Public Radio East serves Eastern North Carolina by providing news, fine arts, and informational programming that challenges, stimulates, educates, and entertains an intellectually curious audience.

© 2026 Public Radio East

Public Radio East
800 College Court
New Bern, NC 28562

EIN 56-1802728
Public Radio For Eastern North Carolina 89.3 WTEB New Bern 88.5 WZNB New Bern 91.5 WBJD Atlantic Beach 90.3 WKNS Kinston 89.9 W210CF Greenville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Former governor, U.S. Senate hopeful takes “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour to Greenville

The former Governor held the event to highlight his plan to lower the cost of food, healthcare, and utilities for North Carolina families. Cooper blamed “reckless policies” in Washington and high tariffs for squeezing farmers and driving up grocery prices.
The former Governor held the event to highlight his plan to lower the cost of food, healthcare, and utilities for North Carolina families. Cooper blamed “reckless policies” in Washington and high tariffs for squeezing farmers and driving up grocery prices.

Roy Cooper took his “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour to Greenville on Monday, laying out his vision for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

The former Governor held the event to highlight his plan to lower the cost of food, healthcare, and utilities for North Carolina families. Cooper blamed “reckless policies” in Washington and high tariffs for squeezing farmers and driving up grocery prices.

Joining him was Dr. Susan Boutilier—a local doctor, restaurateur, and farmer—who shared how rising costs are impacting both small businesses and the agricultural community.

Isabella Sardina, a recent East Carolina University graduate, also spoke, noting that skyrocketing premiums and everyday expenses are making it harder for young professionals to get by.

Cooper says he intends to be an independent voice in the Senate, focused on ending corporate price gouging and cutting costs for working people. In the coming weeks, his tour is expected to shift focus toward making housing and childcare more affordable.

Annette is an award-winning journalist based in Eastern North Carolina. Her career includes professional stops across the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southeast, recently culminating in a 2026 Region 8 Edward R. Murrow Award for Small Market Radio Best News Series for her work on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Series. Guided by a passion for human-interest storytelling, she focuses on narratives that touch hearts and connect communities. A mother of four and grandmother of two, Annette enjoys reading and creating epic Halloween costumes in her spare time. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.