Good morning, Fayetteville.

Charlie Gaddy, who anchored WRAL News from 1974 to 1994, died on Thursday, June 12 at 93—he was known for his warm connection to viewers and his support of local causes.

Dr. Amruta Bahekar, 37, a partner-owner at CarolinasDentist, was named to Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class for her work in dentistry and community service.

She offers comprehensive care, mentors young professionals, and leads free care programs (as noted by her nominator Pavan Patel).

Fayetteville father Sencedrick Barham, Sr. urged city leaders to fight gun violence after his 18-year-old son was fatally shot in a restaurant parking lot in February — his son would have turned 19 the day before a council meeting.

Police reported 24 homicide cases so far this year, compared with 27 for all of 2024 — showing a troubling trend in the city.

Three Fayetteville-area student-athletes were named class valedictorians at their high schools—Drew Hedgecoe from Terry Sanford, Julian Wilkerson from Seventy-First, and J'Veon Taylor from Douglas Byrd—who explained how balancing sports and studies has prepared them for college.

Fort Bragg will send 2,000 soldiers to join the Army’s 250th birthday parade in Washington tomorrow.

The group will include 70 vehicles and over 40 helicopters (600 soldiers will march) to mark the historic event.

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin announced Thursday he will not run for reelection this fall — he plans to focus on his family and businesses — after a tenure marked by key economic and infrastructure projects.

He thanked local supporters for their backing during his time in office — noting achievements such as the Segra Stadium and a new Amazon distribution center — and encouraged the community to plan a bold future.

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin announced Thursday, June 12 that he will not run for reelection after serving since November 2017—he is now in his fourth term and the longest-serving African-American mayor—and the city works on new steps to stop youth violence.

JaMeesia Ford, a sophomore and Jack Britt alum at South Carolina, qualified for the finals in all four events at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships and set personal records with a 10.87-second 100-meter and a 21.98-second 200-meter run.

She will compete for the 200-meter national title on Saturday — a key next step in her championship bid.

7th Annual Father's Day Weekend Crab Feast

12-5:30 p.m. — John D Fuller Sr. Recreational/Athletic Complex — Ticketed event — Enjoy all-you-can-eat blue crabs, fish & chips, and live music in a family-friendly environment.

Robin Hood

6:45 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County — Admission details not provided — Experience an epic tale of justice with sword fighting and daring escapes in Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s Robin Hood.

Nerf Wars

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — The Rick Herrema Foundation — Free meals provided — Experience an action-packed day of Nerf battles and fun activities for the whole family.

Canvas Confessions

3-6 p.m. — 226 The Warehouse — Ticket purchase required — Experience an artistic journey combining live poetry and guided painting to express emotions on canvas.

DIY for the 4th of July

6-8 p.m. — Cape Fear Studios Inc — $45 — Unleash your creativity with a patriotic painting class to celebrate Independence Day.

FRC Firecracker 4 Miler

7-10 a.m. — North Carolina Veterans Park — Entry fee required — Celebrate Independence Day with a fun 4-mile race and a Kids/Fun run through historic Downtown Fayetteville.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

July 8th-10th — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — Registration required — Enhance your shooting and ball-handling skills with expert coaching and tailored drills.

Fayetteville Roller Derby

5-6:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — One ticket covers both games — Witness an exciting double header with Fayetteville Roller Derby taking on Low Country.

Whispers of Villa Romance Styled Shoot

6-8:30 p.m. — Villa Mirabela — Early Bird Special available — Elevate your portfolio with a glamorous styled shoot featuring romantic setups and stunning European-inspired aesthetics.