UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections voted unanimously today to dismiss the election protest filed against Les Lipford, who had been elected to the Kinston City Council. The protest will not move forward to a full evidentiary hearing.
All in Politics
Update: Lenoir County Board of Elections will hold a Preliminary Consideration Meeting Wednesday
UPDATE:
The Lenoir County Board of Elections will hold a Preliminary Consideration Meeting Wednesday, November 12th at 5:30pm for the Election Protest filed against Les Lipford.
Keenan drops Blackwell protest, now challenges Lipford’s win; Blackwell files her own protest
Sean Keenan has withdrawn his protest challenging the candidacy of Quarla Blackwell and has filed a new protest contesting the election of Kinston City Council elect Les Lipford.
Sheriff Rogers outlines crime reduction and community engagement efforts since 2022
When I took office in December 2022, Lenoir County was facing real challenges: rising gun violence, growing drug activity, and neighborhoods worn down by years of unchecked criminal hotspots. I didn’t walk into this job with slogans, I walked in with a 30-year law enforcement career, a plan, and a promise to the people of this county, we will take our communities back.
Lenoir County to hold public hearing on Project Ready Pad incentive
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. to consider awarding an economic development incentive to a company identified as Project Ready Pad.
LCPS recognizes educators, reviews career programs, and approves school plans
The Lenoir County Board of Education met Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting, held at the district office on West Vernon Avenue. The board approved its meeting agenda and minutes from the previous session and moved through recognitions, program updates, and several action items.
2025 Municipal Election winners for Lenoir and Greene County
2025 Municipal Election winners for Lenoir and Greene County
Kinston council hears growing frustration over tax rate; attorney says rollback unlikely
Tension filled the Kinston City Council chambers Monday night as residents once again urged city leaders to reduce the property tax rate before year’s end, calling the 73-cent rate approved in June an “unfair burden” that has pushed some homeowners to the brink.
Rep. Greg Murphy: 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.
Letter to the Editor: By the Daughter of a Resident at Roland Paylor Apartments
When the systems meant to protect us fail, where do we go? When those in power choose silence over service, who steps in? For the residents of Roland Paylor Apartments — a senior community in Kinston — the answer was painfully clear: no one in authority was listening. Not the housing authority. Not city officials. Not the mayor.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, October 29, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
Discussion highlights year of budget strains, public tension, and high interest in local races
With municipal elections set for Tuesday, Nov. 4, Neuse News Managing Editor Kristy Kelly and Magic Mile Media President BJ Murphy sat down to reflect on a year of unexpected filings, budget debates, and public controversy that helped shape local races across Lenoir and Greene counties.
Redistricting sets up shifting congressional race across Eastern North Carolina
The newly approved congressional map for North Carolina is reshaping political boundaries across the East, setting up a round of high-stakes decisions for incumbents and challengers in the 2026 election.
Murphy statement on Senate Democrats' 13th vote against government funding
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., issued the following statement after Senate Democrats’ 13th vote against the clean, continuing resolution to fund the government:
BJ Murphy: The Real Crisis in Kinston Isn’t Politics, It’s Participation
As my family prepares to move just outside of La Grange, I realize this election season marks the last time we’ll vote in a City of Kinston mayoral race. That simple fact carries some weight. For me, it’s more than a change of address. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on what’s happening to the city I still love. So, here’s some real talk.
Rep. Chris Humphrey Proposes State-Backed Emergency SNAP Relief During Federal Shutdown
State Representative Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir, Greene & Jones) announced today that he is pursuing a proposal that would use a small portion of North Carolina’s reserve funds to provide temporary emergency SNAP assistance to eligible families during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Housing Repair Loan Program
We are pleased to announce that the City of Kinston has been awarded funding from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for the 2027 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Project (ESFRLP27). ESFRLP27 provides home repair assistance through a 0% interest, deferred-forgivable loan. The loan is forgiven in equal portions each year for up to five years, as long as the homeowner continues to live in the home.
Lenoir commissioners advance riverwalk plan, approve PIO job and EMS contract
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Oct. 20, approved a slate of budget items and contracts, set a public hearing for a proposed campground, and received an update on the Kinston Riverwalk project that is pushing toward construction funding by June 2026.
Kinston council hears citizen tax concerns, adopts downtown master plan proposal
Property taxes and neighborhood conditions dominated Tuesday night’s Kinston City Council meeting, where residents voiced frustrations over rising costs before council members approved several measures, including a downtown master plan proposal and a new city investment policy.
Kareem Moore discusses vision for Kinston in mayoral race interview with Neuse News
Early voting is officially underway for North Carolina’s 2025 municipal elections. Voters in Lenoir and Greene counties can cast their ballots starting Thursday, Oct. 16, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4.