Good morning, Greenville.

Local nonprofits reflected on Giving Tuesday as a day to support youth programs and arts—leaders at the Boys & Girls Club and Magnolia Arts Center explained that even small donations help meet the $30,000 daily operating cost and provide meals, mentorship, and safe spaces for children. Several organizations noted that continued community donations will sustain essential services despite economic challenges.

East Carolina University will host its annual Visual Arts Forum Holiday Sale and GlasStation Sale from Thursday through Saturday in the Wellington B.

Gray Gallery at Jenkins Fine Arts Center — undergraduate and graduate students will offer a range of unique art pieces. The university also will present a free 'Sounds of the Season' concert by the ECU Chamber Singers, University Chorale and Concert Choir at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville.

Executive Dean Jason Higginson retired as a Navy captain on Dec.

1 after 26 years of service and now guides ECU’s Brody School of Medicine as it expands with historic state funding & a plan to boost physician training in eastern North Carolina. He credits his Navy service for building the leadership skills he uses to drive the school’s growth & strengthen its focus on serving underserved communities.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said residents should secure homes and businesses by locking pet doors and closing gaps—such as under decks and sheds—to keep black bears from denning this winter.

Daniel Pope, a Copper Beech resident, said two of his apartment's seven fire alarms did not work for over two years and one hard-wired smoke detector leaked water from its socket Tuesday morning.

Greenville Fire Rescue fined Copper Beech $50 and offered Pope a different place to stay while maintenance tried to repair the alarms — Pope said he reported the problems many times but management disputed his claims — raising safety concerns.

Congresswoman Alma S.

Adams introduced the Fair Credit for Farmers Act to improve access to and accountability for USDA loan services while strengthening borrower rights for agriculture producers. She said the bill removes barriers for small farms struggling with low commodity prices, climate change, and trade issues — a move to support North Carolina agriculture.

ECU’s online post-graduate nursing certificate program has been recognized as the second best in the state by RegisteredNursing.org for next year+ the ranking comes as nurses face workforce shortages and rising patient needs in the healthcare system.

Youth spring soccer league registration is now open with sign-ups due by February 16—parents can secure a spot for their children to play eight weeks of soccer to build skills and teamwork.

ECU snapped its four-game skid on Tuesday night at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum as Jordan Riley led with 18 points — Isaiah Mbeng and Corey Caulker reached season-highs in the 68 to 56 win over UMES.

The Pirates shot 8-of-17 from distance and will face UNCG on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Christmas Town

4-9 p.m. — Ayden Chamber of Commerce — Free entry — Experience the magic of the holidays with shopping, hot chocolate, and a festive parade of lights.

6th Annual Dinner of Hope Fundraising Gala

6-9 p.m. — The Barn at 400 St Andrews — Tickets available — Support prevention and advocacy efforts in the community while enjoying an inspiring evening.

Open Horse Open Sleigh Winter Market and Santa Pictures

10 AM to 1 PM — Rocking Horse Ranch — Free entry — Explore festive vendors and capture holiday memories with Santa at this charming winter market.

Iconic Holiday Ball 2025

7-11:30 p.m. — Greenville Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the season with a glamorous evening of dining, dancing, and holiday cheer.