Earlier today, I had a productive conversation with the cemetery management’s Area Vice President, Dan Funchess. I am encouraged by the discussion and believe the company is now making a concerted effort toward improvement.

Temperatures will once again be well into the 90s today, with heat indices (what it feels like), around 105°.

Kinston officials are regrouping in the search for a permanent city manager after two preferred candidates declined to move forward, Interim City Manager Ralph Clark said.

UNC Health Lenoir will begin a scheduled upgrade to the hospital’s seventh floor air handler systems as part of its ongoing Master Facility Plan. Work will take place from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17.

Grounded & Baked is expanding to Kinston with a new location planned for downtown on Queen Street, across from the courthouse.

This elevated summer gathering offers a fresh, playful take on a classic night out—all while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the evening will benefit our local Community Council of the Arts, helping to sustain and expand creative programs that enrich our community.

While most people think of dusty battlefields when they picture the Civil War, the real game-changing technology was happening on the water. On Saturday, July 11, the CSS Neuse Museum will pull back the curtain on this high-seas drama with its immersive summer program, “Sailors in the Summer: Ironclads and Naval Living History.” From 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., regional history will come alive through interactive exhibits, expert-led demonstrations, and hands-on family activities designed to show exactly what it took to survive as a sailor in the 1860s.

In a stirring tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism and Development Authority, in coordination with the CSS Neuse Civil War Museum and the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial, will hold a public event on the steps of the Lenoir County Courthouse. On Saturday, July 11, at 9 a.m., the spirit of North Carolina’s first governor will visit the courthouse, located at 130 S. Queen St., to mark the birth of the nation he helped build.

The Lenoir Hospital Foundation proudly presented a check for $154,187 to UNC Health Lenoir to fund 13 hospital projects that will strengthen patient care, enhance safety, and improve the overall healthcare experience for patients and families throughout the region. 

A new casual dining spot is expected to open in Kinston this August, bringing sandwiches, Italian food and familiar desserts to the former Peach House building.

N.C. Department of Transportation crews will convert a Lenoir County intersection to an all-way stop next week.

On July 7, 2026, at approximately 8:47 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department's B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on NC Highway 11 for a registration violation.

AgCarolina Farm Credit recently recognized participants for successful completion from the 2025–2026 Ag Biz educational program. This program is an  online learning opportunity that focus on financial and business planning, budgeting, and other essential farm management topics critical to long-term success. Throughout the program, each participant is paired with an AgCarolina Farm Credit loan officer as their mentor, who provides guidance and support.

Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.

Gov. Josh Stein signed North Carolina’s new state budget Tuesday, putting a comprehensive state spending plan in place for the first time in more than 1,000 days.