Good morning, Fayetteville.

In 2010, J. Cole shot a music video on Worth Street which brought both praise and upset from school leaders about student roles — and he later gave a homecoming concert.

The Fayetteville Observer looked back at his early career to show his ties to the town.

Fayetteville will host the inaugural 2-6 K.A.

Barbecue Throwdown on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 5319 Yadkin Road. More than 20 teams from the region will compete in ribs, chicken and brisket categories + local pitmasters will vie for trophies and $4,900 in cash prizes.

Fayetteville State University unveiled its new four-story College of Education building today after a $70 million investment aimed at modernizing classrooms and supporting future teachers.

The ribbon‐cutting marked a milestone in the university’s long history of serving local learners.

Cumberland County Schools announced new principals for 13 schools for the 2026-27 school year on Aug.

20; the changes include Carrie Blanchard at Beaver Dam and Elizabeth Blue at Ed V. Baldwin, among others serving schools across the county.

A $12 million project connecting Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary to the public water system is complete.

The new water lines extend over 3 miles and now provide safe drinking water, replacing wells that were contaminated (PFAS) nearly nine years ago.

Fayetteville homeowners are urged to review a new fall home safety checklist that recommends smart locks, video doorbells, emergency kits, and power backups to prepare for upcoming storms, shorter days, and holiday travel (the guide also covers outdoor lighting and roadside tools).

J. Cole (once cut from Terry Sanford varsity) began as a team manager and grew into a professional basketball player abroad; his persistent work ethic led his coach to create an unofficial rule that gives overlooked players a second chance while mentoring local athletes.

Seventy-First rolled past Terry Sanford with a 59 to 14 win in a first-week game on Aug.

20, driven by senior Shon Pone's two touchdowns + a four-touchdown performance from quarterback Watson; the Falcons will travel to face Cape Fear next Friday while Terry Sanford hosts Pine Forest on the northside.

Live scores for high school football Week 1 are updating as Friday's games start at 7:30 p.m. with matchups at Gray's Creek at Pine Forest and Westover at Union Pines — a continuation of exciting season openers following Thursday's contests.