Good morning, Fayetteville.

An upcoming Dairy Queen Grill & Chill and Atkinson’s Convenience Store combo is planned for Bingham Drive in Fayetteville to serve neighborhoods lacking a nearby ice cream shop — the business will be locally owned by Venus Bingham LLC under Nirav Modi, and its timeline remains unclear.

A 27-year-old Fayetteville woman, Janaha Smith, was fatally shot on the 2800 block of Gillispie Street shortly after 3:15 a.m. Tuesday by her acquaintance Shyheem McCall, who now faces charges—domestic violence advocates report a 70% rise in such homicides from 2018 to 2024 and urge urgent reforms.

A Spring Lake homeowner was shot and robbed on Sunday during a break-in on Gordon Lane—Deja Nicole White, 28, faced multiple felony charges including first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, felony possession of stolen goods and felony conspiracy and was arrested Tuesday without bond as investigators work to identify three men involved.

On Tuesday, the Cumberland County Board of Education approved renaming Westover High School's auxiliary gym as the George Stackhouse Auxiliary Gymnasium and its track as the Colonel Eli Ballard Track—honoring the former coach and retired instructor for their contributions to school athletics. The moves recognize their longstanding impact on the school and community.

Cumberland County’s social services department recently deployed five mobile carts that offer on-demand audio interpretation in over 240 languages—such as Spanish and Haitian Creole—to help staff sign up residents for services like SNAP and Medicaid.

The new tools will reduce wait times and improve access for residents who speak languages other than English at home.

On April 5, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission explained that its programs help residents lower electric and water bills by offering free devices to cut peak usage, smart thermostat credits, water leak alerts, and solar power options.

The department saved nearly 22 million gallons of water in 2024 and plans new conservation programs for electric vehicles and renters—measures aimed at reducing costs.

Fayetteville State coach Luke D'Alessio—who led the Broncos to an NCAA Tournament win and three division crowns—has parted ways with the team and said he is looking for new coaching work.

He thanked staff and fans for their support and left a strong legacy that raised the program’s profile.

UNC quarterback Max Johnson showed a video on Thursday of his leg injury recovery—Coach Bill Belichick said he is still limited but working hard.

Johnson is one of three quarterbacks on the spring roster and the team will open the season against TCU on Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Grudge Race Car and Bike Show

12-8 p.m. — Fayetteville Motor Speedway — Resale marketplace tickets available — Experience thrilling races and an impressive bike show at this exciting event.

Digital Marketing Certificate Program

Apr 14 — Image Graphics Inc. — Tuition details available — Gain essential digital marketing skills with personalized mentoring in a small class setting.

Goat Yoga at Ithíka Acres

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Ithíka Acres Creamery — $20 — Enjoy a morning of laughter and yoga amid friendly goats.

Easter at Manna

Experience Easter at Manna as we journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ life-changing sacrifice and resurrection that continues to transform lives.

Easter at Manna

Experience Easter at Manna as we journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ life-changing sacrifice and resurrection that continues to transform lives.

AAC Meet #5

4:00 p.m. — Pine Forest High School — Free entry — Experience the excitement of track and field as local athletes compete in various events.

Art in the Allie

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Anchor Allie’s Fayetteville — Experience local artistry — Enjoy an intimate evening of live jazz and community vibes.

RedCup HoDown Southern Soul Jam

12 PM – 12 AM — Thaggards pick N go — Kids 12 and under free, Ages 13-20 $10 — Experience a lively Southern Soul Jam with multiple DJs and local artists showcasing their talents.

Come Sunday Jazz Series: John Brown

2-4 p.m. — Weymouth Center For The Arts & Humanities — Cost info not provided — Experience the talent of Grammy and Emmy nominee John Brown in an afternoon of soulful jazz.

Annual Prayer Breakfast

9:30 a.m. — Christian Cultural Center — Free entry — Refresh and rejuvenate with the theme 'Restore - Revive - Renew'.

BBQ on Bingham – Community Cookout

3-5 p.m. — Brentwood Elementary School — Free entry — Enjoy delicious BBQ, music, and games at this community celebration.