Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville restaurants and stores will offer free meals and discounts on Nov.

11 for active duty and retired service members. The deals include complimentary entrees and special offers from local eateries (terms vary by location) and retailers.

Regional gas prices slightly rose for the second week in a row, reaching an average of $2.82 per gallon on Monday and up from $2.81 last week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Prices remain about 7 cents lower than one month ago and roughly 6.5% below the national average.

Cumberland County Schools will host the Choice Fair on Nov.

15 (9 a.m. to noon) at E.E. Smith High School so families can explore specialized academic programs for elementary, middle and high school students. Principals and staff will explain program themes (science, arts, technology and career pathways) while applications for the 2026–27 school year open on Nov. 17 and run through Jan. 9.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said his office is taking the USDA back to court to force the release of full SNAP benefits after only partial payments averaging about 50–65% have reached 1.4 million households.

He warned that if the government shutdown continues, many families might not get enough support to buy groceries.

Bartenders at Cheers Too and Louie's Sports Pub in Fayetteville say their bars work like one big family—creating a friendly spot where staff and customers share a welcoming vibe.

Fayetteville residents shared their top 12 dive bars in Fayetteville and Hope Mills—known for friendly bartenders, cheap drinks, karaoke, and a relaxed vibe.

The survey of over 270 responses revealed favorites like Cheers Too and Dad Bod Dive Bar that keep locals coming back.

UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis met with former coach (Roy Williams) on Nov.

6 in Pinehurst before the Tar Heels beat Kansas 87-74, snapping a five-game losing streak against the Jayhawks. Davis said the brief meeting helped focus the team, and Williams, recovering from a knee procedure, watched the game from the stands as UNC earned its first win over Kansas in nearly 23 years.

Friday night, Fayetteville high school football teams played in the first round of state playoffs—live updates showed scores and key highlights as teams like E.E.

Smith and Terry Sanford pushed through tough matchups.

Caleb Wilson scored 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals as UNC beat Kansas 87–74 at the Smith Center on November 7.

He said he was motivated by feeling disrespected in polls and by ending a 23-year win drought over Kansas.

Holly Day Fair

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Crown Complex — Entry Fee Required — Explore the largest holiday gift and craft show in Eastern North Carolina.

Red Apple Run for Diabetes

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Jordan Soccer Complex — Registration required — Participate in a 5K and 10K to support diabetes awareness in a scenic setting.

Petals & Prosecco Gathering

2-6 p.m. — The Sip Room — Ticket purchase required — Sip bubbly while crafting beautiful bouquets and making new friends.

Festival of Lights & Tiny's Winter Wonderland

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — Sweet Valley Ranch — Ticket required — Experience over 1 million lights and visit Santa at a festive drive-through event with adorable animals.

Mercato Europeo

11 AM – 5 PM — Villa Mirabela — Free entry — Experience the charm of Europe with artisan delights in a winter wonderland setting.