Good morning, Fayetteville.

Cumberland County Schools will ban cell phones during class time starting Aug.

23 as the board approved a new policy developed with principal input—elementary students must keep phones put away and middle and high school students must silence devices during class hours. The board also approved a revised parent policy, a re-roofing contract for Douglas Byrd High School, two interlocal agreements, a renewed sheriff’s office agreement, and a mental health improvement plan.

Testing of private wells near Fort Bragg in Spring Lake recorded unsafe PFAS levels—29 ppt for PFOA and 32 ppt for PFOS—well above EPA limits in March.

A Senate bill introduced on July 28 would require the Department of Defense to stop releasing forever chemicals by curbing AFFF discharges.

North Carolina’s state health plan board of trustees is voting today to raise premiums and out-of-pocket costs for 750,000 members to address a $500 million shortfall next year and a $1.4 billion deficit later.

The plan will use sliding scale increases based on salary and higher deductibles to keep it solvent through 2028—changes that will affect teachers, state employees, retirees and local government workers.

Cumberland County ranked among the highest for STD rates in the nation due to social inequities, a large young adult population, and Fort Bragg mobility—county health officials said aggressive testing and outreach reduced some infections while warning that loss of funding could reverse the gains.

North Carolina Subcontractor Networking Event

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Fayetteville Technical Community College Horticulture Center — Free entry — Network with prime contractors and learn about Job Order Contracting opportunities.

Corks & Connections Networking Mixer

6-9 p.m. — The Sip Room — Free entry — A lively evening of drinks and networking awaits local professionals.

Repticon Fayetteville Show

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Crown Complex — Admission fee varies — Explore a fascinating exhibition of reptiles, exotic pets, and supplies.

3rd Annual Back to School Bazaar

3-7 p.m. — Rainbow Shops — Free entry — Celebrate back-to-school season with giveaways, food, and entertainment for the whole family.

Boots & Brews

5-10 p.m. — Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy line dancing, food trucks, and local vendors at this family-friendly rodeo party.

Hanging with the Highlands

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Sweet Valley Ranch — Ticket required — Experience a gentle giant encounter with friendly Highland cows in a scenic farm setting.

Cumberland County Fair on September 3rd

5-6:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Cumberland County Fair with live performances and community fun.

Around the World Run

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Cape Fear Botanical Garden — Cost not specified — Celebrate diverse cultures through a community-centric running event.

Cumberland County Fair 2025

1-2:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience local festivities at the Cumberland County Fair in Fayetteville.