Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival hosted its first Dogwood Nights event on Saturday, Aug.

8 on Hay Street downtown (back to school bash) and featured live music, dancing, vendors and over 400 backpacks given to students ahead of their return on Aug. 24.

Sixteen candidates filed for three at large Cumberland County Board of Education seats; incumbent Jacquelyn Brown seeks reelection while Greg West pursues a county commission seat after one seat became vacant due to Board Chair Judy Musgrave's death.

Filings ended Aug. 7 ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Superintendent Eric Bracy reflected on his first year at Cumberland County Schools and addressed challenges such as school closures and aging facilities while outlining a strategic plan for increased student achievement—he will focus on quality instruction and community partnerships in his second year.

The EPA proposed a settlement that would have Chemours fund water clean-up in North Carolina and beyond, but local officials say it risks leaving residents exposed to decades of PFAS pollution from the Fayetteville Works plant by allocating only $2 million annually.

Local high school soccer fans are invited to vote for top returning players in the 910Preps Boys Soccer Preseason Player of the Year poll, which closes at noon on Friday, Aug.

14.