Good morning, Fayetteville.

Army veteran Tauheed (Ty) Wood launched Shuttle Buddy after leaving the service to offer affordable shuttles from Fayetteville to RDU; the company, started in 2024, now employs local veterans and supports community initiatives through reliable transportation.

North Carolina Connects spent $367,272 on a monthlong ad campaign that shows how data centers can bring jobs+tax revenue and local benefits while easing concerns about energy and water.

Local officials are planning to review development proposals.

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton will open its first U.S. headquarters in Fayetteville at the former Black & Decker site on Dedication Drive — the facility will create 162 jobs and generate a $3.4 million investment.

Local hiring targets include Fayetteville Technical Community College graduates and transitioning Fort Bragg service members.

Fort Bragg’s All American Gate closed Monday at 5 a.m. to begin a two-year $15.5 million repair project for the Gruber Road Bridge & freeway, diverting 65,000–80,000 vehicles daily to six alternate gates and impacting local businesses along detours.

Drivers are advised to plan for longer commutes.

Public facilities across Cumberland County are serving as cooling centers today to help residents cope with dangerous heat, including the county health department (1235 Ramsey St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), social services (1225 Ramsey St., 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), libraries, transit locations, and recreation centers.

NC State football contracts for 2026 nonconference games set the team to break even by paying $400k to one opponent and receiving $400k from another while collecting $1.5 million for its opener against Virginia on Aug.

29 in Charlottesville; games with Richmond, Vanderbilt, and Appalachian State are also scheduled.

UNC announced Monday, Jul.

27 that football GM Michael Lombardi has been placed on paid administrative leave, with university guidelines restricting discussion. The Tar Heels will begin training camp Thursday, Jul. 30 before facing TCU on Aug. 29 in Dublin.