Good morning, Fayetteville.

Jelia Hepner from Cape Fear Valley Health is recognized as part of Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 for her work in healthcare communications, radio broadcasting and faith-based writing.

The Kind Seeds Project connects Fayetteville families with free groceries, fresh food, and basic necessities via mobile pantry events (partnered with churches and local groups) across the region.

Residents should check local updates for changing event details.

After city landmarks glowed purple in June for Alzheimer’s awareness — the Alzheimer’s Association has scheduled the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Oct.

24 in downtown Fayetteville. Local groups and families are forming teams while the Fayetteville Woodpeckers host an Alzheimer’s Awareness Night on Aug. 28 to promote brain health.

Da'Nice Green, co-founder of 1910 Wine Nest, was honored as one of Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 on July 8 for her work in boosting local entrepreneurship & community development.

Her many business initiatives, from event planning to mentorship, have helped spur local economic growth.

Army veteran Tauheed (Ty) Wood built Shuttle Buddy by using his mission-planning skills to offer affordable rides from 5419 Raeford Road.

The transportation service, now with 11 vehicles, will expand to 16 by late August and double its driver staff by September.

Germène's Home Kitchen & Bakery (1205 Robeson St.) opened on Tuesday, July 7 to serve Haitian/Caribbean cuisine with specialties like fried pork and black mushroom rice in Fayetteville.

Lumbee Homecoming took place on July 2 at Pembroke Boys and Girls Club, where Chef Pyet DeSpain led a cooking demo featuring bison meatballs and traditional dishes to celebrate Native American culture after federal recognition bolstered community ties.

Fayetteville State University will receive $16.5 million from the state’s $34.4B budget to expand programs like the H.L.

Cook Building + free summer courses, boosting enrollment and affordability for students. The funding also plans to add about 20 faculty positions.

The Fayetteville Observer looked back at local MLB Draft history in a July 8 article, listing high school players chosen from as early as 1913 to recent picks ahead of the MLB Draft (July 11-12 in Philadelphia).

The retrospective underlines schools like Terry Sanford in the city’s sports legacy.

USPA Tested and Open 2026 North Carolina State Championship

9 a.m. — Carolina Prime Performance — Registration required — Witness top lifters in action at this sanctioned powerlifting event with both tested and non-tested divisions.

Nike Basketball Camp with Fayetteville Liberty

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. — Seventy-First High School — $350 — Develop basketball skills and character while having fun at this high-energy skills camp.

Pilates and Pretty Vibes Soirée

1-3 p.m. — 143 Maxwell — Cash Bar Available — Experience a rejuvenating Pilates session while soaking in chill vibes and good energy.

Baseball Game for Special Operations Families

6:35-7:35 p.m. — Segra Stadium — $10 food voucher included — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with family and friends from the Special Operations Community.