Good morning, Fayetteville.

Talmadge Rogers of CityView said he nearly crashed on Thursday when he waited a few extra seconds at a green light at the intersection of Owen Drive and Boone Trail—a pause that may have prevented a serious collision from a driver running a red light, and local police advise Fayetteville drivers to check intersections carefully before moving.

Cumberland County Schools are using community donations to keep a pantry open at Max Abbott Middle School in Fayetteville—students can get food, school supplies, and hygiene items as they return to class.

Staff also plan to provide weekend meals and winter clothing to help all students succeed.

New EPA data shows PFAS chemicals were found in 200 drinking water systems nationwide, including Fayetteville, as local utilities work to remove the contaminants and prepare for stricter federal rules.

Local officials say they are updating treatment processes—ensuring safe water for residents.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County will have three early voting sites for the November city council elections.

The state board added the Kiwanis Recreation Center and the Board of Elections Office—along with the Cliffdale Recreation Center—after local officials could not agree on just two locations.

At Monday’s Spring Lake board meeting, residents said their property taxes jumped from about $1,100 to nearly $1,900 as officials explained that a county-wide revaluation and a new ad valorem tax model led to a $1.7 million deficit that requires the high rate to support services (in part due to a post-COVID market boom).

Veterans in Fayetteville are using THCA cannabis products to help with conditions like PTSD and chronic pain—local shops such as The Green Plug have opened on Ireland Drive amid calls for clearer state rules.

Advocacy groups like Balanced Veterans Network are working with veterans, and local officials are focused on regulating these products to ensure youth safety—ongoing efforts show a shift toward medical cannabis in the community.

UNC football coach Bill Belichick announced that transfer Gio Lopez will start as quarterback in the season opener against TCU, scheduled for Sept 1 at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN at Kenan Stadium—Lopez earned the nod after showing strong progress during training camp.

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.

The Perfect Pairing: Charcuterie Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — Grapes & Hops-Craft Beer & Wine — Included in ticket — Craft a personalized charcuterie board while enjoying expertly curated wine pairings.

Fall Run Iron Mike Run 5K Run/Walk 2025

4 AM – 2 PM — 300 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC — Registration details available — Participate in a community-building fitness event while raising funds for future chapter activities.