Good morning, Fayetteville.

Robert Lee Edwards Jr., 37, was honored for his military service and community leadership as Fayetteville Liberty’s team market owner and senior IT director with the Geneva Foundation—named to the city’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.

Army veteran Eddy Claude opened Germène’s Home Kitchen & Bakery (named for his late grandmother) at 1205 Robeson St on June 27, serving Haitian classics that honor his heritage and fill a gap in local dining options.

Michael Glaspie II (36), founder and managing partner of G2 Business Solutions, was named to Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 on July 7 and is honored for his work as a financial strategist and entrepreneur supporting local business owners.

Award-winning chef Pyet DeSpain will cook traditional Lumbee fare at Lumbee Homecoming 2026—an event that celebrates local culture.

The culinary demonstration will showcase heritage recipes for community members.

Cumberland County Schools extended its contract with Franklin Bread Company to supply fresh bread for the next school year, ordering 123,276 bread items monthly plus 78,820 packages of whole grain hamburger buns.

The deal, approved on April 14, maintains the same prices while meeting nutritional standards.

The death of Board Chair Judy Musgrave has left an open seat on the county Board of Education — board members may appoint a temporary replacement at their August meeting ahead of filing for the Nov.

3 election, which began on July 6.

Ruben Reyes, associate superintendent for Human Resources at Cumberland County Schools, was named the 2025-26 Dr. Joseph Locklear/Ricky Lopes Central Services Employee of the Year on June 17.

He said the award reflects a team effort (from recruitment to employee relations) that supports the district's schools.

Fayetteville traffic officers raised school zone safety concerns last month and officials installed a stop sign near Max Abbott Middle School while planning speed cameras, repairs to warning lights and a fence at a high school.

They are coordinating with state and county agencies to finish the safety fixes.

Cooling Centers across Cumberland County are available during regular hours at several public buildings (including the Social Services lobby and local libraries) to help residents escape rising summer heat.

Residents can also register for Heat Health Alerts to receive updates when temperatures reach dangerous levels.

To honor America 250, a list of the 25 top North Carolina basketball players—including Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul & James Worthy—was released by The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY Network.

The list organizes players into five teams that celebrate the state's rich basketball history.

USPA Tested and Open 2026 North Carolina State Championship

9 a.m. — Carolina Prime Performance — Registration required — Witness top lifters in action at this sanctioned powerlifting event with both tested and non-tested divisions.

Nike Basketball Camp with Fayetteville Liberty

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. — Seventy-First High School — $350 — Develop basketball skills and character while having fun at this high-energy skills camp.

Pilates and Pretty Vibes Soirée

1-3 p.m. — 143 Maxwell — Cash Bar Available — Experience a rejuvenating Pilates session while soaking in chill vibes and good energy.

Baseball Game for Special Operations Families

6:35-7:35 p.m. — Segra Stadium — $10 food voucher included — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with family and friends from the Special Operations Community.