Good morning, Greenville.

Invest Greenville reports that Pitt County sees strong job and population growth as its unemployment rate drops to 4 percent, the lowest in 35 years.

The county currently supports nearly 7,000 manufacturing jobs and over 3,000 transportation + warehousing jobs, with its population expected to reach 183,500 this year.

ECU biology professor Dr. April Blakeslee warned that the nearly 5-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz allowed more than 1,500 commercial vessels to become covered in invasive bacteria (and algae and barnacles) that could spread to global ports when trade resumes.

Researchers urge early detection networks and hull cleanings.

The Topsail Turtle Project (part of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center) was selected to join an international study led by the University of Swansea and is testing seawater irrigation on Topsail Island over 38 days as volunteers monitor nest temperatures to see if cooling the sand can protect hatchlings.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said he will not sign a Duke Energy Progress settlement that would raise bills 6.8% over the next two years (the original request was 18.1%), and the North Carolina Utilities Commission will review the proposal; if approved, new rates would start on Jan. 1, 2027.

The City will invest nearly $2M to improve Wildwood Park’s west side by constructing a 685-ft boardwalk that links its trail system to River Park North starting this fall — a parking and pier project with picnic shelters and a kayak launch will finish early 2027.

Since May, health officials have reported over 900 cyclosporiasis cases linked to raw produce in the region, with Wake County accounting for most cases and smaller counts in Pitt, Craven, Onslow and Carteret; inspectors are interviewing patients + advising residents to check local food recalls.

ECU Health partnered with the Carolina Hurricanes and Kids Who Give to provide 400 special gowns to young patients at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital yesterday; about 50 children received a gown (and enjoyed a visit from mascot Stormy) to lift their spirits.

J.H. Rose football returns eight starters on offense & a backup quarterback now set for a breakthrough year.

The Rampants will open at home against Northern Nash to avenge a 26-20 loss and face Middle Creek in non-conference play.