Election 2020: 39,400 minutes viewed. 10,400 people reached across 10 states and 10 countries. 467 hearts. 40 shares. 455 comments. And we cannot forget the STARS WAR that went down in the comments - total star count - 9,735. The best part? Informing our community of what was happening right here in OUR backyard. Thank you for making our Election 2020 Results Show a huge success! We do what we do for you!

The Journey, Episode 47

Yes, this is a typical week in our office. Covering politics, singing happy birthday, and receiving a visit from Cheech & Chong. #groovy

12 days away from Election Day and our LIVE Election Night Results Show, but we have been planning for weeks. The pace is fast, creative, and challenging at times but we have the best team in town and we are all excited for November 3rd. This broadcast will be like no other. It's a big night for Neuse News but just another small step along The Journey and we are loving every second.

The nation is probably as divided as it has been since the American Civil War in the 1860s. The supposed blue wave tsunami that was predicted by the media and pundits did not materialize in the numbers that they proclaimed. The White House may be changing parties, but Republicans picked up several House seats and look to maintain a Senate majority come January.

Despite COVID, lockdowns, a battered economy, partisan hoopla, racial issues, social unrest, riots, and a huge backlash against Trump, the nation is still bitterly divided, almost down the middle of its population. The polls were wrong--again, and many are losing faith in journalists, news, media, and the entire political system.

At the October 5th Kinston City Council meeting, the elected members unanimously approved two motions allowing city employees new vacation days for June 19 and Election Day. With roughly less than five minutes of discussion, both motions passed.

The City of Kinston has 378 positions on payroll and have about 350 positions filled at this time. Let’s assume all 350 are eligible to vote. If 70% take the time to vote, that will equate to approximately 245 employees exercising that right. If 61.2% have already cast their ballots in our area, it would mean about 214 employees have already done so.

Based on historical numbers, the cost per vote on Election Day (31) is roughly $1,729, plus time and a half for our police, fire and other essential employees.

One of the unique ideals of our country is that we’re able to express views and beliefs without fear of reprisal or censorship. And the internet has brought forth a plethora of opportunities to distribute information through a multitude of platforms and websites. But with the acceptance of differing voices came also the silencing of dissenting opinions by those with a monopoly on power and information...namely Facebook, Google and Twitter. These tech giants have created amazing platforms for people to connect, yet now have the undaunting task of policing those platforms in the scope of free speech without sacrificing what their ad dollars crave - your attention and engagement.

Senator Jim Perry is a native of Lenoir County and proud father of three. He went to Woodington Middle School, South Lenoir High School, Lenoir Community College and North Carolina State University. A few days ago, he dropped by Neuse News to chat with BJ about a range of topics including some of his career and life experiences. Jim shared his thoughts on how our legislature works, why we should pay attention to the Second Amendment debate, and the importance of the North Carolina 2020 census.

In our first podcast episode of 2020, we’re doing things a little differently. In the studio is Gram Spear, Vice President of Perry Management Inc. A native of Kinston, Gram attended Appalachian State University and East Carolina University. His wife and several friends recently launched a faith-based private school to deliver classical education accessible to all students, regardless of economic backgrounds. On this episode, Gram chats with BJ about basketball, social media, business practices, life, legacy and a deep commitment to faith.

Did you know you can use text messaging to connect with people and grow your brand? Zac shares how he’s been doing exactly that after getting the idea from Gary Vaynerchuk.