The heart of eastern North Carolina has always been neighbors taking care of neighbors. Martin County’s Adult & Aging Services volunteers are a shining example of service: supporting programs that help our seniors live with independence, dignity, and purpose. Thank you to everyone who gives their time to care for the generations who built the communities we call home.

Healthcare close to home matters, whether it is a medical emergency or a visit to the dentist. In Ahoskie, ECU’s Community Service Learning Center is expanding access to oral healthcare while training dentists who understand the needs of rural communities. Every family in eastern North Carolina deserves quality near home.

Behind every great care team are people with a big heart to serve. During CNA Week, we celebrate the certified nursing assistants at Ahoskie Health and Rehab who help seniors and families through some of life’s most important moments. Their commitment reminds us that strong communities are built by people who care for their neighbors.

Some places serve more than food; they serve great memories. For 85 years and over three generations, the Lovick family has welcomed friends and neighbors through the doors of Lovick’s Cafe. Congratulations to Steve, Christina, the Lovick family, and staff. Your famous dough burgers, pancakes, and down-home hospitality are a reminder of what makes eastern North Carolina extraordinary.

Eastern North Carolina values were on the menu, and so was Parker’s Barbecue. Great speaking with the North Carolina Society’s Tar Heel Circle about what matters most back home: protecting family farms, strengthening rural healthcare, supporting our military communities, creating good-paying jobs, and preparing the next generation to lead. No matter where the conversation takes place, eastern North Carolina is always part of it.

The water connects us, and our traditions shape us. National Fishing and Boating Week is a celebration of eastern North Carolina’s rich heritage, from our captains and crews to our small businesses and coastal communities. The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament truly showcases eastern North Carolina.

The Maxam Tire Bassmaster Elite Series is showcasing the beauty of Elizabeth City, the Pasquotank River, and the Albemarle Sound to anglers and visitors from across the country. Events like this support our small businesses, boost local tourism, and remind everyone what we already know: there is no place quite like eastern North Carolina.

Friday in the First Corliss Newkirk from Spring Hope, has spent the past decade helping create opportunities for individuals and families across eastern North Carolina. As a leader and advocate for the Spaulding Family Resource Center, she is committed to ensuring that people of all ages have access to the tools and support they need to succeed. At the Spaulding Family Resource Center, Corliss works to ensure opportunity is never out of reach. Adults can earn their high school equivalency diploma. Students receive tutoring and mentorship. Seniors find a welcoming place to stay active, engaged, and connected to their community. We are proud to recognize Corliss Newkirk for her dedication to supporting eastern North Carolina families. #FridaySpotlight

More than a building. More than a school. A home for generations of Rams. For over 60 years, Greene Central High School has shaped students, families, athletes, educators, and our community. As buildings change, Ram pride is forever.

Keeping America safe starts with our servicemembers willing to answer the call. Great meeting with Brigadier General Jerry Baird, Jr., from Marion, who commands U.S. Army North’s Task Force 51, to discuss the critical work of protecting our homeland and supporting communities during times of crisis. Whether responding to disasters, emergencies, or national security challenges, our servicemembers stand ready to protect American families when they need them most.

Rural communities deserve the same access to healthcare as anywhere else in America. For half a century, Rural Health Group has been fighting that fight and serving families across northeastern North Carolina with compassion and commitment. Congratulations on 50 years of putting people first and proving that no community should ever be forgotten.

Fair is fair. Eastern North Carolina farmers work hard every day to feed America while meeting some of the highest food safety, labor, and environmental standards in the world. As Congress reviews the USMCA, I am pushing to ensure imported products are held to the same standards as those grown right here at home. Our farmers are not asking for special treatment; they are only asking for a fair shot.

A strong nation requires responsible leadership. Fiscal responsibility is not a Republican or Democratic issue—it is an American issue. Through @BipartisanVets, we heard from @pgpfoundation about the importance of working together on practical solutions that strengthen our economy, protect national security, and build a more sustainable future.

Our history lives in the land, the people, and the traditions we pass on. The annual Heritage Farm Festival in Edenton celebrated eastern North Carolina’s agricultural legacy through farm exhibits, vintage trades, and hands-on experiences that connected families with the stories that shaped our region. Honoring our past helps prepare the next generation to lead.

It's the end of an era. For decades, the AV-8B Harrier II represented readiness, innovation, and Marine Corps excellence at Cherry Point. As the Bulldogs close this historic chapter, eastern North Carolina proudly honors everyone who kept the Harrier flying.

The annual Black Bear Festival in Plymouth brought people from near and far to experience the wildlife, culture, and community spirit that make eastern North Carolina one-of-a-kind. Protecting our natural treasures and supporting local traditions helps keep us strong.

The Perry Memorial Library Bookmobile is bringing books, technology, and learning opportunities directly to families across Vance County. By meeting people where they are, the community is expanding access, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating more opportunities for every community to succeed.

A healthier eastern North Carolina starts with access. Congratulations to The Meridian Health Institute on opening its new facility in Tarboro. By expanding healthcare services and investing in our communities, we are helping ensure more families can receive the care and support they need closer to home.

As Eastman Leadership Academy in Halifax County opens its doors, a new generation of students will continue a rich legacy.

Eastern North Carolinians are feeling the squeeze every time they fill up. Whether you're a farmer fueling equipment, a trucker moving goods, or a family driving to work and school, the rising cost of fuel hits your budget directly. I'm fighting to bring relief at the pump. ◼️ H.R. 8772, Diesel Prices Relief Act - Suspends the federal diesel tax through January 1, 2027, lowering costs for the farmers and truckers who grow our food and move our goods. ◼️ H.R. 1346, Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act  - Allows year-round sale of E15, giving drivers a lower-cost option at the pump every season. ◼️ H.R. 9027, Military and Veterans Fuel Discount Act  -  Delivers a fuel discount to the servicemembers and veterans who've sacrificed for our country.