The Fayetteville Observer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue has asked the state Transportation Department to look into its purchases of costly surveillance equipment from a security company headed by a powerful politician. Full Story »

REIDSVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Federal education officials are investigating a complaint that some high schools in North Carolina favor male baseball athletes at the expense of girls' softball teams. Full Story »

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina health officials say there's now enough swine flu vaccine available for anyone who wants a shot to get one. Full Story »

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - New ethics rules are ahead for members of North Carolina's state boards and commissions. Gov. Beverly Perdue prepared to sign Wednesday executive orders her office says will strengthen ethics requirements for the panels. Full Story »

1. There is a critical need for blood donations, especially during the holidays. The Cape Fear Valley Health System's "Vessel" will be parked in front of Headquarters Library downtown from 9 a.m. until noon today for a blood drive . Drop by, or call the Blood Donor Center at 609-6300 to schedule an appointment. Full Story »

Strong thunderstorms are moving through the area, bringing gusty winds, the National Weather Service said. At 7:30 a.m., radar indicated a line of showers moving to the northeast at 60 to 70 mph, the forecast says. Full Story »

Cumberland County sheriff's detectives charged a Fayetteville man Tuesday with 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Full Story »

Sheryle Ann Locklear, 38, of the 2100 block of Popes Crossing, was charged Tuesday with forgery of endorsement and uttering an instrument. Bail was set at $3,500. Full Story »

SOUTHERN PINES - Business owners in downtown Southern Pines will have to pay a one-time fee to place furniture outside their store fronts. Full Story »

RALEIGH - A former North Carolina official who pleaded guilty to extortion for taking kickbacks has received a 37-month prison sentence in federal court. Full Story »

Eight Gates Four residents asked the Cumberland County Board of Education to reconsider a redistricting plan that would split the community. Full Story »

Q: What year did North Carolina start requiring license tags to be displayed on motor vehicles? - K.A., Dunn Full Story »

WASHINGTON - Questioned by skeptical lawmakers, the U.S. general running the war in Afghanistan said Tuesday he did not get as many troops as he wanted and must work under a schedule he did not recommend, but he insisted the Obama administration's revamped strategy is the best way to win. Full Story »

Before Shontina can turn her attention toward the holidays, she's got to make it through college finals for a degree in elementary education. She loves working with children and hopes the degree will be key to financial security for her family. But graduation is two years away. Full Story »

The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation gave $35,000 to support Fayetteville Technical Community College's dental hygiene program. Full Story »

The Bill Shaw Salvation Army Christmas Fund passes the $75,000 mark this morning. There are many generous contributions in today's list, and it's the longest one so far this year. Full Story »

Tom Bergamine has raised a red flag. He's the city police chief. So has Ed Grannis. He's the county district attorney. They are concerned about whether the Cumberland County Department of Social Services isfullycooperating with police in the investigation of slain 5-year-old Shaniya Davis. Full Story »

Rick Starling started out his school year scrambling for band equipment after a summer fire destroyed Douglas Byrd Middle School's band room. Starling, the school's band director, knew it would take months to get insurance payments to buy new equipment. Full Story »

Duties: Mostly military coverage, but also keeping tabs on the Sampson County Board of Commissioners and other assorted topics. About John: "I have been a reporter at The Fayetteville Observer since 2007. Before that, I was a reporter at the Rocky Mount Telegram." Full Story »

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The inside of Charlie Company's command post often looks like a college dorm. Full Story »

WASHINGTON (AP) - The general in charge of the war in Afghanistan said Tuesday he expects to know by this time next year whether the new troop buildup is reversing Taliban momentum and he believes he will be able to draw down forces in 2011 without asking for more. Full Story »

One of seven Fort Bragg paratroopers accused of accidentally killing a fellow soldier was demoted as punishment for his role in the death, officials said. Full Story »

The owner of Hotel Prince Charles pleaded not guilty this afternoon to a criminal complaint over the building's window air conditioners. The city of Fayetteville filed the misdemeanor charge in September after John Chen failed to remove the window units. Full Story »

JACKSONVILLE (AP) - A North Carolina judge has ruled that the trial of a 22-year-old former Marine accused of killing a pregnant colleague will be held outside the county where authorities say it occurred. Full Story »

Alice Wilkes of Fayetteville has been awarded the Western Governors University AARP Foundation Scholarship. Western Governors University is an online university based in Salt Lake City. Full Story »