Good morning, Fayetteville.

Military families and soldiers picked up over 600 free Christmas trees at Smith Lake Recreation Center on Friday during the annual Trees for Troops event at Fort Bragg.

Volunteers worked in the rain (ensuring trees for soldiers ranked E-6 and below) to bring holiday cheer to the base.

Artist Kia Love became Cumberland County Public Library’s first Artist in Residence, offering textile workshops for all ages as part of Creative Collaborations.

She will lead teen programs and a high school unit in spring 2026 to keep local textile traditions alive.

On Friday, Dec. 5, at Fort Bragg, Army officials held a transition ceremony when Gen. Andrew Poppas stepped down as commander while Gen. Joseph Ryan accepted the U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command colors.

The event preceded future mergers with Army South and Army North set for 2026.

On Dec. 4, about 200 residents from Fayetteville to Wilmington urged state regulators to deny Fuquay-Varina’s plan to withdraw 6.17 million gallons per day from the Cape Fear River without returning it — a move that could lower water supplies.

Regulators will hold hearings on Dec. 9 and Dec. 11.

Luigi's Chophouse & Bar in Fayetteville has been a longtime favorite for locals who enjoy sizzling steaks and warm service; the restaurant has built a decades-long reputation for quality dining.

Realtor.com data showed that in September, Cumberland County’s median home sale price dropped slightly to $238,500 from $239,250 in August while recorded sales increased 6.8% from last September.

Duke football takes on No. 16 Virginia today at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte — the Blue Devils make their first ACC title appearance since 2013 and aim to boost CFP chances while Virginia secures a playoff spot.

NC State football is projected to play in one of several bowl games, with sources picking the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec.

29 in Tampa or the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 27 in Boston (among other options). The projections come as the team seeks to end a postseason losing streak.

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.

Fayetteville Marksmen vs Knoxville Ice Bears

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — Cost info not specified — Watch an exciting hockey matchup between the Marksmen and Ice Bears on FloHockey.

Anime Holiday Party

12:30-3 p.m. — Oishi Bubble Tea — Free entry — Celebrate Small Business Saturday with anime fans and bubble tea at this ultimate holiday party.