Fayetteville Observer

The Fayetteville Observer is a daily newspaper that serves the Fayetteville area in North Carolina, published in American English. Established in 1816, it holds the title of the oldest local newspaper in North Carolina. Initially named the Carolina Observer, it changed its name to the Fayetteville Observer in 1833. For many years, from 1923 to 2016, the newspaper was owned by the McMurray family. In 2016, it was sold to GateHouse Media, which later merged with Gannett in 2019.

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What will NC State basketball's roster look like in 2025-26 season under Will Wade?

6 days ago | fayobserver.com | Rodd Baxley

N.C. State basketball is beginning a new era under first-year coach Will Wade, who arrives in Raleigh ready to get the Wolfpack back at the top of the ACC. Following its ACC Tournament championship and Final Four appearance in two seasons ago, N.C. State posted a 12-19 record, missed the ACC Tournament and Kevin Keatts was fired the day after the regular season ended. Enter Wade, who was hired after leading McNeese State to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons.
South Alabama QB Gio Lopez commits to UNC football, Bill Belichick

6 days ago | fayobserver.com | Rodd Baxley

Bill Belichick might have found his starting quarterback for his debut season with UNC football. South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez committed to Belichick and the Tar Heels on April 17, giving the program a boost to its light QB room. Lopez joins a group that includes freshman Bryce Baker and veteran Max Johnson, who is coming off a season-ending leg injury. Purdue transfer Ryan Browne joined the Tar Heels when the winter portal window opened, but Browne re-entered the portal on April 16.
Wife of slain ex-Green Beret appointed a public defender in Cumberland County murder case

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | F.T. Norton

A Cumberland County woman charged with murder in the dismemberment and death of her husband, a former Fort Bragg Green Beret, appeared in court briefly April 17 and was appointed a public defender. Shana Cloud, 50, is charged with first-degree murder and concealment of death in the slaying of Clinton Bonnell, 50. Bonnell’s torso was found in a pond on Feb. 25, about three miles from the couple’s Butler Nursery Road home.
U.S. Marshals apprehended juvenile accused in November Cumberland County murder

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | Joseph Pierre

U.S. Marshals have apprehended a juvenile wanted on a charge of first-degree murder in the November shooting death of a Lumberton woman. According to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Ke'Won Parker was taken into custody at 8:25 a.m. on April 17. On March 27, the Sheriff's Office announced that they had secured a juvenile petition for Parker, charging him with first degree murder in the death of Brittany M.
What will UNC basketball's roster look like in 2025-26 season without RJ Davis?

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | Rodd Baxley

Key returning player Drake Powell's decision on whether to enter the NBA draft will significantly impact the team's potential. The Tar Heels have added size with transfers Jarin Stevenson and Henri Veesaar, addressing a weakness from the previous season. Five-star recruit Caleb Wilson leads the incoming freshman class and is expected to contribute immediately as a defender and rebounder.
Duke basketball's Kon Knueppel makes 2025 NBA Draft decision

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | Rodd Baxley

Duke basketball player Kon Knueppel announced he will enter the 2025 NBA Draft. Knueppel is projected as a top-10 pick after a successful freshman season where he averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He was the ACC Tournament MVP and a key player in Duke's Elite Eight run. Knueppel is expected to be a valuable two-way player in the NBA. Duke basketball’s Kon Knueppel will enter the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced Wednesday in a social media post. "Forever a Blue Devil.
What will Duke basketball's roster look like in 2025-26 season, should it lose Cooper Flagg?

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | Rodd Baxley

Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster appear to be the biggest dominoes for Duke's rosterIncoming freshman Cameron Boozer leads another highly-ranked recruiting classDuke will likely need to look to the transfer portal for a veteran guardDuke basketball didn’t win a national championship in 2025, but the Blue Devils experienced one of their best non-title-winning seasons in program history.
The Fayetteville Police Department wants more women to join its ranks. Here's how

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | Joseph Pierre

The Fayetteville Police Department is aiming to increase its female officer representation to 30% by 2030, joining the nationwide 30x30 initiative. Currently, women make up 21% of the force, higher than the national average of less than 14%. Research suggests female officers use less excessive force, receive fewer complaints and are perceived as more compassionate. The Fayetteville Police Department aims to reach a goal of 30% for its women in blue in the next five years.
On the right track: Check out this classic dinner and social train ride in the Sandhills

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | Rachael Riley

The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway launched a new monthly social dining experience aboard a classic train. The 2.5-hour excursion includes a three-course meal and scenic views of the Sandhills region. The train features a dome car, dining car and a bar car, accommodating up to 84 guests. ABERDEEN — A new monthly experience aboard the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway allows riders to view the Sandhills region while meeting new people in classic railroad dining car tradition.
Body found in Robeson County pond identified as missing Fayetteville woman

1 week ago | fayobserver.com | F.T. Norton

A body recovered from a Robeson County pond over the weekend has been identified as a missing Fayetteville woman, officials said. Annie Lock, 27, was last seen Aug. 17 in the area of Kiana Lane in Fayetteville, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. She was reported missing Oct. 10, police said. Her body was found on the afternoon of Sunday, April 13, in a pond near N.C. 72 West and Buie Philadelphus Road, between Pembroke and Red Springs, according to Robeson County Sheriff's Office.