Good morning, Greenville.

Jessica Smith, a Pitt County resident injured in a house fire in June + who lost all her belongings, attended an appreciation dinner Monday at Simpson Rural Fire Department to thank the first responders who saved her life and is now receiving treatment at a Chapel Hill burn center.

A Pitt County woman said first responders saved her life during a house fire last night that left her with nothing; she thanked them as local groups + community members rally to help her rebuild her home.

Winterville Watermelon Festival will run from Thursday, Aug.

27 to Sunday, Aug. 30 at festival grounds in Winterville, and tickets are now on sale. The event will feature local food, live music + games for families and community members.

Legacy Residence Hall on ECU’s College Hill reopens this fall after a $29 million renovation.

The updated dorm features a new lobby (and other upgrades) and will provide housing for about 450 students.

Donors provided over $78.7 million in fiscal year 2026 to support student success priorities at ECU in Greenville, including funding for main campus, athletics, and health sciences.

Chancellor Philip Rogers said that generous contributions from 6,700 benefactors helped create scholarships and ease financial burdens for students.

City officials lowered the 10th Street speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph between Evans and Elm to boost safety ahead of ECU move-in traffic starting Wednesday.

Police continue to enforce the new limit as drivers are urged to slow down.

Former ECU and NFL star Chris Johnson announced his ALS diagnosis on Good Morning America and revived the Ice Bucket Challenge to boost awareness and support care efforts in the community; experts at Greenville’s Jim (Catfish) Hunter ALS Clinic say early assistive technology can help preserve patients’ independence.

ECU Health’s nine hospitals received national Get With The Guidelines awards for heart, stroke and diabetes care.

The awards mark the fourth consecutive year they earned the recognition, highlighting their role in providing quality care in eastern North Carolina — a key measure against top health risks.

Taylor Fresh Foods (parent company of Taylor Farms) is recalling jalapeño products, including guacamole, pico de gallo and taco dip sold locally, due to possible salmonella contamination with a Best If Used By date up to Aug.

16. Consumers are advised to discard the items and seek refunds at the purchase location (contact 855-455-0098 Monday–Friday 8am–5pm PT).

ECU nursing students learned about rural care gaps in Martin County during a summer course that explored six common emergency scenarios + examined challenges after Martin General closed as the General Assembly allocated $25 million to reopen it as the first rural emergency hospital.

ECU Health announced that five nurses completed ECU School of Nursing’s new acute gerontology program to better serve our aging population, while East Carolina Anesthesia Associates named Jason Biddy as its new chief executive officer effective July 20.

Coach Blake Harrell said ECU may add LB Sam Dankah, DL J.D.

Lampley, and RB Marlon Gunn Jr. if an extra eligibility year is granted (pending NCAA appeal) and will adjust its roster before the season opener on Sept. 5.