Friday in the First Dr. Kaye Bennett Dotson, a Jamesville resident for more than 20 years, worked as a school librarian, after which she began her teaching career as a Library Science professor at East Carolina University. There, she taught graduate students and conducted research. As a teacher, researcher, and writer, Kaye has contributed to preparing the future generation of librarians to help others. Having retired from East Carolina University, Kaye moved back to her native town where she helped set up a community lending library in The Friendly Spot, which also includes a community café, a food pantry, and a community garden. We pay tribute to the achievements of Dr. Kaye Bennett Dotson, who has brought her devotion to education back to her hometown and created a wonderful place for learning and community. #FridaySpotlight

As a strengthening coastal storm approaches the Outer Banks, I encourage residents and visitors to take precautions and closely monitor information from local emergency officials. Strong winds, dangerous waves, and ocean overwash are expected to create hazardous conditions along N.C. 12 and @NCDOT warns temporary closures are possible. Please avoid flooded roadways, use caution near water, and check current conditions before traveling. Our office will continue to closely monitor the storm's activity and we stand ready to assist any constituent, family, or community affected by this dangerous weather. foxweather.com/weather-news/…

Nash County Deputy Jared M. Allison answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice at just 26 years old. He served both our country in the U.S. Army and community with honor. Naming a bridge in his memory provides a lasting tribute to his life and reminds us of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice law enforcement officers demonstrate every day. google.com/url?q=rockymountt…

Farmers work hard every day to feed, clothe, and fuel our country, often working long hours in demanding conditions and taking risks most people never see. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, we’re highlighting legislation we have cosponsored to help prevent tractor rollover deaths, strengthen mental health resources, and raise awareness of the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. ▪️H.R. 6944, the Roll-Over Prevention and Safety Act, establishes a USDA cost-share grant program to help farmers retrofit older tractors with rollover protection structures. ▪️H.R. 4400, the Farmers First Act of 2025, reauthorizes and strengthens the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which connects farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with mental health and crisis resources. ▪️H. Res. 1301, supports designating May 29, 2026 as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness and reduce stigma across the agricultural workforce.

Albemarle EMC plays an important role in keeping families, farms, and businesses connected across northeastern North Carolina. It was great to join members in Hertford for the cooperative’s annual meeting and hear about the work underway to provide reliable service and invest in the communities it serves. Our rural electric cooperatives are part of northeastern North Carolina's fabric. We must be extremely grateful for the people who work every day to keep our communities powered, connected, and moving forward.

To all who are observing Yom Kippur, may this sacred day be a time of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal.

Sometimes, getting the help you need starts with simply knowing where to turn. It was great to join the Nash County Department of Social Services and Veterans Services at their Community Fair to connect residents with federal resources, veterans services, and assistance with constituent casework.

High diesel prices are squeezing farmers, truckers, and small businesses across eastern North Carolina. The people who grow our food, move our goods, and keep our communities running shouldn’t have to bear the full weight of rising fuel costs. I’m co-leading the Diesel Prices Relief Act to suspend the federal diesel tax through the end of the year and help lower costs for those who depend on diesel every day. Our farmers and workers keep eastern North Carolina moving. They deserve some breathing room. rrdailyherald.com/news/local…

The strength of eastern North Carolina can be found in the people who get up every day and go to work for their families and their communities. When we stand up for families and businesses, we strengthen the communities we all call home. Eastern North Carolina has always been built on hard work, resilience, and looking out for one another.

Big things are happening across eastern North Carolina. The opening of the U.S. Navy’s new FRC East aircraft maintenance complex at the North Carolina Global TransPark represents a major investment in our region. It is bringing more than 400 new jobs to eastern North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina is proving once again that we can grow our economy while serving our nation. Our region must be proud. wcti12.com/news/local/new-na…

Happy 79th Birthday to the United States Air Force! As someone who proudly wore the Air Force uniform, I understand the pride that comes with serving alongside Airmen who are willing to sacrifice for something greater than themselves. From Seymour Johnson Air Force Base here in eastern North Carolina to Airmen stationed around the world, today we celebrate those who have carried the Air Force mission forward for 79 years. Aim High!

Friday in the First Michael Johnson, II, a student at Elizabeth City State University, is already finding meaningful ways to serve the community he now calls home. Through his work at the Elizabeth City Senior Center, Michael helps create a welcoming environment where older adults can stay active, connect with their neighbors, and access local programs and resources. Michael reminds us that you do not have to wait until graduation to make a difference. By giving his time and energy to others while pursuing his education at ECSU, he is building connections across generations and strengthening the community around him. We are proud to recognize Michael Johnson II for his commitment to serving Elizabeth City and helping make his community a more welcoming and connected place for residents of all ages. #FridaySpotlight

Behind every badge is a person who chose to serve and protect others. Our law enforcement officers make sacrifices every day to keep families, neighborhoods, and communities safe. We have a responsibility to honor that service while building the trust and relationships that allow officers and residents to work together.

Congratulations to Sowing Seeds on the ribbon-cutting and launch of its mobile pantry in Vance County! Bringing nutritious food closer to families who need it takes compassion, commitment, and neighbors willing to serve.

America’s servicemembers deserve every advantage we can give them when they answer the call to serve. Persistent Systems is developing advanced technology and capabilities for multiple branches of our military, including Airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Preparing our troops for the modern battlespace means ensuring they have the tools to communicate, adapt, and carry out their missions safely and effectively.

For generations, North Carolina families have gathered around the roar of engines and the excitement of race day. @NASCAR is part of our state’s identity, supporting jobs, local businesses, tourism, and communities across North Carolina while bringing families together. It was great meeting with NASCAR Vice Chairman and Senior Adviser Mike Helton to discuss the future of motorsports, continued investment in North Carolina, and opportunities to grow an industry with deep roots in our state. North Carolina helped shape NASCAR’s history, and I’m proud to support its future.

Eastern North Carolina’s ports, waterways, and communities are connected by more than geography. They are part of our region's economic lifeblood and heritage.

Hard-working families in eastern North Carolina deserve a tax system that actually works for them, not one that gives tax advantages to data centers. H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expands tax incentives that can benefit data centers. That is why Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet and I introduced legislation to exclude data centers from the 100% bonus depreciation deduction and Opportunity Zone tax benefits. At a time when so many families are struggling with high costs, we are working to ensure federal tax policy reflects the needs of families and communities across eastern North Carolina and our nation.

Our soybean growers need predictable, sustained access to export markets.

When our farmers have the workforce they need, they can keep producing the food we depend on, supporting local jobs, and strengthening the communities we call home.