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.

Kinston residents, I know these are challenging times. The current federal government shutdown is affecting families across our city and state—impacting paychecks, food assistance, and essential services. Many are feeling the strain, especially those who work for the government, rely on federal programs, or are still recovering from recent hardships. What’s Happening? Many federal workers in North Carolina, including those in Kinston, are not receiving paychecks during the sh

Due to the many hardships facing our government and city, researching grant funding is more vital now than ever. I understand the challenges our community is experiencing, and that’s why I have taken the time to introduce some of the available help for individuals and families in need. Below are reputable grants and resources that can provide immediate assistance to North Carolina residents. If you or someone you know is facing financial hardship in North Carolina, there are

Dear Supporters, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for coming out so strongly to the polls. Your dedication and support mean the world to me, and I truly felt the love as I went door to door in our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, I must also address some troubling behavior from other candidates’ teams, especially the Mayor’s. There have been repeated attempts to call the Board of Elections and spread false information in an effort to hinder my ca

As we approach Election Day in North Carolina, it's essential for candidates, campaign volunteers, and local voters to understand the legal boundaries at polling places. This information is vital not just for compliance but also for fostering a positive and respectful voting environment. Below, we will discuss key laws regarding candidate conduct at polling sites, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for ensuring a smooth Election Day experience. Understanding Polling

Exciting things are happening in Greenville, NC, as the city celebrates the opening of a brand-new resource center dedicated to serving residents in need. This center is more than just a building—it’s a hub of hope, support, and opportunity for families, youth, seniors, and anyone facing hardship. What Does the Resource Center Offer? Greenville’s resource center brings together vital services under one roof. Residents can access job training, mental health support, housing as

Today in court, the session began in an unusual way: the judge had everyone stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. While this patriotic gesture surprised some, it also raised an important question—can a judge require this? According to the U.S. Supreme Court, no one can be forced to recite the Pledge; participation must always be voluntary, even in a courtroom. But the surprises didn’t end there. Shortly after, a phone rang in the courtroom. When no one admitted to owning

Last night, our community came together at Mother Earth Brewery for a town hall meeting to meet the candidates and discuss the future of Kinston. First and foremost, I want to thank candidate Milton Foster for the invitation and express my gratitude to Mother Earth for providing a welcoming space for residents to gather, share concerns, and connect with those seeking to lead our city. The evening was filled with important conversations and honest reflections. While Mayor Dont

As Kinston approaches a pivotal mayoral election on November 4, 2025, residents are looking for leadership that brings fresh ideas, integrity, and a deep commitment to the community. One candidate stepping forward is Kareem S. Moore—a man whose life story is rooted in service, hard work, and a passion for uplifting others. Who Is Kareem Moore? Kareem Moore is more than just a candidate—he’s a neighbor, a veteran, and a small business owner. With a proud military background, K

Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is in the midst of a financial crisis, with millions in budget shortfalls, questionable spending, and a...

Recently, headlines out of Mississippi have sent shockwaves through small towns across the South. A mayor and city clerk are now facing...

If you’ve recently opened your property tax bill and felt a shock, you’re not alone. Many Kinston residents are feeling the impact of the...

In a city like Kinston, having clear, thoughtful policies in place is not just a matter of good governance—it is essential for ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of every resident. Policies provide the structure and accountability needed to address challenges, protect our most vulnerable, and guide our city toward a brighter future. As we look ahead, I am encouraged by the promise of new leadership and the opportunity for real progress. I urge the new administratio

Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025    Early Voting: September 19 – November 1, 2025    Deadline to Register: Friday, October 10,...