Good morning, Fayetteville.

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council is hosting Operation Patriot Pantry from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov.

20 at Highland Shopping Centre, 2800 Raeford Road, to support Fort Bragg soldiers and families—organizers will collect donations of non-perishable food and essential supplies until the truck fills.

Fayetteville State University announced that alumnus Damon D.

Williams will begin his role as chief of police and associate vice chancellor for Police and Public Safety Dec. 8 — he brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience from roles at North Carolina Central University and several municipalities.

Hundreds of Fayetteville students have experienced delays in receiving their Chapter 35 VA education benefits because the federal shutdown halted claims processing due to a software issue—VA officials expect payments to resume in late November or early December.

Fayetteville Technical Community College reported that 1,105 students have been affected while other local colleges face similar delays.

Cumberland County teachers said few joined the statewide walkout because they were unclear about who was organizing it and many feared retaliation.

Some educators stressed low pay, unclear salary scales, and resource shortages—issues that left them feeling unsupported.

Methodist University cancelled Friday classes after part-time faculty Neil Perry died in a car accident on Thursday and a 19-year-old student, Peter Armstrong, passed away from undisclosed causes — the university continues to offer on-campus support resources to students, faculty, and staff.

Cumberland County Schools employees will see one of the largest regional pay bumps after the Board approved a $13.7 million increase to local salary supplements.

Teachers will get at least a $1,000 raise as local supplements rise from about $1,200 to an average of $5,775 while classified staff see a boost from 2% to 6% of their annual salary—helping move the district to the top in the region.

Fayetteville high school football teams played in the state playoffs on Friday with live updates showing a rematch between Terry Sanford and Scotland and a tight game between South Johnston and Seventy-First.

Radio streams (WFNC 840 AM covered one game) and live scoreboards gave fans updates as teams tried to advance.

Coach Bill Belichick said in a statement on Nov.

14 that he is not leaving UNC to chase NFL head coaching openings—he is focused on building the team and preparing for today's 4:30 p.m. game against Wake Forest at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.

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.

North Carolina Fashion Week

5-7 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County — Cost info not provided — Experience a vibrant showcase of local, regional, and out-of-state fashion designers and models.

A Christmas Story Screening

1:30 – 3:40 PM — Cameo Art House Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a holiday classic with Ralphie Parker's charming adventures.