Good morning, Greenville.

ECU students from Carolina Cleaning Boys won the Miller School’s Gene T.

Aman Pirate Challenge, earning $50,000 cash + $60,000 in services. They will buy a new truck and equipment and add staff to grow their pressure washing business into a full-time career.

Pitt County Cultural Arts and Recreation hosted a media availability for the Spring Story Walk at Alice F.

Keene District Park on Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The event showcased student stories along the park trails, a collaborative effort with NC Cooperative Extension and Wintergreen Elementary.

The 54th annual Grifton Shad Festival is underway with rides, food, and entertainment drawing crowds today — although fireworks are cancelled because of a burn ban.

A parade is scheduled for Saturday and more activities continue throughout the weekend.

The N.C. Global TransPark and the U.S. Navy signed a 10-year agreement to support maintenance and aircraft overhaul for the Fleet Readiness Center East — a deal that will create 400 jobs at TransPark.

The move is expected to boost local economic growth.

Gas prices dropped in Greenville after Iran's foreign minister declared the Strait of Hormuz open, causing the state average to fall from $3.93 last week to $3.82, according to AAA.

Some local stations show prices as low as $3.59 + drivers note that further drops may help ease fuel costs.

ECU alumnus Kevin Williamson (creator of Scream and Dawson’s Creek) will deliver the spring commencement keynote address at 10 a.m. on campus, marking an important moment for new graduates.

East Carolina University now offers a new transfer agreement to let dental hygiene graduates from NC community colleges continue their education at ECU.

The option provides a clear pathway to earning a degree and advancing their careers.

Dr. Warqaa Akram from ECU Health Cancer Care in Greenville became the first in the state to use the da Vinci Single Port robotic system on March 16 to perform minimally invasive colorectal surgeries, which allowed greater precision in removing polyps and tumors.

A raccoon discovered on Elm Street in Greenville has tested positive for rabies, as reported by the Pitt County Health Department.

The East Carolina Pirates beat Wichita State 7 to 1 (with six hits and seven RBI) in their conference series opener and will meet again today at 3:00 p.m. at Clark LeClair Stadium to try and secure the series.

East Carolina Pirates Baseball Game

6-9 p.m. — Clark-LeClair Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling baseball action as the Pirates face off against the Bulls in an exciting game day atmosphere.

Piratefest 2026

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Town Common — Free entry — Celebrate the 19th year of pirate festivities with arts, music, and sword fighting along the Tar River.

Spring Festival

9 AM – 4 PM — Homeplace Strawberries and More — $10 wristbands for kid activities — Enjoy strawberry picking, local vendors, and family fun with hayrides and homemade ice cream.

ECU Pirates vs. Rice Owls Baseball Game

6-9 p.m. — Clark-LeClair Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch the ECU Pirates battle the Rice Owls for an exciting night of baseball.

Baseball Game: East Carolina Pirates vs. Campbell

6-9 p.m. — Clark-LeClair Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience East Carolina University baseball and cheer for the Pirates as they take on Campbell in a thrilling matchup.

Obey Your Master: Metallica Tribute

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — $12.50 to $27.40 — Experience an electrifying tribute to Metallica by an exceptional tribute band.