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

Election Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a chance for every one of us to shape the future of Kinston. Our voices, our choices, and our votes matter. But for too many, barriers like transportation, discouragement, or life’s struggles can stand in the way. This year, let’s make a promise: no one in our community will be left behind. Let’s Eliminate Every Excuse If you know someone who doesn’t have a car, reach out and offer them a ride. Organize with friends, famil

As Halloween approaches, North Carolina law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to keep roads safe through the statewide Halloween Booze It & Lose It campaign. Launched on October 24, 2025, and running through Halloween, this initiative covers all 100 counties in North Carolina. What is Booze It & Lose It? The campaign is led by the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the N.C. Department of Transportation. Its goal is to deter impaired driving, especi

As we approach the final days of early voting, Kinston stands at a critical crossroads. The opportunity to reshape our community lies in our hands, and it is time to find a leader who genuinely represents all its residents. Kareem Moore is that leader. Under the current administration of Don Hardy, many aspects of our community have been neglected, leading to a pressing need for change. The Record of Don Hardy: A Leadership of Missed Opportunities For eight years, Don Hardy h

🏛️ St. Mark Church Ministries 📍 Address:  1009 E Bright St, Kinston, NC 28501 📞 Phone:  (252) 523-0871 🕒 Hours:  Not publicly listed—call ahead to confirm availability 💡 Services:  Mobile food pantry and community outreach More info on Chamber of Commerce 🍽️ Mary’s Kitchen 📍 Address:  110 N Independence St, Kinston, NC 28501 📞 Phone:  (252) 523-1013 🕒 Hours:  Open daily , Monday–Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM 💡 Services:  Hot meals served daily, no questions asked

On November 1, many families in Kinston will face a difficult challenge: SNAP (food stamp) benefits will not be distributed as usual. For countless residents, this pause means uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. As a community, it’s crucial that we come together to support our neighbors during this time. How Will Kinston Be Affected? The absence of SNAP benefits will hit our most vulnerable residents the hardest—children, seniors, and working families who

Kinston is taking a big step forward in supporting our community with the launch of the 2027 Loan Program, officially known as the Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (ESFRLP27). This program is designed to help homeowners repair and improve their homes, making Kinston a safer and stronger place for everyone. What Is the Kinston 2027 Loan Program? The ESFRLP27 is a special home repair assistance program funded by the Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

Across North Carolina, the need for affordable housing is urgent. Charlotte has taken bold steps to address this crisis through its Faith in Housing initiative, which empowers local churches to transform their unused land into affordable homes for families in need. What Is Charlotte’s Faith in Housing Initiative? Charlotte’s program provides training, funding, and technical support to 12 local churches, helping them explore and develop affordable housing on their properties.