Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville locals can enjoy a weekend full of events including the Party in the Park at 193 Euclid St. in Stedman on Saturday with petting zoo & live music, plus dance classes, musicals, and art celebrations in and near town to entertain all ages.

Fayetteville residents can prepare for summer outdoor living as popular retailers offer up to 70% off patio furniture and decor ahead of Memorial Day (Monday, May 25).

These online and in-store deals let locals upgrade their patios at major stores like Wayfair, Lowe's, and Pottery Barn.

Fayetteville families face uncertainty as Goodyear announced its tire plant will close by the end of next year, risking 1,700 jobs (affecting long-time employees and community stability).

Local agencies and Fayetteville Technical Community College are coordinating training programs to help workers transition.

At Tuesday night's meeting, the Cumberland County Board of Education voted to close J.W.

Coon and Manchester elementary schools, and students will be reassigned next year. The board said it will share additional placement details soon (Manchester students may join W.T. Brown).

Fayetteville City Council approved a $648,519.20 contract on Monday to complete pedestrian, accessibility, and stormwater upgrades at the Market House (the project, partially funded by a $1.5 million state grant, is now in phase three of a four-phase plan).

Cumberland County selected T.A.

Loving and Metcon as construction manager to renovate the Crown Arena and Theatre on Eastern Boulevard at its May 4 meeting. The board said final costs and features remain undecided (estimated at $80 to $100 million) as preplanning begins and downtown alternatives are explored.

Sheri Dahman, chief nursing officer at Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital on U.S. Highway 401, was honored with the Debbie Marshburn Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award for her dedication to patient care.

The award recognizes her leadership and her team’s commitment to ensuring every patient is treated with respect.

Former UNC basketball star Caleb Wilson spoke at the NBA Draft Combine yesterday in Chicago, saying a season-ending hand injury drove him to train harder & lead from day one.

He expects to impact franchise culture when he is selected in the upcoming NBA Draft.

UNC basketball announced that 6-foot-7 four-star recruit Kevin Thomas committed on May 13 to join the Tar Heels' 2026 class after requesting his release from LSU following coach Matt McMahon's firing.

His Instagram post confirmed he is the fourth new member on the roster.

Fayetteville Liberty vs Kissimmee Lambs

6-7 p.m. — Crown Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting live sports showdown as the Fayetteville Liberty take on the Kissimmee Lambs.

2026 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

9 AM — Golfview Greenway Walking Trail — Check for registration fees — Participate in a community-focused 5K run and walk honoring local heroes.

Fayetteville Rockstar Connect Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — World of Beer — Free entry — Enjoy casual networking over cold brews and meaningful conversations with community movers and shakers.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

June 3-5 — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — $97 fee for observing coaches — Enhance your basketball skills with high-intensity drills focusing on scoring moves and decision making.

PokeKon Fest

10 AM – 1 PM — Crown Coliseum — $20 — Experience the ultimate one-day Pokemon collector's convention in Fayetteville.