KEEPING IT 100

BJ Murphy’s record in Kinston shows why voters shouldn’t trust him as commissioner BJ Murphy was watching the 2025 election like a hawk, throwing out punch lines about not raising taxes  to attract people’s vulnerability. Don’t be fooled — slogans don’t erase a failed track record. Downtown Was His Only Concern As mayor of Kinston from 2009 to 2017, Murphy poured nearly all of his energy into downtown. Restaurants, breweries, and polished sidewalks became the showcase. Meanwh

They didn’t just play football. They carried the weight of a city’s hope. In 2025, the Holloway 12 & Under football team stormed through the Kinston/Lenoir County Recreation Football League  and claimed the City Championship , proving that when Kinston youth are guided with the right leadership, they can excel beyond expectations. The Road They Ran Holloway’s journey to the title meant facing every powerhouse in the area: Fairfield  — rooted in Fairfield Park, known for stron

🎵 Who Is Kentrille Lawson Lawson is a faculty member at Kinston High School , part of Lenoir County Public Schools. He serves as the coach of the Golden Elites Auxiliary , the performance group that brings color, movement, and energy to the KHS Marching Sound of Gold band. Known for his pride in his students, Lawson often shares how honored he feels to guide them, calling himself a “proud coach of the Golden Elites”. 🌟 His Impact on Students Mentorship:  Lawson doesn’t just

Yesterday, the field at Kinston High School was alive with the sound of music, determination, and pride. The Viking band didn’t just host a competition — they hosted a movement. A movement that reminded us all that the youth of Kinston are not defined by headlines of trouble, but by the brilliance of their talent, the strength of their discipline, and the beauty of their dreams. 🎵 A Stage for Greatness As buses rolled in and instruments gleamed under the autumn sun, students

In every community, local news outlets play a vital role in informing the public and shaping the narrative around important events. However, when these outlets rely on the very communities they sometimes divide for support and attention, it raises serious questions about their responsibility and impact. This Sunday, while most families in Kinston gathered for worship and rest, the staff of Neuse News was hard at work, seeking attention through coverage that felt more disrupti

Having a church family can lift many burdens that members of the world will not. In Kinston, congregations provide not only worship services but also fellowship, encouragement, and hope. 🕍 Churches in Kinston with Addresses & Hours Church of Faith and Deliverance Address:  655 Sussex Ave, Kinston, NC 28504 Hours: Sunday Worship: & 10:00 AM Monday: Discipleship Class, 6:00 PM Wednesday: Prayer & Bible Study, 6:30 PM Thursday: Noon Day Service, 12:00 PM Office Hours: Mon–Sat,

The Incident On Wednesday, November 12, 2025 , Kinston Police Department’s A‑Squad officers responded to a report of a man trying to break into a vehicle on Dubose Drive . The victim provided officers with security video footage  clearly showing the suspect in the act. The Arrest Officers canvassed the area and located the suspect nearby on Hardee Road . He was identified as 40‑year‑old Frankie Tucker Jr. of Sanford, NC . Tucker was arrested and charged with Attempted Breakin

The Incident On the night of November 8, 2025 , Kinston Police Department’s A‑Squad officers responded to a residence on Fields Street  after reports of a gunshot victim. When they arrived, they found a 40‑year‑old man suffering from gunshot wounds to both legs . The victim was rushed to ECU Health for treatment. The Investigation Detectives quickly identified 43‑year‑old Thurman Jones Jr.  as the suspect. On November 10 , police executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence.

A Quiet Community Shaken Bear Creek, a small rural community in Chatham County, is known more for its rolling farmland than for violent crime. But on the evening of November 6, 2025 , deputies were called to a home after a family member received a disturbing text message: someone inside feared for their life during a heated argument. When deputies arrived, they forced entry into the residence. Inside, they found a devastating scene: two people shot to death , a firearm lying

A Homecoming in Fairview When Tropical Storm Helene tore through Western North Carolina, families in Fairview and surrounding towns lost more than shingles and siding — they lost the sense of safety that comes with having a home. Floodwaters destroyed foundations, winds ripped roofs apart, and for months, many residents lived in uncertainty. This fall, Governor Josh Stein and state leaders visited Fairview to celebrate a milestone: the completion of a newly rehabilitated home

A Morning Gone Wrong It was supposed to be a routine school day. An 11‑year‑old boy sat in the back seat of his stepfather’s car, backpack ready, mind on classes ahead. But on Interstate 215 outside Las Vegas, two drivers began jockeying for position. One tried to pass on the shoulder. Tempers flared. Windows rolled down. Words were exchanged. Then, a gunshot. The bullet pierced the boy’s small hybrid SUV, striking him in the back seat. He died before reaching school. This tr

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