Good morning, Fayetteville.

On Monday, May 25, about 200 people gathered at Freedom Memorial Park to honor fallen military members, with the event featuring wreath-laying, speeches by retired Col. Elizabeth Goolsby, and the unveiling of a new monument recognizing those who died from combat wounds — a reminder to never forget their sacrifice.

Fayetteville City Council approved a plan to convert a former assisted living facility on Murchison Road into transitional housing for up to 40 residents.

The project will offer mentorship and counseling to address homelessness and safety concerns near the downtown library.

College prep site Niche ranked Duke University as the best college in NC and UNC Chapel Hill as the top public school in its 2026 list, awarding both an A+ in academics, athletics, and campus life.

Duke has a 6% acceptance rate and lower safety ratings + UNC offers more affordable in-state tuition.

Manchester Elementary in Spring Lake closed permanently today after nearly 60 years in service as part of a district consolidation plan; students, staff & parents shared heartfelt goodbyes as they prepare to transfer to nearby schools amid ongoing community efforts to support local education.

Fort Bragg leaders are evaluating a free rideshare transit program modeled after Fort Hood’s no-cost system.

They are working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to connect soldiers with downtown Fayetteville and the airport (pending funding and further analysis).

Fayetteville residents learn that Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine (located behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center) will welcome its inaugural class of 64 students in July.

The new school aims to help ease NC’s doctor shortage by offering local students a chance to train nearby.

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.

Father's Day Round-Up at Sweet Valley Ranch

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Sweet Valley Ranch — General Admission — Celebrate dads with dinosaurs, farm fun, and delicious bites.

Soccer Summer Camp in Fayetteville

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Arnette Park — Registration required — A weeklong soccer camp for kids aged 5-17 featuring training by Real Madrid Foundation coaches.

Paint & Belly Dance for the Kitties

6-7 p.m. — Bails For Tails Cat Rescue, NC — $10 donation per canvas — Enjoy painting while belly dancers entertain and support feline rescues.

M.A.D. Studioz presents Mission 3: Planet M.A.D.

11 AM – 2 PM — Crown Coliseum — Tickets starting at $68 — Experience the thrill with Mad Studioz at Fayetteville's Crown Theatre.