Good morning, Fayetteville.

Radio Fayetteville, launched in 2021 to give the city a voice, now features podcasts on public safety, youth leadership, and local storytelling.

City officials said future programming will expand this digital platform to reach even more community members.

United Way Classic will debut Friday, June 12, at 7:05 p.m. at Crown Coliseum, featuring charity basketball teams from Fort Bragg and Fayetteville police and fire departments with pregame activities beginning at 6 p.m. Ticket sales of $10 will support local nonprofits (all funds staying in Cumberland County).

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is inviting nominations for its annual Valor Public Safety Awards (which honor first responders and campus security for their exceptional service) to be held at Manna Church in September; nominations must be submitted by July 1.

The NC History Center will host the Seventh Annual Hari Jones Memorial Lecture on Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church (1217 Murchison Rd.) where Adrienne Nirdé will discuss Juneteenth’s impact in North Carolina; the event is free and open to the public.

Cape Fear High School teacher Tammy Cox was named Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year, recognizing seven years of dedication to preparing students for real-world careers through hands-on learning.

Her award highlights efforts to build a supportive classroom — one that connects classroom lessons with industry skills.

A recently released Education Scorecard shows North Carolina high schools have nearly 88% graduation rates while only about 55% of students reach grade-level proficiency with Cumberland County scoring 86% and nearly 51% respectively.

The report, released Tuesday, June 2, links digital learning challenges and state funding issues to uneven student progress.

Bill Hefner Elementary in Cumberland County is showing signs of improvement under Dr. Zakiyyah Backman's leadership as early test results are positive and new Buddy Benches installed by students support social connection; official scores will be released around Labor Day.

The City Council approved an agreement on May 26 to assign 18 school resource officers to local schools starting July 1, covering high and middle schools with rotating elementary coverage; a full board vote is set for June 9 amid debate (data shows higher referral rates among Black students).

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center will add mechanical thrombectomy for stroke treatment this year to allow faster care for patients.

A neurologist said knowing symptoms like arm weakness and slurred speech proves critical in getting timely help.

Cape Fear Valley Health named Brian Pearce as President of Cape Fear Valley Harnett Healthcare on Tuesday, June 2.

He will lead both Betsy Johnson Hospital and Central Harnett Hospital in Harnett County and succeed Michael Tart.

North Carolina officials are weighing plans to ease restrictions on mental health providers (including psychologists and social workers using telehealth) to better address shortages that affect a fifth of adults and a sixth of children, which could bring improved care to Fayetteville families soon.

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.