Good morning, Greenville.

Gov. Josh Stein signed a $34 billion budget Tuesday morning that gives Pitt County teachers an 8% raise and local officers a one-time bonus of $1,750, with teacher Mario Blanchard saying it could ease financial strain and Sheriff Paula Dance noting it may heighten staffing competition.

Hemp store owners warn that House Bill 328 will change THC testing and could force many local businesses to close — with federal standards set to take effect on Nov.

12. Lawmakers may resume discussing the bill after the House reconvenes on July 27, as owners urge action.

Steven Hardy-Braz was named statewide highway safety advocate by the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program for his work to improve safe roads for pedestrians and cyclists in Farmville, Greenville and elsewhere.

He received the award Tuesday when Farmville Mayor Alex Joyner presented it (his efforts also support accessible public spaces).

Invest Greenville has elected its board for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with Aaron Driver returning as chair and new members including local investor and municipal representatives from Winterville and Grimesland.

The board will guide economic growth and strengthen community ties.

Congressman Don Davis said the $25 million state funding in the new budget is a key step to reopen Martin General Hospital, which closed nearly three years ago.

A resolution at the Martin County Board meeting this week+ efforts to secure federal matching funds are expected to advance permanent reopening.

State health officials confirmed 110 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe stomach illness, from contaminated food or water since early June.

Doctors advise local families to wash produce and avoid swallowing water while swimming (nausea and diarrhea may occur).

ECU researchers received a $250,000 Brody Brothers Endowment grant to study Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s diseases as part of an 18-month project that builds a new collaboration across several departments.

The team aims to identify pathways that may lead to innovative treatments.

Martin County and ECU Health thanked state leaders for millions in local healthcare funding in today's state budget.

The plan provides $25 million for Martin General Hospital and $15 million for additional beds at ECU Health Beaufort as officials work to reopen the hospital soon.

Local lefty Parker Simo from J.H.

Rose committed to ECU after an impressive junior season and state playoff runs+ he will pitch for ECU after his senior season next spring, staying close to home.