The Kinston High School Marching Band  is more than a performance group — it is a symbol of discipline, pride, and achievement for the community. With a record of success in competitions and the leadership of dedicated teachers, the band continues to inspire students and uplift Kinston. The Kinston High School Marching Band  has long been a source of pride for the community, earning recognition across North Carolina for its musical excellence and discipline. This weekend, the

GOP Chairman’s three protests expose manipulation, misuse of private records, and demand State Bar scrutiny The Kinston municipal election was not defined by the will of the people, but by the actions of GOP Chairman and attorney Sean Keenan . In one cycle, he filed three separate election protests , each riddled with defects, each bending the rules, and each eroding public trust. Keenan’s first move was a late candidate challenge , filed after the statutory deadline set by N

To Whom It May Concern, I am formally filing this protest regarding the integrity of the recent Kinston municipal election. The conduct observed during both early voting and Election Day raises serious concerns about fairness, compliance with election law, and the protection of voters’ rights. These violations undermine confidence in the democratic process and demand corrective action, including consideration of a re‑election. 1. Untimely and Improper Protest Filed Against My

Introduction After months of waiting, residents of Paylor Apartments in Kinston  finally saw hot water return to their building late Monday evening. For seniors and families who endured weeks of discomfort, the restoration was more than a repair — it was a relief long overdue. The Repair Process Contractors worked day and night for nearly a week  once the critical replacement part arrived. The job required persistence and coordination, underscoring how fragile basic infrastru

Introduction In Washington, North Carolina, democracy is coming down to single digits. City council candidate Richard Brooks , who finished sixth in a race for five seats, has formally requested a recount after losing by just nine votes . The razor‑thin margin has sparked renewed debate about election integrity, recount procedures, and the importance of every ballot cast. The Election Results Unofficial Results:  Brooks fell short of winning a seat by only nine votes. Seats A

Introduction When voters see names on a ballot, they assume those candidates have been vetted. In reality, the process varies wildly across the United States. Some states do little more than accept paperwork, while others use federal databases to confirm eligibility. The lack of uniformity raises questions about fairness, transparency, and whether stronger fact‑checking should be required nationwide. The Federal Gap No national checklist:  There is no single federal administr

Introduction In Kinston, North Carolina, contradictions are everywhere. Hemp products line store shelves, sold legally to anyone over 18. Yet just blocks away, police are still arresting residents for marijuana possession — sometimes in large amounts, sometimes for a single joint. The result is a justice system clogged with cases that many argue shouldn’t exist, and a community questioning why outdated laws continue to dictate lives. The Numbers in Kinston January 2025:  Depu

The Scene On a chilly November evening in Kinston, the Lenoir County Board of Elections convened to hear yet another protest filed by GOP chairman and attorney Sean Keenan . The room was tense, filled with community members weary of the drawn‑out election disputes. When the board voted not to move forward with Keenan’s challenge against winning candidate Les Lipford , the chairman stood abruptly and left — “like he had wheels on his shoes,” one observer quipped. It was a mome

Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it's a call to honor, reflect, and recommit to caring for those who served. As we mark November 11, let’s thank our veterans and remember why this day Tomorrow is Veterans Day , a time when our nation pauses to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. From the front lines of global conflict to the quiet resilience of peacetime service, veterans have carried the weight of our freedom with

According to the latest forecast, temperatures in Kinston will drop to as low as 33°F overnight , with daytime highs ranging from the upper 40s to mid-60s. A Freeze Warning  has been issued by the National Weather Service for the morning of Tuesday, November 11 , urging residents to prepare for potentially damaging cold. 🧊 What to Expect This Week Nov 10–11 : Sunny days, lows near freezing (33°F), high around 47–54°F Nov 12–14 : Gradual warming, highs reaching 63–67°F, lows

Breaking the Deadlock: The Eight Democrats Who Reopened the Government After 40 days of gridlock and growing public frustration, eight Senate Democrats made a controversial move: they crossed party lines to vote with Republicans and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Their decision wasn’t easy—and it wasn’t popular within their own party—but it was decisive. The Eight Who Crossed the Aisle: Democrats Who Reopened the Government In a dramatic turn during the

Selective Scrutiny and the Politics of Power When Sean Keenan, the GOP Chair of Lenoir County and a practicing attorney in Kinston, filed a protest against my candidacy, it wasn’t just targeted—it was early. He filed it before the election, and the Board of Elections had to stay the protest until after the results were in. That alone was disruptive. But now, after withdrawing his protest against me, he’s filed another—this time against Les Lipford, who won one of the two seat

I want to address the recent election protest I filed, so there’s no speculation or rumors—just the truth, straight from me. First, I do not believe the reported numbers reflect what actually happened. Every day, I personally witnessed the number of supporters who came out for me, and the official results simply don’t match what I saw with my own eyes. In the mayor’s race, there was a name left on the ballot, and the votes for that candidate were so close to the margin that s

During a recent public meeting in Kinston, the Lenoir County Board of Elections entered a closed session to address an election protest filed against Quarla Blackwell, a candidate for city council. The protest, brought by Lenoir County GOP chairman Sean Keenan, alleged that Blackwell, a convicted felon, lied on her candidacy form about her rights being restored. The board cited “consulting with their attorney” as the reason for the closed session, which lasted approximately 1

Today, I want to take a moment to honor the life of MarShawn Kneeland, a talented 24-year-old Dallas football player whose passing has left a deep ache in the hearts of many. To his family, friends, teammates, and anyone who has ever suffered in silence, I offer my sincerest condolences and unwavering support. Who MarShawn Kneeland Was and His Accomplishments MarShawn Kneeland was more than just a talented football player—he was a young man whose determination and spirit insp

Property taxes have long been a cornerstone of local government funding in the United States. In Kinston, as in most cities, homeowners pay annual taxes on their property, which fund schools, police, fire departments, and other essential services. But what if there was a better way—one that didn’t feel like “renting” land you already own from the state? The Case Against Property Taxes For many residents, property taxes are a source of frustration. Even after paying off a mort

Join us as we watch the results come in and celebrate our community’s hard work! When:  Election Night, starting at 6:00 PM (until the results are in) Where:  Olivia’s Catering Address:  110 East Caswell Street, Kinston, NC 28501 Come enjoy good food, great company, and a night of unity and excitement. Bring your friends and family—all are welcome! RSVP:  Please let us know you’re coming!Email: quarlablackwell@gmail.com Call or Text: 252-939-0534 or 252-558-2789 Let’s make th

Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good government. In Kinston, the potential new administration is taking significant steps to restore public trust and ensure that every department operates with integrity. One of the most important measures being implemented is the use of forensic audits across all city departments. What is a Forensic Audit? A forensic audit is a detailed examination and evaluation of an organization’s financial records. Unlike a standar

As early voting closes, I want to thank every supporter who has stood with me, especially those who shared their stories and hopes. Hearing “I got you” from so many of you inspires me to keep pushing for real change. Your encouragement is the backbone of this campaign, and together, we can address urgent needs— Know the Roles: Understanding City Leadership To create real and lasting change in Kinston, it’s essential for every citizen to understand the responsibilities of our

On October 28, 2025, the Kinston Police Department responded to a shooting at 405 Manning Street in Kinston, North Carolina. Officers pronounced Ryechic Harper deceased at the scene from a gunshot wound. According to police, Quandarius Rawl, age 21, was identified as the suspect. Rawl voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement 45 minutes after the incident. He was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The investigation is ongoing. A