Préstamo VA en Cumberland, NC

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CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of travelers are hitting the road Monday, wrapping up the long Labor Day weekend with journeys that take them along one of the nation's busiest corridors, Interstate 95.

For many, that means a much-needed pit stop in Cumberland County, North Carolina, where families are taking a break from bumper-to-bumper traffic and making memories along the way.

I-95, which passes through 15 states and links major cities along the East Coast, is a popular route for holiday travelers. Despite early departures, many families say they still encountered heavy traffic.

"This is probably the first time we've traveled for Labor Day weekend in years, and we just wanted to get away this weekend," said Derrick Vick, who was traveling from South Carolina with his three sons.

The Vicks left South Carolina at 10:30 a.m., hoping an early start would let them avoid the worst congestion.

Vick said Myrtle Beach was the perfect destination for his family. "We just wanted to get away, get down to the beach. Put our toes in the sand, take a little break. School's getting back into the flow," he said.

According to AAA, gas prices in the U.S. hit a record high for Labor Day this year, averaging $4.14 a gallon, nearly a dollar more than this time last year.

North Carolina's state average is $3.84, while drivers in Cumberland County are paying an average of $3.77 per gallon.

For Timothy Smith, who set out from South Carolina with his family, the journey is about making memories.

"My son he will remember this and be able to do this with his family, with his kids. And my daughter, you know, when she has a husband and she has her kids, she'll be able to say, hey, my dad took me to the beach for Labor Day."

Traffic and accidents were a common refrain among travelers.

"The road's been something. There's been traffic. There's been a lot of crashes recently. And it's just been really busy up there," said Lane Brooks, 17, who was traveling back to Virginia after a first week of school.

Brooks said her family made the beach trip for some quality time before the school year got fully underway.

"It's just my first week of school and it's already been a lot. And they suggested a beach trip before I go for the year. And I was like, Why not?"

Her family left Virginia around 9:30 a.m. in hopes of beating the traffic but ended up taking a break after hours on the road.

"Those hours of travel back to back, we just need a stop to stretch our legs. It's perfect for us."

Smith, who is traveling with his children and fiancée from Myrtle Beach, echoed the need for a break.

"We were in traffic for a little bit. And my fiancé had to use the restroom, so we stopped to use the restroom."

For Vick, the gas prices weren't a major concern, at least not yet. "Gas prices were not bad. I fueled up in home and I haven't had to refuel the truck yet, so we'll see. I'm probably getting pretty close to needing a refuel."

As families like the Vicks take to the highways, many say trips like these don't come often, making this holiday weekend especially meaningful.

"This is probably the first time we've traveled for Labor Day weekend in years, and we just wanted to get away this weekend," Vick said.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)– Middlesex Township supervisors could vote to give final approval to a controversial data center project on Wednesday night, but the public has been stanchly opposed.

Middlesex Township residents have been packing out recent meetings to oppose supervisors’ votes to approve the PAX-1 data center development in the township. The developer is seeking approval of the preliminary land development plan for Phase 3 and the final land development plan for Phase 1, along with other environmental approvals.

Despite a lack of approval, the $15 billion project is already under construction. So, opponents asked common pleas Judge Matthew Smith to order construction to stop while the legal case continues.

Judge Smith gave the developer and the township two weeks to explain why the construction should continue, but it does not stop tonight’s meeting.

Tonight’s meeting follows the postponement of voting at the two previous meetings. Middlesex Township supervisors were set to take a series of votes related to the project on August 5, but neighbors packed the room past capacity, leading officials to push the meeting to a bigger venue on August 19.

The second meeting came to an abrupt end when township solicitor Keith Brenneman fell ill. Issues continued to pop up, and township residents refused to back down. The board met at 7:30 a.m. on August 28 to address several non-data center-related issues, including the resignation of a township supervisor.

Township residents packed the meeting, following through on a promise to attend every township meeting, regardless of the topic.

Township supervisors are expected to vote on the approval at 6 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School tonight.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available.

For 65 years, Fayetteville Technical Community College has been more than an educational institution. We have been Cumberland County's workforce engine, helping generations of residents gain the skills, credentials, and opportunities needed to build meaningful careers while providing local employers with the talent necessary to grow and thrive.

As FTCC celebrates its 65th anniversary, we do so with tremendous pride in our history and an even greater focus on our future. While higher education continues to evolve, our mission remains clear: prepare a future-ready workforce that strengthens our economy, creates pathways to economic mobility, and supports the long-term prosperity of our community.

Today, workforce development is no longer the responsibility of a single institution. The challenges facing employers and workers are too complex, and the pace of change is too rapid. Businesses across every sector are struggling to find qualified talent. Emerging technologies are transforming the skills required for success. Demographic shifts, labor force participation challenges, and increasing workforce demands require us to think differently about how we prepare people for careers.

That is why FTCC has embraced a leadership role in bringing partners together to create a workforce system that is more aligned, better connected, and easier for individuals and employers to navigate.

For too long, workforce development efforts across the country have often been fragmented, with multiple organizations operating independently, each providing valuable services but sometimes creating confusion for the people we are trying to serve. At FTCC, we believe the future depends on building a more seamless ecosystem where education, workforce training, economic development, and employer engagement are intentionally connected.

This work is happening every day through our partnerships with Cumberland County, the City of Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, Cumberland County Schools, the military community, NCWorks, workforce agencies, healthcare providers, business and industry leaders, and numerous community organizations. Together, we are aligning resources, strengthening career pathways, and working to ensure students and job seekers can move more easily from education and training into high-demand, high-wage careers.

Our shared goal is straightforward: create a workforce system that meets individuals where they are, helps them identify career opportunities, provides clear pathways to credentials and employment, and supports lifelong learning as they advance throughout their careers. When workforce partners operate as one coordinated system rather than a collection of separate programs, individuals succeed faster, employers gain access to talent more efficiently, and the entire community benefits.

This collaborative approach is especially important as Cumberland County continues to attract investment and experience growth across key industries.

Few fields better illustrate this opportunity than cybersecurity. Every organization today depends on secure digital infrastructure, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to accelerate. Businesses, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and military operations all require highly trained professionals capable of protecting critical systems and sensitive information. Through strategic investments and industry partnerships, FTCC is expanding cybersecurity education and workforce development opportunities to ensure employers have access to the talent they need and graduates are prepared to contribute immediately upon entering the workforce.

Healthcare remains another critical priority for our region. As our population grows and ages, demand for nurses, technicians, allied health professionals, and specialized healthcare providers continues to increase. Through strong partnerships with leading healthcare systems and providers, FTCC is helping address workforce shortages while creating life-changing opportunities for residents seeking stable, rewarding careers. Expanding capacity, accelerating pathways to employment, and increasing access to healthcare education remain central to our workforce strategy.

Advanced manufacturing continues to be one of the most important drivers of economic growth throughout southeastern North Carolina. Today's manufacturing environment bears little resemblance to that of previous generations. Automation, robotics, precision systems, and advanced technologies require a highly skilled workforce capable of adapting to constant change. Through close collaboration with employers, FTCC continues to align training programs with industry demands while creating direct pathways from education into employment. These efforts not only support existing employers but also strengthen our region's ability to attract new businesses and investment.

We are also witnessing tremendous growth in unmanned aircraft systems and drone technologies. Applications now extend well beyond aviation into public safety, agriculture, logistics, construction, infrastructure inspection, surveying, and emergency management. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into daily operations, the need for a skilled workforce will continue to grow. FTCC is committed to developing educational pathways that position Cumberland County and our region as leaders in this emerging field.

What makes these successes possible is partnership.

No college can develop a workforce alone. Likewise, no employer, government agency, economic development organization, or workforce provider can solve workforce challenges independently. Sustainable solutions require shared vision, shared investment, and shared accountability.

That is why FTCC is committed to serving as the convener, connector, and catalyst that brings partners together around a common goal: building the workforce our community needs today and preparing for the workforce demands of tomorrow.

We see this commitment reflected in the growing confidence students and employers have in FTCC. Enrollment continues to grow as more individuals recognize that workforce-focused education provides one of the most direct pathways to economic opportunity. At the same time, employers increasingly look to FTCC as a trusted partner for talent development, customized training, and workforce solutions.

As we begin the 2026-2027 academic year, these trends reinforce what we have long known: when education is aligned with workforce needs and supported by strong partnerships, everyone benefits.

As the community's college, our responsibility extends beyond the classroom. More than 70 percent of our graduates remain in our local community to live and work, directly contributing to the economic vitality of Cumberland County and the surrounding region. Their success strengthens local businesses, supports families, expands the tax base, and improves quality of life throughout the community.

As we celebrate 65 years of service, we remain guided by a simple but powerful principle: our success is measured by the success of the people and communities we serve. That means listening carefully to employers, responding quickly to workforce needs, creating clear pathways into high-demand careers, and ensuring every resident has access to opportunities that can transform lives.

The future of Cumberland County will be shaped by individuals who possess the skills, adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning necessary to succeed in an ever-changing economy. They will be cybersecurity professionals protecting critical infrastructure, healthcare workers caring for our families, advanced manufacturing technicians driving innovation, and drone operators helping transform industries across the region.

For 65 years, FTCC has helped power the workforce that drives our economy. Today, working alongside Cumberland County, the City of Fayetteville, FCEDC, Fayetteville State University, Methodist, employers, educators, workforce agencies, and community partners, we are building something even more important: a coordinated workforce ecosystem that creates clearer pathways to opportunity, reduces barriers to success, and positions our region for sustained economic growth.

The challenges ahead are significant, but the opportunities are even greater. Together, we are creating a stronger workforce, a stronger economy, and a stronger Cumberland County for generations to come.

Chief Justice Paul Newby joined judges, court officials, treatment providers, and community partners in Cumberland County today for a workshop designed to help courts better serve children and families affected by parental addiction, incarceration, and recovery.

The 14th Judicial District was selected by All Rise’s Center for Advancing Justice to host a Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC) workshop. The training brings together approximately 60 participants from Cumberland County and surrounding communities to explore ways to incorporate Sesame Street resources into the court system.

“Our courts have an important role to play in connecting families with resources and creating an environment where children can feel secure,” said Chief Justice Paul Newby. “I commend the 14th Judicial District and its community partners. By working together, we can help ensure that children remain a priority when their families encounter the justice system.”

All Rise’s Center for Advancing Justice works with courts and justice-system professionals to address substance use and mental health issues while promoting recovery. Through its partnership with Sesame Street in Communities, the Center provides free educational tools, family-centered resources, and child-friendly play spaces to help justice-involved families.

The workshop focuses on three primary goals:

Research and experience have shown that children with a parent involved in the justice system can experience increased exposure to trauma and other adverse childhood experiences. All Rise's Center for Advancing Justice works with justice-system professionals to address those effects and strengthen family relationships.

The Sesame Street in Communities partnership is part of All Rise’s broader effort to help courts implement evidence-informed approaches that support children and families affected by substance use and justice-system involvement. The Center provides training and technical assistance to help jurisdictions incorporate these resources into their court programs.

• The trial was supposed to start Tuesday, but was canceled.

• Details of the settlement are being kept secret for now.

• The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to discuss the case again Tuesday.

Cumberland County is close to a financial settlement in its lawsuit against the Chemours Co. and DuPont over the widespread PFAS forever chemicals contamination of drinking water wells in the Gray’s Creek area near Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant.

“It’s in our favor,” Veronica Jones, the vice chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, told CityView on Friday. “I feel like the community would be pleased with what the settlement is going to be, as fair as it could be.”

Jones declined to provide details of the settlement and said that for now, they are confidential. Board Chair Kirk deViere and other commissioners declined to comment. By law, final terms would have to be approved in a public vote of the commissioners.

Commissioners met behind closed doors on Monday and Thursday to discuss the Chemours lawsuit, and are scheduled to discuss the lawsuit again at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

A 16-to-20 day trial in the lawsuit was supposed to start Tuesday, but it’s now canceled, according to Superior Court records. Cumberland County Trial Court Administrator Sarah Larson said the court was told Thursday that the parties are settling.

Jurors would have been asked to calculate how much Chemours and DuPont should pay the county for polluting residents’ water and how they should abate the nuisance they caused.

The question of whether the companies contaminated the water was decided in September 2025. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Foghludha ruled that DuPont and Chemours caused a public nuisance and trespassed with emissions of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly referred to as PFAS forever chemicals—from the Fayetteville Works plant.

The plant, built and run by DuPont for many years, and now operated by Chemours, is in northern Bladen County off N.C. 87 at the Cumberland County line. The plant emitted PFAS into the air and discharged it into the Cape Fear River. The pollutant got into drinking water wells in Gray’s Creek in southern Cumberland County, and into the drinking water supplies of communities in southeastern North Carolina, including Wilmington and surrounding areas at the coast.

PFAS chemicals have been used for decades in consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Research has connected PFAS to health problems, such as infertility, cancer, weakened immunity, cholesterol, and obesity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They are called forever chemicals because they are slow to break down naturally in the environment.

The Fayetteville Works emissions were made public when the Wilmington StarNews reported them in June 2017. The contaminants were then found in drinking water wells in Gray’s Creek in the next several months. Cumberland commissioners filed suit in 2022.

State taxpayers this past year paid $12 million to extend public water to two Cumberland County elementary schools in Gray’s Creek because their drinking water wells were tainted with PFAS.

Chemours and DuPont have faced multiple lawsuits because of the contamination.

Litigation between Chermours and 2,658 residents, including people in Gray’s Creek, was settled out of court before that trial was supposed to start in federal court on July 13.

In a similar lawsuit in federal court, a judge on August 24 ruled that Chemours had tresspassed against 180,000 people in southeastern North Carolina who get their drinking water from the Cape Fear River and from wells downstream from the Fayetteville Works plant. That trial is scheduled to start March 4.

And a lawsuit between the state of North Carolina and Chemours is scheduled for arguments before the North Carolina Supreme Court on September 15.

Senior reporter Paul Woolverton can be reached at pwoolverton@cityviewnc.com.

Paul Woolverton is CityView's senior reporter, covering courts, local politics, and Cumberland County affairs. He joined CityView from The Fayetteville Observer, where he worked for more than 30 years. He can be reached at pwoolverton@cityviewnc.com.

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