Good morning, and Happy New Year’s Eve! I’m Paul Woolverton, CityView’s senior reporter. This past year had many exciting moments in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, and I’m grateful to have brought you some of the stories of our community.
In today’s newsletter, I’ll share some highlights of that work: Three people from Fayetteville and Cumberland County won Grammy Awards for their excellent work in the music industry. And Fayetteville State University has had a lot of drama, protest and tension, but also notable successes, since Chancellor Darrell T. Allison was hired in early 2021. I documented these with a profile of Allison for CityView and The Assembly.
Welcome to CityView Today. Going into 2025, I have a long list of stories I want to pursue in the city and county and our state for CityView and its parent digital publication, The Assembly. I look forward to bringing you the news that you want and need.
Our staff will be off tomorrow with New Year’s, but we’ll be back in your inboxes on Thursday, as my colleague Evey Weisblat shares her favorite stories from the year.
Thanks for your readership,
Paul Woolverton
Senior Reporter
1 | An Unconventional Chancellor Keeps His Cool
Darrell T. Allison was both a non-academic and former school-choice lobbyist when he became chancellor of Fayetteville State University. Now enrollment is up, dropouts are down, and new buildings are rising. Has he shown detractors he was the right person for the job?
2 | Cumberland Democrat sees evidence of Democratic gerrymandering in N.C. House election
Were the lines drawn to help Mike Colvin run and block Larry Wright?
3 | Three from Fayetteville won Grammy Awards
Recording industry’s top prizes go to J. Harrison Ghee, NaTasha Williams and Bryce Bordone.
4 | Fayetteville State breaks ground for new College of Education building
A $69.3 million project with 72,027 square feet to open in 2026.
5 | Audit finds nearly $700,000 misspent at Fayetteville State University
Two former employees and one current employee in Fayetteville State University’s communications office improperly spent nearly $700,000 of university money, the N.C. Office of the State Auditor reported in May 2024.
Events
NEW YEAR’S AT NOON
- Where: Fascinate-U Children’s Museum, 116 Green St., Fayetteville
- When: 10 a.m. today
- What: Ring in the new year early with our New Year’s at Noon celebration for the whole family!
NIGHT CIRCUS: A DISTRICT NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECTACULAR
- Where: Festival Park, 145 Person St,, Fayetteville
- When: 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. today
- What: Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with circus-like attractions-stilt walkers, fire dancers, roving magicians, kids’ activities, festive food, and more! Plus, local DJs and musicians will keep the party vibes strong on the District Vibe Stage.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
- Where: The Wine Thief, 432 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd., Lillington
- When: 9-11:30 p.m. today
- What: Join us and celebrate NYE in Wine Thief style!
Obituaries
Bobby Wayne Harrell
Bobby Wayne Harrell, a beloved father, devoted friend, and passionate sports enthusiast, passed away peacefully […]
Mr. Corey Lamont Simmons
Colvin Funeral Home & Crematory…announces this earthly transition of Corey Lamont Simmons, of Fayetteville NC, […]
Mary R. White
It is with heavy hearts yet immense gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce […]
Check this out
🎆 Tonight, the Cool Spring Downtown District is ringing in 2025 with the fourth annual Night Circus: A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular. It promises “stilt walkers, fire dancers, roving magicians, festive food and drink, children’s activities” and DJs and local musicians, plus headliners Digable Planets and Arrested Development. At midnight, the 18-foot, multicolored Fayetteville “Can Do” star will rise above the main stage amid fireworks. I hope to see you there.
~ Paul
