Kinston police reported a drop in violent crime during the first quarter of 2026, but increases in property crimes pushed the city’s overall offense total higher than the same period a year earlier.
All in Politics
Chris Humphrey: It’s Time to Deliver: My Priorities for the Upcoming Short Session
This week, I return to Raleigh to begin the legislative short session. For those unfamiliar, the short session is a period where lawmakers convene to shore up laws, bills, and spending priorities carried over from the long session. Historically, it’s a time for relatively routine work — fixing a grammatical error here, moving a comma there. This short session is a bit different.
Greene County to launch update of land use plan
Greene County commissioners are expected Monday to hear the opening presentation for a new comprehensive land use plan, the first countywide update since 2012.
Greene County commissioners to consider withdrawal from Eastern Carolina Council
The Greene County Board of Commissioners is scheduled Monday to consider whether to withdraw from the Eastern Carolina Council, placing the county alongside other local governments that have recently reexamined their relationship with the regional organization.
La Grange council approves withdrawal from Eastern Carolina Council
The La Grange Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to withdraw from membership in the Eastern Carolina Council, citing concerns about the organization’s financial condition, management problems and its ability to effectively serve member governments. The withdrawal will take effect July 1, 2026.
La Grange council approves $950,000 neighborhood revitalization grant agreement
The La Grange Town Council unanimously approved a $950,000 Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program agreement Monday night and authorized the mayor to execute the grant agreement and funding approval document on behalf of the town.
North Carolina's January Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. -— The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2026 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, unchanged from December’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.3 percent.
Hookerton Approves Reserve Funds to Help Fire Department Purchase Upgraded Truck
The Town of Hookerton held its regular board meeting on Tuesday, April 7, at the town hall.
Walstonburg Commissioners Hear Audit Report, Discuss Tree Removal and Zoning Violations
The Walstonburg Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 7th, at Town Hall.
Snow Hill Commissioners Approve Funding to Complete Park Pickleball Courts Amid Cost Updates
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to review and address updated costs for the town’s Splash[ad project, focusing on the construction of pickleball courts and related expenses.
Kinston receives update on downtown master plan as council fills board seats
The Kinston City Council on Tuesday approved an electric division tree trimming contract, authorized the next step toward purchasing a new fire engine, and approved a fireworks discharge permit for an April 25 event at Grainger Stadium.
Jones commissioners to hear public health, social services and fire district items Tuesday
The Jones County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet Tuesday, April 7, with an agenda that includes updates on public health, social services, recreation planning, tax matters and a proposed fire protection service district.
Pink Hill moves to even-year elections while La Grange rejects proposal
As local governments in the region weigh whether municipal elections should be held in odd-numbered or even-numbered years, Pink Hill and La Grange have landed on different answers.
Kinston High School champions recognized at Kinston council meeting, pay study approved
The Kinston City Council approved a compensation and classification study for implementation in the fiscal year 2027 budget, adopted a budget amendment, advanced infrastructure items and approved community events during its regular meeting Tuesday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 207 E. King St.
Letter to the editor: Red Cross Month honors neighbors who give hope when help can’t wait
As our country marks its 250th year, I’ve been thinking about what truly brings communities together. For me, it always comes down to people — neighbors caring for neighbors. In my role as executive director for the Red Cross North Carolina Cape Fear Chapter, I get to see that kindness every day through our lifesaving mission, which has been part of our country’s fabric for more than half of those 250 years.
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson
From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson, March - 2026
Letter to the editor: Raine Tyndall - Kinson is a beautiful place to live, needs to be an affordable
I’m speaking for the homeowners, the retirees on fixed incomes, and the working families of Kinston who are struggling under the weight of our current property taxes.
Kinston City Council hears concerns about youth activities, homelessness; approves budget changes and utility projects
The Kinston City Council on Tuesday approved several financial and administrative items, heard public concerns about summer options for teenagers and resources for people experiencing homelessness, and received a report on a coordinated law enforcement operation that executed dozens of search warrants across the city.
Opioid funding, AI limits, and flood task force approved at Jones commissioners meeting
TRENTON — Jones County commissioners approved opioid settlement funding agreements tied to Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina, adopted an internal artificial intelligence policy for county employees, and created a flood mitigation task force during the board’s March 2 regular meeting.
Greene County Commissioners Approve Animal Shelter Resolution, Back New Financing Program
The Greene County Board of Commissioners convened its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Greene County Operations Center in Snow Hill. Commissioners approved the county’s participation in a statewide commercial property financing program, adopted policies required for state water infrastructure funding, and unanimously backed a last-minute resolution seeking federal funding for a new animal shelter.