Good morning, Greenville.

Entrepreneurs are reinvigorating downtown as new spots like Fellowship Games and Paper Plane Cocktail + Co offer social gaming, dining, and community hangouts after Dickinson Avenue’s long roadway closures.

The 23rd annual Latino Festival will take place at JH Rose this Saturday, Oct.

10, offering cultural performances and food (a celebration of community heritage).

ECU Marching Pirates were selected for the 101st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 2027, marking the first time the band will perform in the event in its 88-year history.

The band & its supporters are beginning a full year of fundraising and preparation for this major opportunity.

On Oct. 7, local residents reacted to gas price relief efforts as officials proposed measures to lower fuel costs in the area.

The plans will go into effect once state funding is finalized.

East Carolina University Marching Pirates were announced as one of over 100 bands chosen to perform in the 101st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027.

Officials revealed the upcoming New York City trip — the announcement occurred during Wednesday practice on College Hill Drive near 10th Street.

ECU started Homecoming Week with games, giveaways and a Pirates Through the Decades theme that celebrated Pirate pride and university history.

The week will continue with Freeboot Friday, a food drive and Saturday’s parade starting at 9 a.m. on Fifth Street + a 4 p.m. football game.

Pitt County Schools is reviewing a change to Policy 3510 that would allow students to leave school for religious instruction in compliance with a new state mandate & limit released time to one hour per week.

The board will vote on the proposed revisions Nov. 2 while keeping core classes intact.

Golden LEAF awarded ECU $2.9 million to expand medical training and lab equipment for health sciences programs at the Brody School of Medicine and CHHS+ funds will boost a new learning studio and upgrade clinical labs to prepare more healthcare workers for rural communities.

ECU PharmaFest is helping students and alumni explore pharmaceutical careers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Main Campus Student Center.

Regional companies and ECU graduates will provide insights on job opportunities (advance registration is advised).

East Carolina University kicked off Homecoming Week on Oct.

7 with campus events for students, staff, and alumni — the celebration will continue through the week with various planned activities.

Albert J. Ellis Airport received $4 million from the state's Regional Airport Fund in July to drive a 900-foot runway extension, road relocation & new entrance, with airport leaders set to decide funding allocation in the coming year.

The projects aim to boost current services and welcome potential new airlines.