Good morning, Fayetteville.

First Baptist Church, a 115-year-old building on Anderson Street in downtown Fayetteville, now has Rev.

Mari Wiles as its new pastor—she is the first woman to lead the church and welcomes visitors to view its historic sanctuary.

Fayetteville Motor Speedway will close after the 2025 racing season when its 500-acre property is repurposed for industrial and commercial use — promoters David Mitchell and Shay Martin thanked fans for their support over the past 6 seasons.

Blue Ridge Power will lay off 348 employees in Fayetteville by mid-November due to market headwinds affecting renewable energy—forcing a wind-down of operations that support local workforce training—and local officials will help the affected workers find new employment opportunities.

North Carolina unemployment claims dropped last week as initial filings fell to 3,197 from 3,591, reported by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Nationwide claims declined to 218,000 and South Carolina showed the largest drop—data that may impact local job seekers.

Fayetteville State University will host a panel discussion on cannabis awareness and education next week with law enforcement, business owners, and university staff, and the event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct.

1 in Student Center Room 242—doors open at 5:45 p.m. and it is free to attend.

Power crews are on alert as heavy rain and severe storms brew in the Atlantic — new grid technology will be used to restore outages quickly if severe weather hits.

Nearly 1,500 residents in Johnston County lost power last Thursday, and Duke Energy advises customers to give repair crews space during repairs.

Gen. William Buck Kernan, a Vietnam War veteran and former commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, died on Sept.

2 at age 79—A Celebration of Life is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct.4 at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville.

At a candidate forum on Thursday night, Council Member Mario Benavente asked Mayor Mitch Colvin about a $1,000 donation from a contractor whose firm later did not finish four city projects—Colvin said donations come from supporters and warned that any false claims will lead to legal action. Records show the contractor abandoned the projects and a legal judgment was filed, fueling controversy in the mayoral race.

State officials voted Friday to start finding new doctors for state workers, retirees and family members if Duke Health and Aetna do not reach a deal by Oct.

20—this move covers about 750,000 people under the State Health Plan. The plan allows a few thousand seriously ill patients to keep their doctor if they complete a required form.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

2:30-3:30 p.m. — E Melvin Honeycutt Elementary — Registration fee applies — Engage children in a healthy running program tailored for pre-K through 8th grade.

Nurse John Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Crown Theatre - The Crown Center — Tickets from $78 — Experience the unforgettable performance by Nurse John in Fayetteville.

Crowder & Passion Music Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Crown Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience an uplifting evening with popular worship leaders and music from Passion City Church.

The Pink Walk: Walk It Out for Breast Cancer

8 AM – 1 PM — The Gathering Place — Vendor spots available — Celebrate breast cancer awareness with a day of walking, community, and empowerment.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville

10 AM – 12 PM — Segra Stadium — Donations encouraged — Participate in the movement to combat Alzheimer’s with hope and action.