Good morning, Fayetteville.

A Fayetteville woman was bitten by a copperhead snake on Monday while walking with her son and dog on the Cape Fear River Trail — first responders reached her by ATV while biologists warned that increased baby copperhead activity could put more walkers at risk.

Walmart will host its annual Holiday Deals event from October 7 at 12:00am ET to October 12 with deep discounts on electronics, home goods, toys, and fashion; Walmart+ members will get early online access beginning October 6 at 7:00pm ET.

Shoppers in Fayetteville can plan ahead for holiday savings.

A popular Fayetteville food truck, Fry Papi, ended its run on Sept.

15 after serving loaded fries and Mexican-inspired dishes since July 2022—its owner said he is moving to Columbus to be closer to family and to face rising costs. He has not yet decided if he will return to the food truck business once he settles in Columbus.

Blue Ridge Power announced it will wind down its solar business and cut 500 jobs including 348 at its Fayetteville office due to regulatory changes and market shifts—layoffs will be completed by November 18 as the company works with customers to shift projects.

Fayetteville will host the 47th annual International Folk Festival this weekend with events starting Friday at 6 p.m. and a parade of over 1,000 marchers on Saturday along Hay Street; attendees will enjoy international cuisine, live cultural music, family activities, and a headlining performance by Pamela Williams and Marcus Johnson—celebrations that highlight the city’s diverse cultures downtown.

Antonio Jones, 51, a longtime Fayetteville resident and realtor who served on the City Council (appointed in 2021), is running for District 3 to restore community trust and improve public safety (he plans to boost infrastructure and support economic growth).

Hope Mills has been under investigation by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor since August for reviewing spending on a Heritage Park ribbon-cutting, conference attendance, a fishing derby, equipment purchases and vehicle fee changes—Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin confirmed that documents were provided and that no findings have been issued as auditors continue the review.

Freddie de la Cruz, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and local business owner, is running for mayor in Fayetteville and will push to lower property taxes—improve government transparency—and boost public safety.

He also plans to ensure stricter oversight on city projects and to support local development and services.

Jessie Bellflowers is running for reelection as Hope Mills mayor.

The candidate, aged 69, served as commissioner from 2017 to 2021 and works as a community college department chair and retired Army veteran—she aims to keep the town safe and support smart growth.

The Fayetteville City Council approved a zoning change for the Public Works Commission to build a nearly 5 megawatt solar farm off Ramsey Street despite local residents’ worries about flooding and its impact on nearby open space—PWC CEO Tim Bryant said the project will help meet state renewable energy requirements and lower costs for over 86,000 customers.

State health officials say Medicaid cuts will start on Oct.

1 if lawmakers do not add more funds to keep payments to hospitals and nursing homes while House and Senate proposals continue to clash. Gov. Josh Stein warned that failure to act will risk losing federal money and may delay key projects—such as the planned children's hospital in Apex.

Seventy-First's Jayson Franklin did well in a Week 5 game as he ran for 101 yards and scored a touchdown on 13 carries—he also made 10 tackles—and now has 561 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this fall.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

2:30-3:30 p.m. — E Melvin Honeycutt Elementary — Registration fee applies — Engage children in a healthy running program tailored for pre-K through 8th grade.

Nurse John Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Crown Theatre - The Crown Center — Tickets from $78 — Experience the unforgettable performance by Nurse John in Fayetteville.

Crowder & Passion Music Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Crown Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience an uplifting evening with popular worship leaders and music from Passion City Church.

The Pink Walk: Walk It Out for Breast Cancer

8 AM – 1 PM — The Gathering Place — Vendor spots available — Celebrate breast cancer awareness with a day of walking, community, and empowerment.