The Kinston City Council met in an emergency meeting today and emerged naming former Kinston City Manager Ralph Clark as the new interim. The previous interim left abruptly after an alleged contentious meeting with newly elected Mayor Kareem Moore.
All in Politics
Murphy Introduces Legislation to Boost American Cotton Consumption
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the Buying American Cotton Act, alongside Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL), legislation to create a tax credit to incentivize the consumption of products made with American-grown cotton.
Rep. Chris Humphrey: The HWY 58 Connector
I hope you and your family are doing well as we start the new year. It’s been a busy month here in Raleigh and across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties, and I’ve continued working on the issues I hear about most from folks back home.
“Tyrant at the Head”: Organizers Call Attention to Greene Board Leadership at Meeting
On Monday evening, January 12, 2026, approximately 30 residents gathered at the Greene County Community Center for a town hall meeting focused on claims by speakers of systematic gerrymandering in North Carolina and how speakers alleged that local election officials had violated voters’ rights.
Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.
Snow Hill Commissioners Appoint Harrell to Board Vacancy, Reelect Wilkes as Mayor Pro Tem
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners held two connected meetings on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the G. Melvin Oliver Town Hall in Snow Hill. The proceedings began with the conclusion of the recessed regular meeting from December 8, 2025.
Moore sworn in as mayor, names Solomon mayor pro tem after tense council exchange
A tense exchange between Felicia Solomon, Chris Suggs, and Don Hardy defined the final Kinston City Council meeting before the swearing-in of Kareem Moore, Les Lipford and Sammy Aiken, following the certification of the municipal election results.
Lenoir County settles administration building lawsuit using insurance funds, officials say
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 approved a budget ordinance amendment related to the settlement of a lawsuit stemming from the renovation of the county administration building, with county officials repeatedly emphasizing that taxpayer dollars were not used.
NC State Board of Elections formally certifies Kareem Moore as Kinston Mayor
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has formally certified Kareem Moore as the duly elected mayor.
Lenoir County commissioners approve economic development financing, DSS legal funding and insurance-funded settlement
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners opened its first meeting of 2026 on Jan. 5 by honoring the late Commissioner Roland Best before approving a series of economic development, budget, and administrative actions, including financing for a new industrial shell building and additional legal support for the Department of Social Services.
City plans demolition of three condemned properties, 118 remain on list
Kinston officials are moving forward with the demolition of three condemned properties, while more than 100 others remain under review, according to a demolition update scheduled for presentation to City Council.
Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from eastern NC and DC.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter.
A Year in Photos: Governor Stein Reflects on His First Year in Office
(RALEIGH) This year, Governor Stein is highlighting some of his most memorable moments from his first year in office.
City Council hires interim City Manager
At the conclusion of the closed session today, Mayor Don Hardy called the open meeting to order and entertained a motion to hire Steven Harrell as interim city manager. The councilmembers present, Robbie Swinson, Felicia Solomon and Chris Suggs all voted in favor.
Rep. Chris Humphrey welcomes defeated Kinston Mayor to NC House District 12 race
RALEIGH, N.C. – State Representative Chris Humphrey (R – Kinston), the incumbent representative for North Carolina House District 12, issued the following statement welcoming former Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy to the race for the seat representing Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties:
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
Swearing-in delayed as elections board withholds certification of Kinston results
The City of Kinston has delayed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials because the Lenoir County Board of Elections has not yet certified the results of the Nov. 4 municipal election.
Murphy Introduces Legislation to Improve VA Research & Care Delivery
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the VA Research Reform Act, legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research ecosystem to improve the efficiency and transparency of care delivery.
UPDATED: Current list of 2026 Primary candidates for Lenoir, Greene and Jones Counties
The filing period for North Carolina's 2026 municipal elections opened Monday, December 1, 2025 marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir, Jones and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan offices have until noon on Friday, December 19 to file with their respective county boards of elections.