Good morning, Fayetteville.

Bilingual columnist Claudia Zamora writes that sharing a cup of coffee builds community connections and gives people a chance to listen to one another.

She also noted that families will be invited to attend the free Imagination Library Bilingual Storytime at Spring Lake Community Library on Oct. 11 from 10 to 11 a.m. — an event for children ages 0 to 5.

Families with young children are invited to a free bilingual story time event on October 11 at the Spring Lake community library at 101 Laketree Blvd from 10 to 11 a.m.—the event will feature stories in English and Spanish, movement activities, music, and crafts.

Columnist Claudia Zamora, who has lived in Fayetteville since 2011, highlights how sharing a cafecito can build community spirit.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County will offer a combined $691,000 grant package to SteelFab Inc. to support a $22 million expansion on Shaw Mill Road—this incentive package, which adds 42 jobs and may include state incentives, aims to attract the company away from competing sites in Virginia and South Carolina.

The Draconid meteor shower began on Monday, Oct 6th and will peak tomorrow, Oct 8th before ending on Friday, Oct 10th.

Residents in Fayetteville should check weather conditions and find a dark area to see the meteors even though the full moon may hinder the view.

Verizon, former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams and ForgiveCo are teaming up to clear $5 million in consumer debt for North Carolinians recovering from Hurricane Helene.

The relief builds on a January program that cleared $10 million in debt, and eligible recipients will be notified automatically—no action is needed.

Cumberland County will soon issue a request for qualifications to hire an architect and construction manager at risk to renovate the Crown Theatre and Arena—county officials will work with Oak View Group and hold a pre-planning conference to refine the programming and budget details.

Fayetteville Market House finished the first phase of renovations this week by restoring woodwork and roof—road closures on Hay, Green, Person and Gillespie Streets run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Oct.10.

A new clock is scheduled for Oct.20, making the project 25% complete with work set to continue until fall 2026.

Downtown Fayetteville will see West Russell Street closed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Oct.8—contractors will repair railroad tracks at the crossing as announced by NCDOT.

On Oct. 3rd, South View and Westover played in an NCHSAA football game and a highlight video showcased top plays—giving local fans a look at key moments.

UNC football did not post about former quarterback Drake Maye for three weeks until Oct 6—after reportedly receiving a directive from coach Bill Belichick—even though Maye helped the Patriots secure wins during that time; the Tar Heels then shared two highlights that drew criticism.

UNC football has begun its season with coach Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels have lost three Power 4 games by a combined 87 points, marking the worst start in program history.

Belichick signed a five-year deal with $10 million guaranteed per year and said the team will keep working—week by week—to improve.

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.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

5-8:30 p.m. — Vagabond Cafe — Entry fee applicable — Experience an immersive evening of Mexican flavors, music, and hands-on tradition in honor of Dia de los Muertos.