Greenville gathers for No Kings
On Saturday, March 28, the Greenville community gathered on the sidewalks at the intersection of Evans St. and Tenth St. in support of the No Kings Protest, where residents old and young carried signs, flags, and even drums to make their voices heard.
Mike Tann is the co-founder of Greenville 5501, along with a recent ECU graduate, an organization that has hosted other protests around Greenville. They hosted two prominent gatherings in April of last year and have now been teaming up with other groups and organizing No King’s Protests. This is their third time holding a No Kings Protest.
Tann is a retired veteran and said he feels passionately about protecting the freedoms of people. He said they’re here to speak out and won’t let anyone’s rights be trampled on.
“I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution,” he said. “And what I see going on right now is so many unconstitutional things, trampling on people’s rights, that we need to speak out," he continued.
Tann said at their last No King's Protest, they had about 1,500 people attend, and this protest was only around 300 to 400 in the beginning. On Saturday, the multicultural festival and the Pirate 10 Miler run were happening. He said this contributed to the smaller numbers of the
protest, not from a lack of support.
“I’m worried that we had people drawn to other events besides ours,” said Tann.
However, that didn’t stop them from standing tall and speaking out. Tann said they wanted this protest to remind people they’re not alone. He said their objective was to form a sense of community and would not let numbers affect that goal.
"It's really easy to be overwhelmed during the new cycle with all the negative things going on; we don't want people sitting at home thinking they're the lone strikers and giving up hope,” he said. “So, we wanna offer people hope going forward that they're not alone, that there are Americans that are willing to fight for a better America," he continued.
Rebecca Ty, a Greenville resident attending the protest, said she was present in support of Democracy.
“I hate fascism, and I’m for free speech, and I want a democracy,” she said.
Ty said, while wearing a string around her neck decorated with cash, “It’s what Trump loves, money money money.” She said it signifies how money keeps being thrown at problems that it’s not going to fix.
“It's not about money, it's about having a kind heart and a conscience, and fighting for what we believe,” said Ty, “And walking the truth we want to see in the world beyond the distinctions and differences which divide us,"
she continued.
Money seemed to be a common motivation for attendance in the No King’s Protest. Steven Bran, a Greenville father, was at the protest with his daughter. He said she was present at the protest not only because she liked to draw and helped in making the signs, but also because they didn’t have enough money for childcare. He felt it was important to protest for the future of his kids.
“And I’m gonna be here so she's gonna be here,” said Bran. “I’m doing this mostly for her and my son because they need to have a future," he continued.
All Bran had to say to people who were opposed to protests such as this one was that they chose someone of ill character. The problem is very straightforward, and something needs to be done.
“They voted for a rapist,” he said, “I have a daughter, she's older than some of the people that Trump has been accused of raping, I mean it’s simple," he continued.
As for people in agreement with the protest, cars drove past honking in support or giving a thumbs up, and Bran said it was great to see, but it only counts if those people take action. He said that lines are already drawn and people know what they stand for; now they need to follow through.
“I say make it count on election day, that's where it really matters,” said Bran. “All I hope
is that all this translates into election day, get out there and vote," he continued.
Not only did Greenville residents leave their homes to support, but a group of former ECU faculty was also headed to the No Kings Protest with signs in hand to join the movement. Chris Mansfield said he felt it was important to protest in support of everyone’s freedom.
“I'm really coming out in support of all the people who believe in democracy,” said Mansfield, “Because I really care about America and a future for our children, our grandchildren, and the world," he continued.
Jim Mitchell, beside Mansfield, said older people see what’s happening right now from a different outlook. He said they’ve been fighting the steady effort to take away their rights, ability to express themselves, etc., and have gained a deeper grasp of the problems at hand.
“People who are older have a different perspective on the changes and what has taken place to undermine our basic human rights,” said Mitchell.
Before they joined the crowd, Mansfield saw it important to point out the resemblance of history between today’s society and why our former society chose to depart from the king. Bringing up the Declaration of Independence, he said everyone should consider the similarities moving forward.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
ECU students want Easter on campus
As spring arrives at East Carolina University, students are finding new ways to celebrate Easter, blending familiar traditions with new experiences on campus.
For many students, Easter looks different compared to how they celebrate at home. With busy schedules, academic responsibilities and distance from family, students are adapting by creating their own traditions and finding ways to stay connected.
Bhavna Srinivasan, a freshman business major, described how her Easter celebrations have shifted since coming to college.
“Back home, Easter was always about spending time with family and doing fun traditions together,” Srinivasan said. “Here, it’s different, but I still try to make it special by hanging out with friends, decorating a little or doing small things that remind me of home.”
Srinivasan said that while she misses the larger celebrations she grew up with, being on campus has allowed her to build new memories with friends.
“It’s not the same, but it’s still nice in a different way,” she said. “You get to celebrate with people you’ve met here, and that makes it
feel more meaningful.”
She also shared that she would like to see more campus-wide activities centered around the holiday.
“It would be really fun if ECU hosted something like an Easter egg hunt, games or a spring-themed event,” Srinivasan said. “It would give students something to do and bring people together, especially for those who aren’t going home.”
Charitha Somagni, a public health major, also emphasized how students are redefining the spring holiday experience while on campus.
“Easter is more about spending time with people and enjoying the moment,” Somagni said. “Even if it’s not the same as home, you can still celebrate through small traditions, like getting together with friends, sharing a meal or just enjoying the spring atmosphere.”
Somagni said that holidays on campus can feel quieter, but they also offer a chance to slow down. With the semester nearing the end and finals around the corner, she says the time of relaxation is welcomed.
“With everything going on during the semester, it’s nice to have a moment to relax and just appreciate being with friends,” she said.
She also suggested that ECU could create
more opportunities for students to engage with one another during holidays.
“I think a campus-wide spring festival, small pop-up events or even themed activities would be really nice,” Somagni said. “It would help bring people together and make the holiday feel more inclusive.”
Across campus, students have a variety of plans for Easter weekend. While some travel home to celebrate with family, others remain in Greenville and take the opportunity to unwind before finals season approaches.
Some students plan casual gatherings with friends, while others simply use the time to rest and recharge. For many, the holiday becomes less about specific traditions and more about connection and balance during a busy academic period.
For first-year students especially, spending holidays away from home can be an adjustment. However, some say it also allows them to build independence and create new traditions that reflect their college experience.
“Even though it’s different, it’s still special in its own way,” Srinivasan said. “You just have to make the most of it and find what works for you.”
As ECU continues to grow its campus
community, students hope to see more opportunities to celebrate together, turning time away from home into something memorable. Through small traditions, shared experiences and meaningful connections, holidays like Easter continue to hold significance, even far from home.
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
Khyati Daggubati FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Alexa Anderson TEC STAFF
ALEXA ANDERSON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Greenville joined in on the largest gathering in the history of the United States, when people took to the streets to protest the current administration. Washington also joined in on the protest.
COURTESY OF WRAL NEWS
The Easter bunny greeting children on Easter.
Greenville Police Department issues statement regarding rumors on social media
The Greenville Police Department addressed rumors on March 29 of a shooting in Uptown Greenville on March 28.
GPD issued the following statement on Facebook:
“The Greenville Police Department is aware of rumors circulating on social media claiming that a shooting occurred in the downtown area. The Greenville Police Department did not respond to any shooting incident overnight. We staff the area every weekend night and were on the scene during that time. Officers did respond to several fights that required intervention. We understand how quickly misinformation can spread online and encourage the public to rely on official sources for accurate updates.”
Three ECU faculty members inducted into National Academy of Inventors
Three East Carolina University faculty members have been inducted into the 2026 class of the National Academy of Inventors. They joined over 30 of their colleagues who have been inducted in the past.
Dr. Colin S. Burns, Dr. Allison S. Danell, and Dr. Jitka Virag are this year’s inductees into the largest contingent to date. 230 inventors representing 82 institutions worldwide make up this year’s class of inductees. There are over 2,000 members in total.
Woman charged with pointing a gun at a group of people
A Greenville woman has been charged with pointing a gun at a group of people.
According to WITN, Sha’asia Carney was arrested by the East Carolina University Police Department on Sunday after she allegedly pointed a gun out of her car window at a crowd of people.
She has been charged with going armed to the terror of people and carrying a concealed weapon. She posted a $5,000 bond at Pitt County Detention Center.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Stein calls on more recovery money
RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein called on the General Assembly to spend $792 million more in Western North Carolina for recovery needs from Helene, which struck the state in September 2024, leading to over a hundred deaths and tremendous damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Stein, a Democrat, made his third request for Helene relief funding during a press conference in Bakersville, North Carolina.
A state projection made shortly after the storm estimated that Helene caused about $60 billion in damage in the state. That makes it impossible for the state to cover the costs alone. Recovery depends on a mix of state, federal, and private dollars.
The largest portion of Stein’s request — $452 million — would be used to allow the state to unlock federal disaster recovery funds that require a matching contribution, and to pay upfront for repairs and recovery projects that can later be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This funding would also be used to strengthen emergency management systems and improve disaster response capabilities.
The second-largest lump of funding requested is for infrastructure.
Stein requested $230 million to repair private roads and bridges — with the majority of public roads and bridges reopened, though many still needing further repairs — and to provide grants and financial support to local governments, which have faced delays in receiving federal reimbursements.
The $230 million would also go towards removing any remaining debris; strengthening emergency communications systems; investing in flood prevention, dam safety, and landslide hazard monitoring; restoring wastewater and other public infrastructure; and repairing state government and school-related facilities.
The remaining funds in his request would be used to support other recovery needs such as housing, to bolster tourism, infrastructure repairs, business support and more.
Not the first request
Since the storm struck, Stein has made three Helene funding requests. And lawmakers in the GOP-led legislature have passed numerous bills providing such funding, which have included some of Stein’s requests.
But needs remain high and federal funding has been slow to be released.
The governor has previously said that combined federal assistance from agencies such as FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Small Business Administration equates to only 9% of the total $60 billion in damage Helene inflicted in the state, the Charlotte Observer reported in September.
A dashboard from the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, a team within Stein’s office dedicated to recovery efforts, shows that so far about 29% of the roughly $60 billion in estimated needs have been funded, with about $4.4 billion coming from state funds appropriated or redirected from other agencies.
An additional $2.9 billion has been spent through federal programs, and North Carolina has received $2.4 billion in federal funds as of Dec. 31. However, $4.6 billion in federal funds have been awarded to the state but have not yet been released for use. Stein has requested more than $19 billion from the federal government, the dashboard shows.
Other funding requests
Other funding requested by Stein is for:
—Economic recovery: $82 million requested to boost economic recovery, including forgivable loans to small businesses, promoting tourism, supporting the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation,
funding regional attractions, and providing loans to local governments to help manage their cash flow. Small businesses and Democratic lawmakers have advocated for forgivable loans for months. Republicans have been reluctant to provide that funding.
—Housing: $10 million for rental and utility assistance. Stein also proposed redirecting $20 million of existing state funding to partner with nonprofit organizations to rebuild more homes. In North Carolina, Renew NC is tasked with managing long-term rebuilding and repairs using federal money. A state dashboard shows 3,704 active applications under that program, with 28 projects in the “closeout” stage, meaning all construction activities are complete or have had their reimbursements completed. Nonprofits have helped rebuild or repair hundreds of homes.
—Other: $17 million for other recovery needs such as to support wildfire mitigation and preparedness efforts.
Stein’s budget request for raises and Medicaid
Earlier this month, Stein called on lawmakers in the GOP-led legislature to spend $1.4 billion on what he called “critical needs,” such as raises for state troopers and correctional officers, raises for teachers and state employees, and Medicaid funding, The News & Observer previously reported. Stein urged lawmakers to send that funding immediately, before the start of the next legislative session on April 21.
House and Senate leadership have been unable to come to an agreement and pass a new budget for the two-year period that started last July, largely due to differences on tax policy, and instead have passed three small spending bills.
ECU to honor 40 Alumni at upcoming event
Next month, East Carolina University will be honoring 40 alumni at their upcoming event hosted by The ECU Alumni Association and presented by ECU Health.
The ceremony will be held Saturday, April 18 at 5 p.m. in the ECU Student Center Main Campus. Guests will be greeted with a social hour and a dinner before awards are handed out to each honoree.
Each of these 40 ECU alumni had been nominated for their success in philanthropy, community service, career status, and even personal goals after graduating.
Director for Alumni Events & Student Engagement Jeremy Perry said the ECU Alumni Association seeks out potential candidates and hands them over to the ECU Awards Committee to review the selections. Nominations open
each summer for the following year’s ceremony.
Perry said the program was created to keep an open pathway between alumni achievements and the university as a whole.
“There are some people that believe that recognition is the highlight, but it’s really the by-product for those who are out there,” Perry said.
To qualify, nominees have to be under the age of 40, have graduated from ECU, and exhibit their commitment to uphold Pirate excellence.
Below are the 2026 honorees:
Dr. Kristen J. Alston ’11 ’15, Eric J. Anthony ’11, Brittany Baker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C ’18, Tiana K., Berryman ’11 ’13, Timothy L. Brown, DHA, MBA ’08, Daniel Casale ’15, Taylor Chappell ’19 ’20, Caroline Basnight Collier ’18, Miller Diaz-Cobo ’15, J. Scott Dixon
’10, Casey Dutton ’16, Nate Evans ’11, Lilian (Lily) Faulconer ’17 ’18, DJ Fussell III ’09 ’10, Katie Dodge Gillis ’15, Joel Glotfelty, MD ’16, Cameron Gupton ’13 ’21, Adrian J. Harris, MBA ’12, Jenna Harris ’13 ’25, Julia Land Batts ’14 ’17, Kateryna Kosolapova ’20, Ali Krukowski ’12, Luke Lang ’17, Larissa Harris Liles ’11, Cornelius D. Martin ’19, Ariana McAuley ’16, Khalil McCollum ’18, Dr. Christine Mitchell ’09 ’16, Liz Mizelle ’09 ’15 ’21, Dr. Jeffrey Nickle ’09 ’10, Kate Oliphant ’16, Lucy Perry ’10 ’13, Austin Reese ’16 ’20, Nina Rose ’10, Ernest Ruffin III ’15, Andy Saunders ’12, Chase Sommer ’13 ’15, Mallory Strange Paulson ’17, Maria Jose Torres PhD MBA ’16, Dr. Whitney Richardson White ’13.
“It’s always good to recognize those who are out there doing the good work, both in their career fields and also the service perspective, especially since that is our school’s motto,” Perry said.
Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi THE NEWS & OBSERVER (TNS)
Mallory Sheldon TEC STAFF
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
March, 26
ECU Police are investigating two counts of sexual battery that happened at the Main Campus Student Center. The incident occurred at 5 p.m. on Feb, 16 but was not reported until last Thursday.
March, 27
ECU Police are investigating an instance of injury to real property at ECU’s Fletcher Hall. The incident occurred last Friday at 8:44 p.m.
March, 27
ECU Police responded to an injury to personal property and domestic violence call at Ballard West. The suspect was eventually cleared though because the victim refused to cooperate. This took place last Friday at 6:10 p.m.
March, 29
ECU Police performed an arrest at E 10th and Maple St for a DUI. The incident took place Sunday night at 7:25 p.m.
March, 30
ECU Police are conducting an investigation on charges of financial transaction card fraud. The incident took place on March, 20 but was not reported until Monday.
Parents question tuition increase
An approved 3% tuition increase is raising important questions among families as they think more carefully about future college expenses and financial planning overall.
One parent, Anne Vamos said the announcement was surprising even though she believes the increase itself is relatively small.
“It’s difficult hearing that prices increase,” Vamos said.
Despite the tuition increase, she does not believe it will make college education significantly less affordable. However, rising education costs remains an important factor she and her family consider carefully when planning ahead.
To prepare for the upcoming semester the
family has already begun making financial adjustments.
“We are saving as much as we can now to cover costs of the next semester,” Vamos said.
Although her children have not made a final college decision, Vamos said affordability continues to set East Carolina University apart from many other institutions.
“Comparable to other universities, East Carolina University is affordable,” Vamos said.
As tuition rises, Vamos believes that maintaining educational quality should remain the top priority.
She emphasized that parents expect ECU to “provide a quality education,” Vamos said.
Vamos added that clearer communication from universities to parents regarding tuition changes would help families better understand these adjustments well before they take effect.
“More clear communication so families are
Strangulation reported at MCSC
An investigation is underway after an assault by strangulation involving two Aramark employees occurred at East Carolina University’s Main Campus Student Center.
The incident took place on March 23 and was reported on March 24. Both employees were underage and not ECU students. According to WCTI12, the female employee was struck by the male employee, who proceeded to put his hands around her
Another Republican senator has confirmed he is interested in the top job in the Senate.
Sen. Todd Johnson of Union County told The News & Observer in an interview Thursday that he’ll seek the position, with the caveat that Republicans are unlikely to choose a new leader until this year’s legislative session is over.
“I think everybody, including myself, is hyper focused on the session — most importantly, the budget, making sure we get a budget across the finish line,” Johnson said.
Longtime Senate leader Phil Berger lost his primary to Sam Page, so will leave his role, and his Senate seat, by the end of the year. That’s opened the door who which senator will succeed him as president pro tempore, which is the most powerful position in the Senate, held by the controlling party. Republicans have a Senate supermajority, and one of them will be the next leader as long as the party keeps at least a majority after the November election.
Other senators who have already confirmed interest are Sen. Michael Lee and Sen. Ralph Hise, who are both top chairs of the powerful Appropriations Committee. Lee is also majority leader. Johnson is one of two majority whips.
Johnson noted that the caucus leadership position of whip is an elected role, unlike committee chairs, who are appointed.
He also said he would “bring a new look on things. I’m not considered in the inner circle and the inner sanctum. Sen. Berger and I get along fine. The folks that have been mentioned (as seeking the position), you have two major appropriators and some other names that have floated around.”
Johnson said he doesn’t have any ill will toward any of his caucus members, but “I have no doubt that I’m not going to be deemed the heir apparent. There’s no reason for me to feel like I would be (Berger’s) choice, because ultimately I would do things a little different.”
“I’m not saying one’s right or one’s wrong, but I would have a different vision for for kind of how we we operate in the Senate,” he said.
Johnson’s Senate District 35 includes Cabarrus and
neck as if to strangle her. Aramark officials released the following statement to WCTI12: “We do not tolerate harassment or physical assaults of any kind and are cooperating with authorities on the investigation. The aggressor involved in this matter is no longer with the organization.”
No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made. The case is still ongoing.
-Anne Vamos
notified,” Vamos said, emphasizing that timely and transparent information allows families to plan and adjust their finances more effectively and confidently. As colleges continue adjusting tuition rates, families considering higher education are watching closely to see how increases may affect long-term college planning.
Union counties. He is chair of the Commerce and Insurance Committee and also chairs a budget subcommittee. He’s in his fourth term.
Todd Johnson ready to start busy session and budget work
North Carolina lawmakers did not do their primary job of the 2025 session, which was to pass a budget. Berger and Republican House Speaker Destin Hall are at odds over future tax cuts and spending on raises. The 2026 session begins on April 21.
Johnson listed off major duties and responsibilities of the upcoming session, including Medicaid funding, teacher pay, state employee pay — “the list goes on and on, things that we have to do.”
“There will be an appropriate time that things start shaping up, and my hope is that is after all those important things have been done and handled. We will be going to have to choose a new leader at some point, and my intention will be to put my name in the hat for that,” Johnson said.
He said he hopes that on the first day of session, all 170 lawmakers in both chambers are ready to work on a budget deal.
“Let’s sit down in a room and figure it out,” Johnson said.
OUR VIEW
Trump versus our economy
Robert Reich TRIBUNE
We at the editorial staff of the East Carolinian believe in the good we’ve seen making its way into the world. Right now, everything may seem bleak or even hopeless. It’s really hard to find examples of the world coming together and supporting one another. The truth is that there is good happening. Good that is shifting tides and making ways for others to find their voices and speak out for what they believe in. From protests to examples of the reach of the human spirit, the good news feels great in the midst of other news happening in the world.
The protests, specifically the No Kings Protests, were thought to be some of the largest single day protests in history. Along with that, you see people of different backgrounds coming together to support a cause that matters and to stand up against authoritarianism. Protests matter because they can lead to massive systemic changes just by standing with your fellow protester and letting your feelings be heard.
Change comes from people being brave enough to speak up. Especially in the face of great turmoil. In the face of violence and fear, people must be brave and strong.
PIRATE RANTS
If someone is already playing music in the bathroom, then don’t blast your music over the music already playing. Whoever got there first gets to play their music. Also listen to better music.
What is up with all this misinformation?
No good dining options on campus.
The weather is so bipolar.
People need to walk faster. And if your a slow walker, let people walk around you.
When he ran for president again in 2024, Trump made three promises to the American public:
First, he said he’d “secure” the southern border. Most Americans now believe he’s gone too far in this.
Second, he’d avoid foreign wars. He said: “We’ve spent $8 trillion in the Middle East, and we’re not fixing our roads in this country? How stupid. How stupid is it? And we’re not fixing our highways, our tunnels, our bridges, our hospitals, even.” Umm. How well has this promise turned out?
His third promise was to bring prices down and create more jobs. He said: “Starting on day one, we will end inflation and make America affordable again, to bring down the prices of all goods.”
In fact, Trump has pushed prices way up.
As of today, the price of Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, is above $116 a barrel. The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States is now $4, and many people are paying far more. Food costs are also heading upward.
He’s also raised tariffs on imports. This has increased the prices of everything we buy from abroad.
He has also pledged to be “the greatest jobs president that God has ever created.”
But he’s been the worst jobs president in American history.
In his first term, Trump presided over a historic net lossof nearly 3 million jobs, the worst jobs numbers ever recorded under an American president.
So far in his second term, he has presided over a loss of 150,000 jobs. (By contrast, in the final 14 months of Joe Biden’s presidency, the economy added 1.74 million jobs.)
The only thing Trump has done to make any Americans better off is to cut taxes on the rich and big corporations. He did this in his second term. It was also his major economic policy in his first term (which he promised would result in $4,000 annual raises for everyone else. How did that work out? Did you get a $4,000 raise?)
May I speak plainly? Trump has turned the American economy into sh*t.
Trump’s economic record is only slightly worse than that of every Republican president before him. Here’s the historic truth that everyone needs to understand: The America economy does worse under Republican presidents. Since 1933, the U.S. economy has grown nearly twice as fast on average under Democrats.
Wage growth slowed after Reagan’s tax cuts for the rich and big corporations. And the Bush and Trump tax cuts didn’t trickle down, either.
These giveaways to the wealthy have come at the expense of investments in infrastructure, education, and health care — making life more expensive and difficult for everyone who isn’t rich.
They’ve also exploded the debt and deficit.
Reagan oversaw a 186% increase in the national debt— the biggest percentage increase in over 70 years.
The Bush and Trump tax cuts — which
mostly benefited corporations and the rich — are the main reasons why America’s debt continues to grow faster than the economy.
Look at the historic record and you see something else: Republican presidents have led us into the three worst economic crises of the last hundred years.
The Great Depression began in 1929 under Herbert Hoover. The Great Recession began in 2008 under George W. Bush. The pandemic recession of 2020 began under Trump.
Democrats (FDR, Obama, and Biden) led us out of these Republican economic crises. Republicans talk about “running the country like a business.” Sure. They’ve run it the way Trump ran his businesses: with massive debts, a string of failures, and payouts for the folks at the top, while average workers get shafted again and again.
Given Republicans’ track record, why would any hardworking American put their financial security in the hands of a Republican president (or, for that matter, a Republican Congress) ever again?
(Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, is professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley and the author of “The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It.”
Recent economic crisis in Laos
Sebastian Strangio THE DIPLOMAT
Inflation in Laos is on the rise again, due largely to the sharp increase in fuel costs stemming from the war in the Middle East, threatening to push the country back into economic crisis.
According to the latest figures from the Lao Statistics Bureau, headline inflation rose to 9.7 percent in March, up from 6.2 percent in February and 5.1 percent in January, the Laotian Times reported on March 28. As the newspaper notes, the quarterly average has now exceeded the 5 percent annual ceiling that was endorsed at the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s 12th National Congress in January.
The most substantial price hikes were seen in the goods and services category, which surged to 39.8 percent in March. The cost of transport and communications rose by 18.1 percent, while housing, water, electricity, and cooking fuel increased by 17.2 percent.
According to the state-run Lao News Agency, “the spike in inflation was largely driven by instability in the Middle East,” which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s daily petroleum supply passes. This has resulted in disruptions that “have led to higher energy costs, which in turn have cascaded across multiple sectors of the economy.”
According to the Laotian Times, the price of diesel has more than doubled since the beginning of the war, from 19,970 kip ($0.91) per liter on February 26 to 44,340 kip on March 28. Laos has also experienced widespread fuel shortages, with more than 40 percent of the country’s 2,538 filling stations closed in mid-March, while long queues formed at petrol stations across
OUR STAFF
the capital Vientiane.
Laos does not directly import energy from the Middle East, but is almost totally dependent on neighboring Thailand for its fuel supplies, importing 97 percent of its fuel and diesel from the country. Shortly after the outbreak of the war, Thailand announced it was suspending exports to conserve its own fuel supplies, but it has not applied the ban to Laos and Myanmar. Thailand did ban the export of fuel to Laos during border fighting with Cambodia in
mid-December, out of fear that it was being diverted to Cambodia. Coincidentally, this ban was lifted on February 28, the same day that the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran.
At the same time, the government has taken several measures to stabilize the fuel supply. It has procured 50 million liters of fuel from close ally Vietnam and 14 million liters of diesel from an undisclosed source. It has announced cuts to fuel excise taxes, reducing gasoline from 25 percent to 15 percent and diesel from 10 percent to 0 percent. The Prime Minister’s Office has also instructed ministries to reduce fuel consumption by rotating staff, increasing remote meetings, and limiting unnecessary
travel. Laos has often been left out of discussions of the possible impacts of the Iran war, but it is among the most vulnerable nations in Asia, due to its heavy dependence on fuel imports and the fragile state of its economy. The country is still dealing with the impacts of a debt-driven economic crisis that was marked by spiraling inflation, a rapid depreciation of the kip, and, for a period in mid-2022, fuel shortages that threatened the country’s food security.
The crisis took hold in early 2022, when Laos’s economy, already severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was hit by a combination of rising oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war, and a sudden depreciation of the kip, which dropped from around 9,000 kip to the U.S. dollar in 2020 to more than 21,000 in 2023. (It currently sits at just shy of 22,000 to the U.S. dollar).
Given that Laos’s growing external debt is denominated in U.S. dollars, this has sharply increased debt servicing costs, pushing the country into a vicious downward spiral. As the country’s debt servicing costs rose from $375 million in 2016 to $1.2 billion in 2020 and $1.7 billion in 2023, state fuel importers essentially ran out of money to import petrol and diesel. This resulted in widespread shortages in both the countryside, where farmers struggled to procure diesel, and in urban areas, which witnessed similar scenes of motorists queuing at petrol stations.
While Laos has since managed to stabilize its economy somewhat, its earlier crisis could offer a foreshadowing of what is in store for Asia if, as seems likely, the war in Iran continues beyond the short term. Indeed, there is good reason to think things will get a lot worse.
Contact Info
COURTESY OF FREDERIC J. BROWN
Gas prices surge as Iran conflict continues.
COURTESY OF JULIEN DE ROSA The Strait of Hormuz is blocked as of now. Driving up oil prices and hurting trade between countries.
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS TODAY
Spring Fine Arts Events at The Oakwood School
he Oakwood School, 4000 Macgregor Downs Road, Greenville, NC 27834 , 2529310760, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Music Bingo with Wild Willy The Doghouse Tavern, 506 2nd Street, Ayden, NC 28513
2523042291, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
TOMORROW
Ray Wag at Christy’s
Christy’s EuroPub, 301 S Jarvis St, Greenville, NC 27858
2527582774,8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Spring Time on the Farm Hope Farms and Learning Centers, 872 Briley Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
2525316106, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
April ExhibitionsOpening Reception
Emerge Gallery and Art Center, 404 S. Evans St., Greenville, NC 27858
2525516947, 10:00 AM to 11:59 PM
SATURDAY
3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Day & Spring Vendor Market
Davenport Harvest Market, 5961 US HWY 264 E, Greenville , NC 27834
2527526930, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Easter Market
Leroy James Farmers Market of Pitt County, NC, 4560 County Home Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
2527148198,8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
‘Borrow a Buddy’ at ECU
Kibryella Hawkins TEC STAFF
Holly Kellogg, a senior graphic design major, is running Borrow a Buddy in partnership with the Humane Society Today, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Health Science Student Center lawn.
The pop-up event is being held for the first time, encouraging students to come out and meet friendly dogs and learn about fostering. It’s part of Kellogg’s Signature Honors and thesis project, combining her passion for design with her personal experience in animal care.
“Getting to bring people and animals together in a low-pressure way is what I like most, ” said Kellogg. “Students will be stressed about exams and classes ending, so the dogs get a field trip and students get a fun break.”
Kellogg said the event was inspired by her own experience fostering animals over the past year and a half. Through that experience, she saw how meaningful fostering can be, both for the animals and the people who care for them.
“I’ve been fostering for a year and a half. I have seen firsthand how impactful it is, ” Kellogg said. “I wanted to help more people understand that fostering is something they can realistically do too.”
As part of her project research, Kellogg has been working since last August to better understand what prevents young adults from fostering. She conducted interviews and collected more than 40 survey responses.
“A lot of people mentioned uncertainty and misconceptions,” Kellogg said. “So creating an in-person event felt like the most effective way to address that.”
Kellogg chose to host an interactive, in-person event rather than a digital campaign because she believes it helps make the idea of fostering feel more tangible and accessible. By allowing students to meet dogs face-to-face and speak directly with Human Society volunteers, the experience
becomes more personal and less intimidating.
“Meeting the dogs and talking directly with volunteers makes fostering feel more real rather than just reading about it online,” Kellogg said. “It also allows for a larger audience, and an in-person event seemed more exciting to everyone instead of a digital solution.”
In addition to bringing awareness, Kellogg said she wanted to create an environment that feels welcoming and enjoyable. The event is meant to be informative and relaxing, offering a break from aca demic stress while also encouraging meaning ful engagement.
Students get to pet and hang out with dogs, there will be photo opportunities, free stickers, and opportuni ties to speak with volunteers and learn how fostering works. Volunteers will answer questions and explain how fostering works, helping to clear up any confusion or hesitation students may have.
Although this is the first time Borrow a Buddy is being held, Kellogg believes events like this can have a lasting impact on both the community and local animal shelters.
Kellogg said if she wasn’t grad uating she’d love to do another event like this. She said it’s an effective way to raise awareness and connect people to fostering,which benefits the animals,
the Humane Society, and themselves. Through Borrow a Buddy,
hopes to not only promote fostering but also demonstrate how thoughtful design and community focused events can make complex or unfamiliar ideas feel more approachable.
ECU hosts 25th annual Research and Creative Achievement week
Kelly Bullock TEC STAFF
East Carolina University is hosting its largest academic event of the year: Research and Creative Achievement week (RCAW), stretching from April 6 to April 10 on the first and second floor of the Main Campus Student Center.
Now in its 25th year, the annual conference style event is co-organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Graduate School. Held each spring, RCAW invites undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to present their work in a professional setting.
Dr. Tuan Tran, Director of Undergraduate Research says these projects span a wide range
of disciplines including Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Art & Design, and many more.
“The overarching goal is professional development, and you hear that term all the time, but this is a way in which the work that you do every day throughout the year can then translate into a form of communication and presentation,” said Tran.
Unlike traditional classroom presentations, RCAW provides students with the opportunity to present to much larger audiences while building connections beyond their academic circles. Students spend several months conducting research and developing creative projects and this event gives them the opportunity to showcase their work.
“We’re talking about hundreds and hundreds of students, and trainees, in an environment that allows for connectivity, collaboration, and communication with other professionals,” said Tran, “It’s networking to the highest degree.”
All student projects are required to be completed under faculty mentorship to ensure students stay on track, receive guidance, and refine their work throughout the process. Tran says the most rewarding part is seeing students’ hard work finally come to life.
“Students are the future,” said Tran. “This is where you really get to see what they’ve created and accomplished.”
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
Kellogg
COURTESY
by Ricky Cruz
Sports
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Tyler Buonocore TEC Staff
ECU VS. UTSA Score Prediction?
UNCC 2-1
Why?
Last weekend we saw our first look of a rotation missing two starters and it resulted in a series loss. Charlotte is coming into the series hot at the plate and I just don’t think we will be able to slow them down with the injuries. I’ll always root for the Pirates but sometimes I gotta keep it real.
Caleb Johnson WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. UTSA Score Prediction?
UNCC 2-1
Why?
As much as I hope I’m wrong I think the Pirates will drop this one. With two out of our three starting pitchers out and the bull pen struggling to consistently fill in the gaps I just don’t see ECU getting this one done. UNCC is a great hitting team and has been very consistent to start this year. The only way I see this going in the Pirates favor is if they are able to score a ton of runs in each game. Which they have struggled to do consistently over the course of the season so far.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. UTSA
Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
The only thing holding me back from saying this is a sweep, is because of how injured we are. UNCC is a good baseball team, don’t get me wrong, but ECU is on a different level and the only thing keeping us on the same level is how injured we are. Expect another big weekend out of Ethan Norby and for Pirates bats to be hot all weekend with the home crowd behind them.
ECU to play Charlotte
Logan Harlow TEC STAFF
To start up the month of April, East Carolina (16-12-1 overall, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) will face The University of North Carolina Charlotte (18-10 overall, 3-3 AAC) in an AAC matchup as both teams look to progress in the conference standings.
ECU’s record and stats are subject to change as they play a mid-week game on Tuesday. The Pirates enter the matchup vs UNCC still searching for consistency from both the plate and the mound after dropping their second conference series.
One of the biggest contributors for the Pirates has been sophomore outfielder Braden Burress, who is batting .378 through the first 29 games of the season. Burress has also recorded 42 hits and 18 RBIs.
Senior outfielder Jack Herring has also played a major role in the Pirates’ offense. Herring is hitting .306 with 30 hits, seven doubles, and five home runs, while driving in 23 RBIs. His ability to provide extra-base power has helped East Carolina generate offense in key situations.
Another important piece of the lineup has been junior catcher Walker Barron, who is batting .312 with 24 hits and 13 RBIs. Barron’s consistent contact has helped keep innings alive and create opportunities for the middle of the lineup to drive in runs.
Freshman center fielder Grady Lenahan has also contributed offensively, recording 27 hits and a team leading 31 RBIs while adding five home runs this season. Lenahan’s production has helped the Pirates capitalize on scoring opportunities when runners are on base.
While the offense has had several strong individual performances, East Carolina will likely need to continue improving its pitching and defensive consistency as conference play continues. The Pirates have experienced several close games throughout the season, and execution in key moments has often been the difference.
Charlotte enters the matchup with an 18–10 overall record, matching East Carolina with a 3–3 conference record. The 49ers have built momentum this season through balanced play, combining solid pitching with timely hitting.
The matchup is significant for both teams as they attempt to move up in the American Athletic Conference standings. With several teams in the conference closely grouped in the standings, every series becomes important as the season progresses.
For East Carolina, consistent offensive pressure will likely be one of the keys to success. When the Pirates are able to consistently get runners on base and generate extra-base hits, the lineup has shown it can produce runs in bunches.
The Pirates and 49ers will begin their series Thursday April, 2 at 5 p.m. followed by Friday’s game on April, 3 at 6 p.m. before the series finishes up Saturday April, 4 at 1 p.m. All three games will be played at Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville and will be available to stream on ESPN+, radio coverage is available on 94.3 FM The Game.
ECU to host Ironwood Invitational
Caleb Johnson TEC STAFF
East Carolina Women’s Golf is set to host the Ironwood Invitational at Ironwood Golf and Country Club here in Greenville, NC. it will be a three day tournament spanning from Sunday April, 5 through Tuesday April, 7.
Following a fourth place finish at NC State’s City of Oaks Collegiate, the Pirates will be looking to finish the season with a strong performance before heading to the American Conference Championship on April, 20.
In their last tournament, ECU shot a collective 908 tournament score which earned them their fourth place finish. Junior Ella Stavely led the way for the lady Pirates shooting a score of 222 over three rounds (six over par). That performance earned her a fifth place overall finish.
Graduate student Marta Perez finished tied for 14 with a score of 228 (12 over par).
of ladies through the three rounds of the tournament will leave the Pirates in strong positioning for a promising finish next Tuesday.
Ironwood Golf and Country Club is also home to both ECU Men’s and Women’s Golf. This may end up working in East Carolina’s favor over the course of the tournament as they have the advantage of playing this course regularly.
Scoreboard.Clippd.com says the Pirates will be one of 16 teams competing in the tournament. They will be joined by Old Dominion University, Appalachian State University, Elon University, Wofford College, Columbia University, Gardner Webb University, University of Louisville, Boston University, Towson University, University of Memphis, College of Charleston, Georgia State University, Xavier University, Jacksonville University, and Campbell University.
East Carolina softball to host 49ers
The East Carolina University softball team (22-15, 6-6 American Athletic Conference) will host the University of North Carolina Charlotte (20-16, 6-6 AAC) in a key matchup that could play a huge role in seeding for the conference tournament.
With both teams tied at sixth place in the conference, this series is a huge opportunity to jump ahead of each other as we head into the final month of the regular season. Both teams’ records and statistics are subject to change as both teams will play mid-week games.
The Lady Pirates are coming off a poor series against the University of Alabama Birmingham (15-21, 3-9 AAC) where they were swept at home. UAB was winless in conference play coming into the series but ECU could not score runs. They scored five total runs on the entire weekend. Pitching wise, the lady Pira East Carolina Women’s Golf is set to host the Ironwood Invitational at Ironwood Golf and Country Club here in Greenville, NC. it will be a three day tournament spanning from Sunday April, 5 through Tuesday April, 7.
Following a fourth place finish at NC State’s City of Oaks Collegiate, the Pirates will be looking to finish the season with a strong performance before heading to the American Conference Championship on April, 20.
In their last tournament, ECU shot a collective 908 tournament score which earned them their fourth place finish. Junior Ella Stavely led the way for the lady Pirates shooting a score of 222 over three rounds (six over par). That performance earned her a fifth place overall finish. Graduate student Marta Perez finished tied for 14 with
a score of 228 (12 over par). Junior Nicole Nash finished tied for 12 with a score of 227 (11 over par). Strong performances from this group of ladies through the three rounds of the tournament will leave the Pirates in strong positioning for a promising finish next Tuesday. Ironwood Golf and Country Club is also home to both ECU Men’s and Women’s Golf. This may end up working in East Carolina’s favor over the course of the tournament as they have the advantage of playing this course regularly. Scoreboard.Clippd.com says the Pirates will be one of
16 teams competing in the tournament. They will be joined by Old Dominion University, Appalachian State University, Elon University, Wofford College, Columbia University, Gardner Webb University, University of Louisville, Boston University, Towson University, University of Memphis, College of Charleston, Georgia State University, Xavier University, Jacksonville University, and Campbell University.
tes were great; they did not allow the Blazers to score more than four runs in a game.
The 49ers are coming into this series hot, they have won six of their last seven games. The first three of those was a sweep of UAB. This past weekend, Charlotte stole a series win from the University of North Texas (20-16, 9-3 AAC) who currently sit atop the American Conference. They’ll lean on senior infielder Jenna Lord this weekend to continue to rake, as she is batting .441 with seven homers.
The Lady Pirates key to winning this series is to take advantage of a weak Charlotte pitching staff. Junior outfielder Kanisha Anderson is having another phenomenal year, leading the team with a .360 batting average. She will look to have a big weekend and be the engine that ignites this Lady Pirate offense.
The series will open up on Thursday April, 2 and will finish Saturday April, 4. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday. The series will be played at Max R. Joyner Family Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina. If you can’t go in person to support the Lady Pirates, all games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Junior Nicole Nash finished tied for 12 with a score of 227 (11 over par). Strong performances from this group
Tyler Buonocore
COURTESY OF ECU ATHELETICS
Redshirt senior and outfielder Hailey Deter at bat against UAB.
