Good morning, Fayetteville.

Nominations for the local 40 Under 40 awards are open through March 31.

Young professionals under 40 (by Jan. 1) who live or work in the Sandhills area are eligible, with winners notified by April 30 and a masquerade ceremony set for Aug. 1 at Blissful Alchemists.

Cumberland Community Foundation raised a record $4.1 million during its annual GivingTuesday campaign on Wednesday, Dec.

31, 2025, supporting local nonprofits in Cumberland County. The campaign used coaching and matching funds to boost donations by 40 percent compared to last year.

Metro by T-Mobile is offering budget-friendly phone plans in Fayetteville with a $25 unlimited 5G rate for customers who bring their own phone and a $40 plan with a free 5G phone + prices are guaranteed for five years with no contracts.

Yesterday, DistiNCtly Fayetteville launched its American Independence Trail, a self-guided tour that explores key Revolutionary history sites like the Liberty Tree and relocated Barge’s Tavern in James Square.

The tour helps visitors rediscover the city’s rich past and celebrate its semiquincentennial spirit.

Joyce Bryant, 74, underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at Fayetteville Orthopedics and Sports Medicine after shoulder pain affected her ability to work independently.

She later had similar surgery on her other shoulder and now regains the strength to enjoy daily activities with family support.

On Dec. 31, 2025, Cape Fear Valley Health was named a U.S. News Maternity Care Access Hospital for its care of mothers and babies.

Hoke Hospital earned a national top hospital honor, and the city will spend $6 million in 2026 to add 9.33 miles of sidewalks for safer walking.

Fayetteville residents are encouraged to kick off the new year by setting clear, actionable goals using familiar tools (paper planners, digital apps, or bullet journals) to reflect on past wins and build a strong personal foundation for coming months.

The final ACC basketball rankings from Dec.

30 showed UNC stayed on top—with key players Caleb Wilson, Henri Veesaar, and Seth Trimble—as teams like Duke and Louisville faced tough early matchups that set an exciting stage for the season.