Good morning, Fayetteville.

J. Cole released his surprise mixtape, Birthday Blizzard '26, on Jan.

27, which features Fayetteville landmarks (Market House, Hope Mills Road) in its cover art and lyrics to build hype for his upcoming album The Fall Off set for Feb. 6.

A group of Venerable Monks left a Texas temple to walk toward Washington D.C. as a quiet prayer for peace.

Locals from Fayetteville saw them near Ridgeway in South Carolina on January 12—receiving handwoven bracelets and exchanging tokens in a moving encounter.

Cumberland County Schools spends $4M on gifted programs but only gets $3M from the state, leaving a $1M gap.

At a meeting today, board members raised questions about fair student identification and said more teachers will be needed if enrollment grows.

FTCC doubled admissions for its Respiratory Therapy Program yesterday by adding flexible registration times and evening cohorts, offering local students a better path to a healthcare career (including training in emergency rooms and ICUs).

The expansion meets community needs for skilled professionals.

Due to a drop in enrollment, Cumberland County Schools now faces a deficit of 5 million dollars and is planning to close up to eight campuses to reduce costs.

Officials will also phase out ESSER-funded positions gradually as they adjust staffing to match fewer students.

Cumberland County Schools approved more than $1.29 million in budget changes on Thursday, allocating $1 million for campus improvements so each school can manage necessary repairs and renovations.

Schools get a base of $10,000 + additional funds based on enrollment.

SameDay Medical at 6201 Raeford Rd. offers walk-in and same-day care for minor illnesses and injuries like flu, strep and COVID and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; it also provides on-site X-ray services—with patients with emergencies directed to the hospital.

New dining spots brighten Fayetteville as Mai’s Thai Express, Caribou Coffee, Rooster’s Diner and The Habit Burger Grill open while Pazzo’s food truck and NC Food Commissary launch.

Blazin Halal Food, Raising Cane’s Chicken + W Co. Express plan future openings.

The local dining guide for Valentine’s Day lists a variety of date-night restaurants across Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake and Raeford.

Couples can choose intimate Italian spots like Luigi’s Italian Chophouse — upscale options at Chris’s Steak and Seafood House and cozy selections at The Creekside Mill.

E.E. Smith basketball beat Seventy-First 56-45 on Tuesday night.

Star guards Nick Smith + Jackson Williams reflected on the win, noting the team's solid teamwork.

Fayetteville Academy defeated Harrell’s Christian (73-66) in a loaded 2A basketball matchup that showcased key plays and thrilled local fans.

High School Musical Performance

7 p.m. — Cape Fear Regional Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an iconic musical celebration with lively performances and familiar tunes.

High School Musical Performance

7-9 p.m. — Cape Fear Regional Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting live rendition of the beloved musical favorite.

High School Musical Performance

2-3 p.m. — Cape Fear Regional Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an energetic rendition of a classic musical in Fayetteville.

Amy Grant Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience the 40-year journey of Amy Grant from gospel roots to pop icon.

Fayetteville K-Pop Meetup & Hangout

4-7 p.m. — Matt Matt Boutique — Raffle tickets sold separately — Connect with fellow K-pop fans, shop local creators, and enjoy dances and raffles.

The Love Experience with Rotimi Live

8-11 p.m. — 226 The Warehouse — Tickets available — Experience Rotimi's soulful tunes in an energetic atmosphere.

Road to Boston 5k

1 PM — Picnic Area, 445 Treetop Dr, Fayetteville, NC — Entry fee supports USO — Lace up for a meaningful 5K while supporting service members and their families.