Good morning, Fayetteville.

The new Deep Creek Community Center at Mable C.

Smith Park was celebrated last Friday at a ribbon cutting ceremony with local officials and community activist Mable Smith—renowned for her service to east Fayetteville. The 2,872-square-foot facility with a multi-purpose room, full kitchen and storage space will open for events and rentals by Aug. 1.

Fayetteville police said on July 11 that 18-year-old Kam'Ron Jahquez Tolson has been charged with first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property for the June 8 fatal shooting of 36-year-old Rolando Rafael Gomez II—a married father of three whose death occurred outside his family’s home off Yadkin Road, with additional charges for burglarizing vehicles that same night.

A rising metal band from Fayetteville, Crooked Cult, formed in 2019 by high school friends Dylan Cathey and Luke Farris — known for blending thrash, punk, metalcore, and classic rock — is drawing fans with its original songs at local DIY shows.

The band played a packed EP release show in Raleigh earlier this year and plans to tour full-time if it can turn music into a career.

Nationally known magician Mike Super—winner of NBC’s Phenomenon and finalist on America’s Got Talent—will perform his magic and illusion show at the Crown Theatre on Nov.

1 at 7 p.m. Tickets began selling at 10 a.m. July 11 at the Crown Box Office, Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Office and online via Ticketmaster.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that last week, regular gas in the Lower Atlantic region averaged $2.92 per gallon on Monday—a 4-cent rise from the previous month.

A year ago, the average was 13% higher, and current prices stand about 6.5% below the national average of $3.12.

North Carolina still bans recreational marijuana even though 24 states allow it—possession of small amounts is decriminalized and only Cherokee permits medical sales.

Delta-8 THC products remain available despite lacking FDA regulation.

Fayetteville Fire Department welcomed its first crisis response dog on July 10 to help ease firefighters' stress after calls—GRIFFITH is a 2.5-year-old black Lab trained by the paws4people Foundation and now stationed at Fire Station 5—and the department will add two more dogs by June 2026.

Bill McMillan, president of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, attended the 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington DC and urged Congress to support the AADAPT Act—designed to improve training for primary care doctors in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s.

His call comes as over 7 million Americans live with the disease and early diagnosis remains crucial for access to treatment.

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.

Rhythm & Rodeo Line Dancing Series

3-8 p.m. — 5319 Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville, NC — Free entry — Enjoy a high-energy line dancing series with music, food, and fun for the whole family.

Video Editing Course for High School Students

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Image Graphics Inc. — Cost varies — Dive into the world of video editing and motion graphics with hands-on training in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Day of the Cowboy Benefit Rodeo

5-10:30 p.m. — 7 Branch Farm & Arena — Tickets available — Experience thrilling rodeo action and family fun while supporting local cancer patients.

Fayetteville Rockstar Connect Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — Gaston Brewing Restaurant — Free entry — Connect with local professionals and expand your network in a friendly atmosphere.

Find Your Tribe Fayetteville

5:30-8 p.m. — Melvin’s at Riverside — Free entry — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and discover tips to enhance your financial well-being.