KEEPING IT 100

Introduction Rumors of new stimulus checks have swept across the country, with many Americans hoping for relief before the end of 2025. Social media posts and headlines have fueled speculation that $2,000 payments are imminent. But the facts tell a different story: while President Trump has proposed a tariff‑funded dividend , no official stimulus checks have been authorized. As of November 12, 2025 , there are no authorized $2,000 federal stimulus checks . President Donald Tr

Introduction Kinston, North Carolina, is a city with deep roots and resilient people. Yet beneath the surface of community pride lies a troubling trend: too much energy spent on tearing one another down instead of lifting each other up. The level of hate and competition has grown so high that it threatens to overshadow the progress the city has made. This article isn’t about degrading anyone. It’s about exposing weaknesses with the hope of growth , encouraging leaders to be t

Introduction When Paula Dance  was elected in 2018, she made history as the first Black female sheriff in North Carolina. But her legacy isn’t just about breaking barriers — it’s about breaking cycles. From the Pitt County Detention Center to the streets of Greenville and surrounding communities, Dance has reshaped law enforcement with a focus on rehabilitation, fairness, and community trust . A Jail Unlike Others Most jails are places where people simply sit and wait — for t

Reported November 2025 | Kinston, NC Written and inspired by: Quarla Blackwell The Kinston Police Department  has issued a public warning following a wave of scam reports affecting residents across eastern North Carolina. The most common scheme involves callers claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House , telling victims they’ve won a large cash prize or a new car. But there’s a catch: to “claim” the prize, victims are asked to send money or gift cards —a classic scam ta

Reported November 6, 2025 | Miami, FL Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown  has been arrested and charged with attempted murder  in connection with a shooting that occurred in Miami earlier this month. Brown, once known for his explosive talent on the football field, is now at the center of a federal investigation that has shocked fans and the sports world alike. According to law enforcement sources, the incident took place in a Miami neighborhood where Brown allegedly disc

Reported November 11, 2025 | Greensboro, NC In a powerful display of unity and purpose, nearly 1,600 messengers from Baptist churches across North Carolina  came together at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro  for the 195th Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina . Held November 10–11, the event marked the highest attendance since 2009 , with a total of 2,039 participants , including pastors, church staff, laity, and guests. The theme

Reported November 6, 2025 | Detroit, MI Detroit police are investigating a tragic double homicide that occurred inside a barber shop on the city’s west side. The shooting took place on Greenfield Road , where two men were fatally shot in what authorities believe may have been a targeted attack. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots during the early evening hours and saw a man fleeing the scene on foot. When officers arrived, they found two adult males suffering from gu

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell On this Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country in uniform — and those who continue to serve their communities with courage and heart. Today, we pay tribute to Lester Lipford , a newly elected member of the Kinston City Council and a proud veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Lester Lipford’s path to public office has been marked by determination and resilience . He ran for Kinston City Council in 2021 and 2023 ,

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell Congratulations to Sammy C. Aiken , who has reclaimed his seat on the Kinston City Council. His victory marks a powerful comeback — one rooted in service, resilience, and a deep love for the people of Kinston. Aiken previously served 12 years on the council , attending 263 out of 264 mandatory meetings, missing only one due to a family emergency. His dedication to civic duty is unmatched, and his return to office is a testament to the

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a pivotal case that could reshape how federal courts handle compassionate release. In Fernandez v. United States , the justices are considering whether legal errors — such as flawed sentencing or ineffective counsel — can qualify as “extraordinary and compelling reasons” for early release under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A). 🧑‍⚖️ The Case: Who Is Joe Fernandez? Joe Fernandez was convicted of conspiring

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell The holiday spirit is alive and well in Pitt County, North Carolina, thanks to the annual Toys for Tots campaign , which launched with a high-energy event known as “Cops on the Roof.”  Law enforcement officers from across the county climbed onto rooftops — including Walmart locations — and stayed there until they reached their goal: collecting 200 bicycles  for children in need. Winterville Police Chief Ryan Willhite shared that the ev

In Lincoln, Nebraska, a man in his 40s experiencing a mental health crisis died by suicide while in police custody. Officers responded to a disturbance call on November 9, 2025, finding the man attempting to enter a home through a basement window. He was arrested, searched, and placed in the back of a police cruiser. Yet somehow, while officers were distracted interviewing witnesses, the man managed to move his hands to the front of his body, retrieve a hidden firearm from hi

David Bell was sentenced to 200 days in jail by Judge Imelda Pate in Kinston, NC, reportedly for charges related to contempt of court and probation violations. While full case details remain sealed or limited in public access, court records confirm he filed an appeal. With so much going on in his own life—including legal battles and personal challenges—many in the community believe he should focus on his own affairs rather than involving himself in others’. In a recent ruling

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell As Enfield prepares for its next municipal election, Mayor Mondale Robinson  finds himself under scrutiny—not just for his policies, but for his place of residence  and a recent police-involved incident  in Maryland. Robinson, who has served as mayor since 2022, was seriously injured in a car accident  in Largo, Maryland , after swerving to avoid a herd of deer. While the crash was ruled accidental, it has raised questions about whethe

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell There was a time when Kinston didn’t just have news—it had Mr. Andy . His local radio station was more than a broadcast; it was a lifeline. From city council updates to church announcements, from weather alerts to sales at local stores , Mr. Andy kept the community informed, connected, and cared for. He knew the pulse of Kinston. If a neighbor was in need, if a business had a special, if a storm was coming—Mr. Andy’s voice was there. H

On Saturday, November 8, 2025 , a fatal shooting occurred inside the emergency department lobby of WakeMed Garner Healthplex . The incident involved WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith , 59, and Benji Martin Jr. , a 29-year-old Black man from Garner. Both men were shot during a physical altercation. Officer Smith died from his injuries; Martin remains hospitalized and has been charged with murder. 🕵️‍♂️ What We Know So Far The shooting happened around 9:00 a.m.  in a p

🕵️‍♀️ Fraud in Disguise: Durham Woman Charged for Posing as Bank Agent Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell In a case that has shocked the Triangle community, Yanru Cui , 28, of Durham, was arrested on Monday and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly impersonating a bank representative and exploiting a vulnerable adult. According to arrest warrants, Cui posed as a Wells Fargo agent named “Anna”  and contacted a woman under the pretense of resolving an issue with

🌟 Celebrities Who Gave During the 2025 Government Shutdown Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell 🎬 Tyler Perry Donated $1.4 million  to support families affected by the loss of SNAP (food stamp) benefits. His donation was distributed across multiple organizations, including: Atlanta Community Food Bank Baby2Baby Meals on Wheels Atlanta Caring for Others All for Lunch Ron Clark Academy Goodr Perry said: “If you’ve never been poor, then you may not fully understand the lif

🚨 Search Area Update: Dominic Connelly Manhunt Expands As of November 4, 2025 , law enforcement officials have shifted their focus after new sightings and evidence suggest that Dominic Connelly , wanted for murder, arson, and assault , is no longer in the previously targeted area near Highways 17 and 43  in Craven and Beaufort Counties . Key developments: On November 3 , Connelly was reportedly seen crossing U.S. 17 near N.C. 102 from Chandler Road  in Beaufort County. Witne

As of November 9, 2025 , the U.S. Senate has failed 14 times  to pass a short-term funding bill to reopen the government. The shutdown, which began on October 1 , is now the longest in U.S. history , surpassing the 35-day closure in 2019. Key sticking points include: Cuts to Medicaid  and healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act Democratic opposition  to any bill that doesn’t restore these programs Republican insistence  on budget reductions and entitlement reform D