act.” 🔥 My Journey Through This Fight This isn’t just about one hearing. It’s about everythin

Are you a homeowner in Kinston looking to make critical repairs to your home but worried about the cost? The Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Program (ESFRLP) is here to help! This program provides interest-free, forgivable loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners so you can make your home safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient. What Does the Program Cover? The ESFRLP helps with essential repairs such as: Roof replacement Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rep

Journalists often present themselves as defenders of democracy, guardians of truth, and champions of accountability. They claim to operate on principles of fairness and transparency, insisting that their reporting is rooted in reliable sources and the public’s right to know. But my experience with Neuse News  and Kristy Kelly exposes the hypocrisy behind that image. Within weeks, my name was repeatedly used on their Facebook platform to generate momentum. Posts were crafted t

Introduction The right to vote and participate in fair elections is one of the most fundamental pillars of democracy. Yet my experience with the North Carolina Board of Elections exposes the ugly reality of discrimination and abuse of power. Within weeks, I filed three election protests, each backed by evidence, challenging inaccuracies in the voter database and the residency of candidates. All three were dismissed without hearings. Meanwhile, the Board advanced a hearing aga

In the early morning hours of November 13th, a power transformer was stolen right off Old Highway 11 in Deep Run . This wasn’t just some piece of equipment — it was critical for keeping the lights on for families in the area. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is investigating , but the fact that someone could walk off with infrastructure this important shows just how vulnerable our community has been left. Residents are already struggling, and now they’re hit with outages an

At tonight’s Kinston City Council meeting, residents once again showed up, though the turnout was not as strong as the city truly needs. Still, those who spoke made clear that frustration with city leadership continues to grow. Lavonne Grady  once again addressed council, demanding accountability from Elizabeth Blount, the city’s codes enforcer , for months of mistreatment. Despite being present in the room, Blount offered no apology — a silence that sent the message she may

After 32 years of surviving off the city, City Manager Rhonda Barwick has finally announced she’ll retire in February 2026 . For taxpayers, this is nothing short of a blessing. Her bloated salary has been a burden for years, and now Kinston will finally get some relief. Barwick’s income has inflated to $142,000 a year , nearly double what former City Manager Tony Sears was making when he left after 15 years at just $85,000. That comparison alone shows how out of control thing

The November 2025 municipal elections in Kinston brought new faces to the City Council — but also new controversy. While Sammy C. Aiken  secured the highest vote total and his seat is undisputed, another council seat remains tangled in challenges involving Les Lipford  and Quarla N. Blackwell . 🗳️ Background Sammy C. Aiken  won the most votes, guaranteeing his place on the council. Les Lipford  also won a seat, but his candidacy was protested, raising questions about eligibi

Washington, D.C.  — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is once again facing a leadership shake-up. On November 17, 2025 , David Richardson , the acting administrator, submitted his resignation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His departure comes after only six months in the position, marking one of the shortest tenures in FEMA’s history. 📉 Why He Resigned Richardson, a former Marine Corps artillery officer, was appointed

As temperatures drop across eastern North Carolina, many families in Kinston face a familiar struggle: how to keep the heat on without breaking the budget. For households already stretched thin, the winter months can bring tough choices between paying utility bills, buying groceries, or covering medical costs. This year, relief is at hand. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)  is offering immediate help to Kinston residents, providing one-time payments to ease the

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell When the winds of Hurricane Florence tore through eastern North Carolina in 2018, Kinston was left with more than downed trees and flooded streets. Entire neighborhoods bore scars that lingered long after the storm passed — homes unlivable, families displaced, and communities fractured. For years, many residents lived with tarps on roofs, mold in walls, or the uncertainty of whether help would ever come. Now, in late 2025, relief is fi

Kinston, NC  — Downtown Kinston is set for a major facelift thanks to a $10,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant from ElectriCities, awarded on October 22, 2025.  The funding will fuel improvements at the Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch All-American City Park, part of a broader effort to make the city’s core more welcoming, vibrant, and community-focused. The Project The grant will support a redesign of the All-American City Park, located near the entrance to Kinston’s primary commerci

Elizabeth City, NC  — The Elizabeth City Council voted unanimously to reject a proposal for a mural honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, following weeks of petitions, public debate, and emotional testimony from residents. Background The mural was proposed by local resident Steven Young, who gathered nearly 1,600 signatures in support. The design envisioned Kirk’s name in bold lettering alongside a Christian cross, with annual repainting ceremonies to honor his legacy.

Men lie, women lie... BUT...The Numbers Don’t Lie !!!!! When you look at the budgets side‑by‑side, the imbalance jumps off the page: Agency FY2025–26 Budget Workforce Size Avg. Salary Coverage Area Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office ~$12.8M ~128 deputies + detention staff ~$38,490 Entire county (480 sq. miles), detention center, courts Kinston Police Department ~$10M ~62–77 sworn officers ~$55,473 City of Kinston (~21,000 residents) Double the Workers, Little More Money The Sheri

Police departments don’t just automatically get federal or state money — someone has to apply  for it. Here’s how it works: 1. Police Department Leadership Police Chiefs and Command Staff  often initiate grant applications. They identify needs (new equipment, training, technology, personnel) and direct staff to pursue funding. 2. City or County Government City Managers, Finance Directors, or County Administrators  may oversee the grant process. They ensure compliance with loc

The Closest Race in Town History The Morehead City mayoral race was as close as democracy gets. After the votes were tallied, Lee Stiles received 762 votes, while Jerry Jones received 761.  A recount confirmed the razor‑thin margin, and Jones quickly filed a protest, claiming some residents were denied the right to vote because they lived outside city limits. Candidate Backgrounds Lee Stiles Former Morehead City Council member , known for his focus on local development and co

Background In November 2025, Congress ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history by passing a massive spending bill. Hidden inside that legislation was a provision banning hemp‑derived THC products  — items that had exploded in popularity since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. That earlier law created a loophole allowing intoxicating products like Delta‑9 gummies, THC seltzers, and cannabis‑infused drinks  to be sold outside of dispensaries. What the Bill Does Re

Residents of Kinston have long complained about overgrown lots, abandoned houses, junk cars, flooding, and unsafe rentals.  These issues drag down property values, erode neighborhood safety, and diminish quality of life. The ordinances to address these problems already exist — but enforcement has been weak, inconsistent, or ignored altogether. At the center of this failure is Elizabeth Blount, the city’s Planning Director.  She earns a great salary in a small town like Kinsto

Ten Million Is Too Much: Kinston Police Must Stop Relying on Taxpayers The City of Kinston’s police department budget is $10 million—not $15 million as some have claimed.  But even at $10 million, the spending is far too high for a city of fewer than 20,000 residents and a department of approximately 70 officers.  That works out to more than $143,000 per officer  and over $500 per resident per year. To put that in perspective, the national average for police spending in citie

1. What the Law Says Election protests in North Carolina are governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163‑182.9  and related administrative rules. A protest must be based on specific, factual allegations  that an irregularity or violation occurred which could affect the outcome of the election. Evidence can be presented, but it must be admissible and relevant  to the protest. 2. Public vs. Non‑Public Information Public Records:  Voter registration data, election results, poll books, and