Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s 2026-27 season promises to be a momentous one in many ways.  Since 1962, the Theatre has been entertaining Fayetteville audiences with high-quality theatre, featuring both local and “out of town” talent. This upcoming season promises to be no different, with a lineup of shows that will bring new and familiar stories to the stage.

CFRT will kick off its 26-27 season with Bright Star, a bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The story follows Alice Murphy as both a rebellious and adventurous teenager and 20 years later as a successful literary editor. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, it is a story of love, heartbreak, and redemption. Bright Star is sure to captivate audiences with its heart-warming story and high-energy music.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will return to the CFRT stage, celebrating its 35th anniversary. For many in the Fayetteville community, the story of the Herdman kids and how they almost ruined the annual Christmas pageant is the official beginning of the holiday season.  While staging a show with 100+ kids over 4 separate casts is no small feat, this annual tradition is perfect for the whole family.

Although we never know if North Carolina's weather is going to give us any snow during the winter, CFRT’s stage is set to become a winter wonderland in January 2027 as the curtain rises on Disney’s Frozen. Based on the 2013 animated film, the live stage version has been astounding audiences since its Broadway debut in 2018. Unique and impressive visual effects combine with a soaring score and uplifting story to provide an unforgettable theatre experience.

Up next in CFRT’s lineup is the comedy One Man, Two Guvnors.  The play is an adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters, an 18th-century farce by Carlo Goldoni. Featuring CFRT favorite and Education Director Marc de la Concha, the play will be sure to have audiences in stitches as Francis (the “one man” mentioned in the title) keeps his two mobster bosses apart.  

The season will wrap up with Big Fish, a fantasy musical that is full of spectacle, high-energy music and humor.  Based on a novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton film, Big Fish follows the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who tells larger-than-life stories that captivate everyone around him. As his son, Will, embarks on a journey to understand the man behind the myth, Big Fish explores the power of storytelling, family bonds, and the search for identity.

In addition to this exciting line-up of shows, the team is looking forward to moving back to their location at 1209 Hay Street as they complete their massive building project. There is still time to support this endeavor as the theatre has announced The Final Million Dollar Match, “a $1,000,000 fund created by The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, The Junior League of Fayetteville, Larry & Julianne Bass, Betsy Hubbard, and Mary Flagg & Jim Haugh that will DOUBLE the impact of any new gifts of $10,000+ (payable over five years) made to the campaign before September 1, 2026.”  For more information, go to www.cfrt.org/capital-campaign/support-act-2. 

Season Tickets are on sale now. The Early Bird special runs through July 17 and provides 30% savings.  For more information, go to cfrt.org or call the box office at 910-323-4233.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's 2026-2027 season represents a unique opportunity for our community to experience world-class musical artistry while participating in an important decision-making process. This season, four distinguished conductors, each a finalist for the position of Music Director, will grace the stage, bringing their distinctive interpretations and artistic visions to our beloved symphony. Your presence and feedback will help shape the future direction of this treasured community institution.

The 2026-2027 Season Line-Up

• September 19, 2026-Benoit Gauthier will conduct "Beethoven 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is a joyful and vital work, paired with folk dances from Kodaly and Dvorak, and a flashy overture by Strauss.

• November 14, 2026-Dirk Meyer will conduct "Brahms 1" at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m.

Experience the orchestra across ages with classic and contemporary: Brahms’ powerful First Symphony, dramatic works from Beethoven and Korngold, and Caroline Shaw’s refreshing Entr’acte.

• January 23, 2027-Duo Shen will conduct the "Dvorak 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony is an exploration of nature and optimism, paired with coasts in Mendelssohn’s Hebrides and rivers in Smetana’s The Moldau.

• February 20, 2027-Ian Passmore will conduct the "Tchaikovsky 5" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Fifth Symphony, a symbol of fate and resilience, follows the mysterious folk story of Dvorak’s The Water Goblin.

• April 10, 2027-"5 Folk Songs in Counterpoint" concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church-7:30 p.m.  Enjoy beautiful small ensemble music in a personal and intimate performance space. Featuring strings, winds, and even a guitar, there’s something for everyone with works from Haydn, Poulenc, Price, and more.

Season subscriptions are currently available for purchase. Supporting the FSO through subscription helps sustain their mission and ensures your favorite programming continues. Multiple subscription packages exist to match preferences, whether attending everything or selecting specific performances. Subscribers receive discounted FSO ticket pricing, access to members-only gatherings, and additional benefits. 

New to this year, FSO subscribers gain admission to Friday rehearsals before the four candidate concerts throughout the season. Experience the creation process of each performance and observe the conductor's collaboration with the orchestra's musicians ahead of the main show. Visit the FSO website for detailed package information and pricing: https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/subscriptions/. 

The symphony's commitment to cultural enrichment extends beyond the concert hall. These performances provide opportunities for personal growth, lifelong learning, and community connection. Values that resonate deeply with our region's commitment to accessible, meaningful arts experiences. Whether you're attending to support local culture, explore new musical horizons, or simply enjoy an evening of beauty and inspiration, each concert offers a chance to be moved, challenged, and uplifted by the power of live orchestral music.

To read up on each guest conductor, visit https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/md-finalists/

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's 2026-2027 season represents a unique opportunity for our community to experience world-class musical artistry while participating in an important decision-making process. This season, four distinguished conductors, each a finalist for the position of Music Director, will grace the stage, bringing their distinctive interpretations and artistic visions to our beloved symphony. Your presence and feedback will help shape the future direction of this treasured community institution.

The 2026-2027 Season Line-Up

• September 19, 2026-Benoit Gauthier will conduct "Beethoven 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is a joyful and vital work, paired with folk dances from Kodaly and Dvorak, and a flashy overture by Strauss.

• November 14, 2026-Dirk Meyer will conduct "Brahms 1" at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m.

Experience the orchestra across ages with classic and contemporary: Brahms’ powerful First Symphony, dramatic works from Beethoven and Korngold, and Caroline Shaw’s refreshing Entr’acte.

• January 23, 2027-Duo Shen will conduct the "Dvorak 8" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony is an exploration of nature and optimism, paired with coasts in Mendelssohn’s Hebrides and rivers in Smetana’s The Moldau.

• February 20, 2027-Ian Passmore will conduct the "Tchaikovsky 5" concert at Huff Concert Hall (Methodist University)-7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Fifth Symphony, a symbol of fate and resilience, follows the mysterious folk story of Dvorak’s The Water Goblin.

• April 10, 2027-"5 Folk Songs in Counterpoint" concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church-7:30 p.m.  Enjoy beautiful small ensemble music in a personal and intimate performance space. Featuring strings, winds, and even a guitar, there’s something for everyone with works from Haydn, Poulenc, Price, and more.

Season subscriptions are currently available for purchase. Supporting the FSO through subscription helps sustain their mission and ensures your favorite programming continues. Multiple subscription packages exist to match preferences, whether attending everything or selecting specific performances. Subscribers receive discounted FSO ticket pricing, access to members-only gatherings, and additional benefits. 

New to this year, FSO subscribers gain admission to Friday rehearsals before the four candidate concerts throughout the season. Experience the creation process of each performance and observe the conductor's collaboration with the orchestra's musicians ahead of the main show. Visit the FSO website for detailed package information and pricing: https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/subscriptions/. 

The symphony's commitment to cultural enrichment extends beyond the concert hall. These performances provide opportunities for personal growth, lifelong learning, and community connection. Values that resonate deeply with our region's commitment to accessible, meaningful arts experiences. Whether you're attending to support local culture, explore new musical horizons, or simply enjoy an evening of beauty and inspiration, each concert offers a chance to be moved, challenged, and uplifted by the power of live orchestral music.

To read up on each guest conductor, visit https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/md-finalists/

The Fayetteville-based nonprofit theater company Sweet Tea Shakespeare has built its reputation by presenting accessible interpretations of classical works while creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages both longtime theater patrons and first time audiences to experience live performance. Productions regularly feature regional talent and emphasize community engagement through performances in Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

The 2026-27 season opens with William Shakespeare's Macbeth, one of his most famous tragedies. The play centers around political intrigue and violence.

The follow-up, Godspell,  will be a collaboration with Fayetteville State University. The musical, with lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz and a script by John-Michael Tebelak, is performed in two acts and is primarily based on the book of Mathew from the Bible. The entire play is a series of parables set to music and dance. 

2026 will finish with STS’s annual concert, Behold. This thoughtful production combines original music and old favorites, poems and written pieces, and thoughtful reflections, all with the intention of setting the tone for hope and joy during the holiday season.

The organization has also announced that 2027’s productions will be revealed at a later date, adding an element of anticipation to the season. While details remain under wraps, the company has developed a reputation for selecting works that balance familiar titles with opportunities for artistic innovation and audience engagement.

Sweet Tea Shakespeare continues to expand its offerings beyond traditional stage productions. Educational programming, community events, and interactive experiences have become hallmarks of the organization, reinforcing its mission to make classical theater accessible to audiences of all ages. The company frequently collaborates with local artists, musicians and volunteers, helping strengthen the region's performing arts community.

The company has encouraged audiences to follow its website at https://sweetteashakespeare.com/ and social media channels for ticket information, casting announcements and details surrounding the final production in the season lineup.

 As Sweet Tea Shakespeare enters another season, the company continues to build on its mission of presenting imaginative, high quality productions while fostering a welcoming environment for audiences throughout southeastern North Carolina. The 2026-27 season promises a diverse theatrical experience that reflects the organization's commitment to artistic excellence and community connection.

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It’s time to mark your calendars, buy your tickets, and get ready for the upcoming Mainstage season at Gilbert Theater. This year’s season is titled “Home Is Where the Heart Is”, exploring the meaning of family, relationships, love, loss, belonging and the places we call home. A mix of award-winning contemporary productions and classics, there will be something for everyone, featuring two musicals and the production that made the legendary Tennessee Williams famous. 

Kicking off the season is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rachel Sheinkin. This is a hilarious story that centers around six middle-schoolers competing in a renowned championship spelling bee, with a slight twist and the help of some volunteer audience members. Directed by the talented Malissa Borden, this musical brings an adult cast back to their pre-teen years for a wild race to be crowned the spelling bee champ. Audiences will be laughing and singing by the end of the show. 

Bringing in the holiday season this year is It's A Wonderful Life - Radio Play by Joe Landry. The production is a stage adaptation and reimagining of the beloved holiday movie about a man and the impact he has on his community. Set in a radio station, this small ensemble production pushes cast members to explore a wide range of characters vocally. It’s sure to get the entire family in the holiday season spirit. 

The first production of 2027 will be Crimes of the Heart and will be directed by former Artistic Director and Gilbert regular, Robyne Parrish. Set in the Deep South, this Southern-Gothic play is about Mississippi-born sisters Lenny, Meg and Babe, who all return to their childhood home, face old demons, heal old wounds, and deepen their bond as sisters. 

Tennessee Williams ' The Glass Menagerie is the next in the season lineup. A semi-autobiographical play set in the 1930s, this story follows a moment in the life of the Wingfield family. Considered a “memory play,” this production is filled with dream-like lighting and music to give the feeling of a memory, exaggerated, dreamlike and nostalgic. The play centers around Tom, the narrator, and his pressure to find his sister, Laura, a male suitor at the request of their mother, Amanda. 

Closing out the 2026-2027 Mainstage season on a powerful note and aligning with this year’s theme is the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey. This rock musical follows a family as the matriarch suffers from bipolar disorder. It explores mental health, grief and the definition of “normal.” Featuring electrifying scores and powerful and meaningful dialogue, this is a can’t-miss season closer. 

Artistic Director Matt Lamb is excited about the upcoming season and the productions that were chosen, saying, “This season, our productions are reminding us that home isn't always perfect. It isn't always safe, simple, or whole. It is somewhere we can return to heal, remember, and reconnect. We invite you to look for the heart in each production." 

For more information about the 2026-2027 Mainstage Season, purchase season passes or volunteer, visit online at GilbertTheater.com or call 910-678-7186. 

Before the first family arrives, volunteers are already at work.

Local business Flip Flop Sauce joins Gate Beautiful's crew at the grill, serving hot dogs while children gather around a nearby face-painting tent. An inflatable slide welcomes younger guests, and under one large tent, families sit together, share a meal and spend the evening in conversation.

It doesn't take long to realize Gate Beautiful isn't simply hosting an event. It's intentionally building something much harder to earn: trust.

Most people think trust is built when someone tells the truth. But trust is also built through consistency—showing up again and again, exactly as promised.

That's the idea behind Summer of Hope, a free weekly community gathering hosted by Gate Beautiful every Thursday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 13 at Christ Covenant Baptist Church at 5200 Bragg Blvd. Made possible through the City of Fayetteville Office of Community Safety's Safe Space Activation Grant, the 10-week program offers food, activities and access to community resources while creating a place where relationships can grow.

"This kind of thing is something we've wanted to do for a really long time, but we just haven't had the capacity to do it," said Abbie Arena of Gate Beautiful. "The grant definitely provided that capacity for us."

Although participating organizations could host two events each month through the grant, Gate Beautiful chose a different approach: returning to the same location every Thursday.

"We chose to stay in the same spot every time... to establish that consistency in that neighborhood, to be able to build trust and really just show up for people consistently," Arena said.

Before volunteers realized I was there as a reporter, they approached me just as they did every other attendee. They took the time to introduce themselves, learn my name, ask about my family and welcome me as a newcomer. Nothing felt hurried or scripted. It wasn't about moving me through a line or directing me to a registration table. It was about getting to know me and making me feel like I already belonged.

Arena said that's exactly the goal.

"Maybe on week one, someone's not quite ready," she said. "But maybe by week four or five they've established enough of a relationship to realize, 'Okay, you're the real deal,' and feel comfortable asking for the help they need."

Sometimes, that relationship begins with something as simple as friendship.

During the program's third week, volunteers celebrated the birthday of a returning participant who had been facing difficult circumstances. It was simply the natural result of taking the time to know one another.

"It's starting to feel more and more like a little community," Arena said. "They're just accepting friendship, and that's really what we wanted — to establish that community."

District 8 City Council member Shaun McMillan said the Safe Space Activation Grant, funded through the City of Fayetteville Office of Community Safety and led by Director John Jones, is designed to strengthen organizations before crises occur rather than to respond afterward. The office awarded reimbursement grants to four local organizations, including Gate Beautiful.

"Too often we focus on the outcomes," McMillan said. "In a preventive way, they're pouring into organizations and the spaces that provide safety and meet people's needs."

He said programs like Summer of Hope are "creating opportunities for people to come together in a strong community."

Gate Beautiful, which supports individuals impacted by human trafficking through case management, legal advocacy, rehabilitation referrals, detox services and other support, created Summer of Hope to become a bridge long before someone reaches the point of asking for help.

Attendance grew from 33 participants during the first week to nearly 60 during the second. By the third week, volunteers were greeting familiar faces, and families were bringing friends along.

What stayed with me most wasn't the hot dogs, the inflatable slide or the face painting.

It was the people.

The volunteers weren't simply serving dinner. They were listening. They weren't checking off a task list. They were investing in relationships that may one day become the bridge between someone realizing they need help and feeling safe enough to ask for it.

Summer of Hope continues each Thursday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 13 at Christ Covenant Baptist Church. Arena also credited Christ Covenant Baptist Church for opening its campus and providing the space for the weekly gatherings, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for providing security and volunteer support, and Vigilant Hope for serving alongside Gate Beautiful throughout the summer.

The free program is open to the community, offering families an opportunity to enjoy a summer evening together while discovering resources, support and a community committed to showing up week after week.

Because sometimes hope begins with knowing that when you come back next Thursday, you'll see a familiar face, hear your name and realize you're no longer walking into a crowd—you're walking back to a community.

 (Photo: Gate Beautiful's Summer of Hope is held every Thursday at Christ Covenant Baptist Church from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Photos by Tiffany Haywood)

The start of summer in North Carolina means soaring temperatures, and keeping cool is more important than ever as our summers grow hotter. State agencies such as the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality have shared that over 5,700 heat-related emergency room visits occurred across the state in 2025. However, securing reliable cooling can be difficult for unhoused individuals and those without air conditioning systems.

Cooling Centers across Cumberland County provide a reprieve for individuals who are unable to access AC or need a quick way to cool off and stay safe after being outside. 

The following buildings serve as Cooling Centers for the community:

• Cumberland County Department of Social Services’ Auxiliary Lobby: 1225 Ramsey St., Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Cumberland County Department of Public Health’s First Floor Lobby: 1235 Ramsey St., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Cumberland County Public Libraries: All eight branches are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hope Mills, North Regional, Headquarters and Cliffdale are also open on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) Main Lobby: 505 Franklin St. The Transit Center’s hours are listed at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Transit.

• Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center: 128 S. King St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Center Lobbies: Locations and operating hours vary.

Amanda Scheck, Emergency Management Coordinator for Cumberland County Emergency Management, notes that Cooling Centers are available during the facilities’ regular hours and will “not be opening early or extending their hours past normal operations.”

Residents can stay updated on when nearby Cooling Centers will open by following Cumberland County’s social media pages or using the interactive map on the Cumberland County website at https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices/cooling-warming-centers. Maximum capacity limits vary depending on each specific location.

Scheck states that some locations may have hydration resources for residents, but this is up to the discretion of each center. 

“Some of them do have hydration stations; they could be as simple as the existing water stations that are at those locations, and some of them may have a hydration area set up specifically for residents seeking cooling,” she said.

North Carolina’s heat season runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. Cooling Centers are offered during times of dangerously elevated temperatures so that residents have easier ways to escape the heat; these buildings only operate as Cooling Centers during Heat Health Emergencies.

Alongside the Cooling Center Map, residents have another way to remain aware of high outdoor temperatures. The Heat Health Alert System, created by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, sends email alerts to individuals who sign up to notify them of when the daily maximum heat index is expected to reach certain thresholds.

The alert system is split into eight climate regions. It is categorized by county and presents specific thresholds for different periods of the summer for higher accuracy. Temperature thresholds tend to be lower at the start of the heat season when our bodies are still adjusting to the heat and then later rise as we become acclimated to the weather.

Signing up allows residents to receive alerts when the following Cumberland County heat index thresholds are predicted in the forecast:

• May 1 to June 21: 99 degrees Fahrenheit

• June 22 to Aug. 11: 105 degrees Fahrenheit

• Aug. 12 to Sept. 30: 101 degrees Fahrenheit

In addition to visiting Cooling Centers, people can keep the heat down this summer through various other methods. 

“We are always open to explore and diligently looking for alternatives to ensure that our citizens are safe in every aspect, whether that’s daytime heat or overnight temperatures,” Scheck said.

Scheck recommends staying well hydrated, sticking to shady areas if you have to be outside, wearing loose clothing to help regulate your body temperature and doing yardwork or other strenuous activities in the early morning or late evening if possible.

To receive Heat Health Alerts, register at https://survey.dph.ncdhhs.gov/surveys/?s=J3M84LKNAPN838AA. 

(Photo: The Cumberland County Department of Social Services Auxiliary Lobby is one of the areas residents can go when the heat becomes too much. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville)

The All American Gate,  the main entrance to Fort Bragg, will close at  5 a.m. on Monday, July 27 to make needed repairs to the roadway. The Gruber Road Bridge overpass will also close and the bridge will be replaced. Construction is expected to take 24  months. 

“Upgrades are necessary and long overdue,” said Col. Chad Mixon, the Fort Bragg Garrison  Commander. “We know this will be a disruption to commuters, but it is a temporary  inconvenience that increases safety and will improve long-term readiness.” 

The construction is being done through Fort Bragg’s partnership with the N.C. Department of  Transportation under an Inter-Governmental Service Agreement or IGSA. Fort Bragg uses  NCDOT's expertise to design and manage certain highway construction and maintenance  projects on the post while the Army pays for the work. 

“We’ve been able to get other road repairs completed quicker and cheaper using the IGSA with  the NCDOT,” said Jeff Williamson, Fort Bragg’s Director of Public Works. “We’re proud of the  progress we’ve made in the last year including work on Manchester and King Roads, as well as  the Yadkin Access Control Point. We’re eager to get work on All American and Gruber Bridge  underway.” 

During the AAG and Gruber Bridge closure, there are five other projects, such as culvert  replacements, that will happen in the Gruber Bridge area saving time and money, Williamson  said.  

In June, NCDOT awarded a $15.5 million construction contract to Highland Paving of  Fayetteville for the work on All American Freeway and replacement of Gruber Bridge. 

The repairs will include major repair of roadbed settlement on All American Freeway near  the Rock Merrit Road exit and replacement of the Gruber Road Bridge. The closure will be from  the All American Gate to Zabitosky Street in both inbound and outbound directions. Gruber  Road will have a detour at the All American Freeway overpass. We expect the construction to  take up to 24 months. 

The most convenient way for Non-DOD ID cardholders to request a visitor pass is online at  https://home.army.mil/bragg/, select the Online Visitor Pass link on the right. The All-American  Visitor Center will remain open but visitors will have to use other gates to drive onto the  installation. The closure will be from the All American Gate to Zabitosky Street in both inbound  and outbound directions. Gruber Road will have a detour at the All American Freeway overpass. 

Additional manpower will be added to other gates to accommodate increased traffic at those  gates and hours at some other gates will be extended. Beginning July 27, 24-hour gates include Long  Street, Chicken, Yadkin, Honeycutt, R. Miller and Canopy. Limited-hour gates, open 5 a.m. to 9  p.m., include Butner, Manchester, Rock Merritt. 

Practice alternative routes to your destination on post now to familiarize  yourself with options and traffic flow before the closure. After the main gate is closed, use your  favorite navigation app to see detours and delays before you make a decision on gate usage. You  can use DriveNC.Gov and click on Closures, Roadwork and Incidents to see all the construction  and delays in the Fort Bragg area. 

Good government doesn’t always begin in a council chamber. Sometimes it starts over a cup of coffee.

That simple idea is at the heart of the City of Fayetteville’s “Doug in the District” initiative, an outreach program that takes City Manager Dr. Doug Hewett out of City Hall and into the neighborhoods he serves. Rather than asking residents to attend formal meetings or navigate city departments, the program creates an opportunity for face-to-face conversations in familiar community spaces where questions can be asked, concerns can be shared and relationships can be built.

The concept is straightforward. Several times throughout the year, Hewett visits one of Fayetteville’s council districts to meet with residents in an informal setting. Whether the gathering is held at a neighborhood coffee shop, church or community center, the atmosphere encourages dialogue instead of presentations. Residents are invited to stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk directly with the city’s chief administrative officer about the issues affecting their daily lives.

In an era when many people feel disconnected from government, the initiative reflects a growing recognition among municipal leaders that listening may be one of the most valuable public services they can provide.

Fayetteville has experienced significant growth in recent years. New housing developments, transportation improvements, downtown investment and expanding economic opportunities have brought positive momentum to the city. At the same time, growth has created new questions about infrastructure, public safety, neighborhood preservation, parks, traffic, stormwater management and future development.

Programs like Doug in the District provide residents with a direct line of communication to the individual responsible for overseeing the city’s day-to-day operations.

Unlike elected officials who establish policy, the city manager is responsible for implementing those policies while managing municipal departments and ensuring services are delivered effectively. That unique role gives Hewett a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Fayetteville, making neighborhood conversations especially valuable.

City leaders have consistently emphasized that community engagement is most effective when it becomes an ongoing conversation rather than a once-a-year public hearing. Doug in the District appears to embrace that philosophy by creating an environment where residents can speak candidly about both frustrations and successes within their communities.

The discussions often cover topics that matter most to everyday residents. Road conditions, neighborhood revitalization, code enforcement, recreation opportunities, public safety and economic development frequently find their way into the conversation. Equally important are the ideas residents bring forward, suggestions that may not surface through surveys or formal presentations but can influence how city leaders understand the needs of individual neighborhoods.

The program also reflects a larger trend in local government toward accessibility and transparency. Across North Carolina, municipalities are increasingly seeking creative ways to engage citizens beyond traditional council meetings. Fayetteville’s approach recognizes that meaningful participation often happens when government removes barriers instead of expecting residents to come to City Hall.

For many attendees, the opportunity to speak directly with the city manager can demystify how local government works. Municipal services are complex, involving numerous departments, regulations and long-term planning efforts that are often invisible to the public. Conversations in an informal setting allow residents to ask questions, gain a better understanding of city processes and learn where projects stand.

Those exchanges work both ways.

Just as residents receive information, city leadership gains valuable insight into the lived experiences of the people they serve. Hearing firsthand about neighborhood concerns provides context that cannot always be found in reports, spreadsheets or presentations.

The initiative also reinforces an important principle of public service: trust is built through relationships. While no single meeting can solve every issue facing a growing city, consistent engagement demonstrates a willingness to listen, explain and remain accountable to the community.

As Fayetteville continues to evolve, maintaining those relationships will become increasingly important. Population growth, new investment and changing community needs require city leaders to remain connected to the people behind the statistics.

Doug in the District offers a reminder that effective leadership is not measured solely by projects completed or budgets balanced. It is also measured by the willingness to sit down with residents, hear their concerns and invite them into the conversation about their city’s future.

Sometimes the most productive meeting isn’t held around a conference table. Sometimes it begins with a handshake, a cup of coffee and a simple question: “How is your neighborhood doing?”

To find out where City Manager Doug Hewitt will be next, visit https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Events/Doug-in-the-District

City and county leaders have been locked in a tense, state-mediated negotiation over consolidating emergency 911 communications. While both municipalities firmly agree that a consolidated emergency system is necessary, they remain divided on the underlying administrative details 

The Fayetteville City Council initially approved a framework favoring a state-funded, third-party consultant to decide the administrative lead.  

On June 26, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a response resolution reaffirming its commitment to creating a unified 911 communications center (PSAP) with plans to designate the County as the lead administrative agency under a shared governance structure. The proposal includes hiring a third-party consultant for a 36-month implementation, establishing employee protections via a memorandum of understanding and inviting Fort Bragg to participate while requesting the General Assembly pause legislative action. 

Following a June 29 special meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Kirk deViere announced that state Senator Tom McInnis had extended the deadline for the City and County to reach a joint resolution to July 8 at 11:59 p.m.

City of Fayetteville

On June 22, the council adopted a $327.3 million operating budget and a $117 million Capital Improvement Plan. Notably, this was achieved without any property tax increase, holding the rate at $0.4495 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The council has been aggressively advancing tighter regulations for data centers. Following public pushback and debate, council members have actively toured data center facilities and continued pushing for stricter ordinances to protect utility and resource demands. 

Cumberland County

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the $666.45 million budget (with a $408.26 million general fund). The budget maintains the current property tax rate of $0.499 per $100 of assessed valuation. 

On June 24, the Board approved $105.8 million in current expense funding for Cumberland County Schools. 

North Carolina House and Senate

The North Carolina House and Senate have given tentative approval to a $34 billion state budget, with final votes scheduled to move the package forward. While the spending plan drew bipartisan backing, a few Democrats crossed party lines to vote with the Republican majority. Conversely, two Republican senators voted against the bill due to opposition over a proposed ferry toll in Eastern North Carolina. The bill now heads to Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has 10 days to sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature. If vetoed, Republicans have the numbers to override him in the Senate but remain one vote short in the House, meaning they would need to secure at least one opposition vote to pass the law.

The massive financial package directs money toward heavy infrastructure, relief and healthcare initiatives. Medicaid receives $1 billion to cover non-federal costs while hurricane recovery programs get more than $700 million to support local projects, private road repairs and volunteer fire departments. 

Lawmakers also allocated the following special appropriations, state capital improvements and general fund expenses for local projects:

• Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, $100,000 for a directed grant

• Greater Fayetteville Chamber, $90,000 for capital improvements, technology and equipment needs

• Cumberland County Schools, $50,000 for the Gray’s Creek High School FFA chapter

• Fayetteville Veterans’ Home, $10 million for a contribution to a new facility

• Fayetteville State University, $5.5 million for renovation to the H.L. Cook Building

• FTCC, $3.75 million to establish a community college seamless skills initiative 

Public safety and education workforce raises make up another significant portion of the budget. Law enforcement officers will see salary increases ranging from 13% to 20%, depending on the specific agency, alongside a one-time bonus for local officers. Educators will receive an average 8% raise backed by an additional $30 million for advanced teaching roles, while standard state employees get a 3% salary increase and a corresponding bonus.

Higher education and state services also see targeted funding, including $57 million for the community college workforce initiative Propel NC and millions split among state universities for athletic programs, research, and campus reconstruction. The Division of Motor Vehicles receives $20.2 million to hire compliance staff and boost examiner pay, while programs like SNAP and the summer food initiative SUN Bucks get multi-million dollar matches. Notably, leadership kept individual member projects to a minimum and omitted a $1.7 billion Raleigh Major League Baseball stadium framework, though House Speaker Destin Hall indicated the stadium plan could be revived in future sessions.

In other news, the North Carolina House passed the NC Farmland and Military Protection Act (HB 133) in a 111-2 vote, sending the legislation to Governor Josh Stein. The bill prohibits foreign governments designated as adversaries by the U.S. Department of State from acquiring agricultural land or property within a 50-mile radius of military installations. Proponents argue this compromise legislation ensures food security and protects military installations. 

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber

Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com. 

State Sen. Tom McInnis granted Fayetteville and Cumberland County nine more days to reach an agreement on how they will combine their two 911 call centers into a single operation.

McInnis, a Republican who represents Moore and Cumberland counties, extended his deadline to 11:59 p.m. on July 8, the county said. His previous deadline was 5 p.m. on June 29.

If McInnis’ deadline isn’t met, he plans to renew his attempt to pass a law to force the merger, he told CityView.

Mayor Mitch Colvin said the additional time allows for the agreement to be “done right, not rushed.”

“This extension gives everyone the time to get it right,” Colvin told CityView. “We remain ready to work with the County and finish this the way it should have started—together.”

Since 2007, the city and county have tried to merge their 911 call centers to save money and improve services. But they have always been at loggerheads on who would run the joint 911 center. Each wants the day-to-day, administrative control.

McInnis got involved after county commissioners in May approved a resolution that said the county should run the 911 center and asked the county’s six state lawmakers to pass a law to make the merger happen.

Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, said he talked with McInnis and Colvin about the 911 merger dispute on Monday. Later Monday, deViere and Colvin sent a letter asking McInnis to extend his deadline.

“We briefed him on the progress that we’ve made between the city’s resolution and the county’s resolution, walked him through all the points that we have agreed to, and he was happy to see the progress that we have made,” deViere told the Board of Commissioners.

DeViere and Colvin’s letter to McInnis said that the two bodies passed resolutions last week about the merger.

“Each resolution reflects substantial common ground and a shared determination to complete this consolidation for the benefit of the residents we serve,” they said. “A limited number of final points remain to be reconciled into one executed document.”

The council’s resolution said the city and county should hire a consultant to make a binding recommendation about which government should run the merged service; the county’s resolution said the county should run it.

County commissioners planned to discuss the merger on July 2.

Even if McInnis pushes 911 merger legislation through the state Senate, it will then have to pass the state House. Two of the county’s four state House members live in Fayetteville, and one of them is Democratic Rep. Mike Colvin, who is the mayor’s brother.

If the city’s House members disagree with McInnis’ legislation, they could try to stop it.

McInnis, meanwhile, could go around them by attaching the 911 merger legislation to another bill that is likely to pass into law despite any opposition from the county’s other lawmakers.

Have you recently enjoyed childhood memories about happy hours spent in a public swimming pool?   The Reflecting Pool kerfuffle in Washington, DC should stir up old recollections.  Take a swim down Memory Lane.   

When you were young, the Lifeguard would periodically blow his whistle and yell either “Everybody out of the pool” or “Everybody into the pool.”   

The Lifeguard’s authority could not be questioned, or you could be banished to the blistering pavement.  Also – No Running!

The turmoil with DC’s Reflecting Pool brings back memories.  America has been ordered out of the Reflecting Pool as it is now safely behind fencing and armed guards.     

The Reflecting Pool is a mess,    happy green algae festooned with blue sheets of paint  Depending on your political beliefs,  the cause of the uglification of the Reflecting Pool varies:  Blue paint on the bottom of a shallow pool heats the water creating a Petrie Dish of pond scum,  or it is algae planted by Biden,  or a bad paint job done under a no bid contract by a buddy of the President,  or vandals with box cutters,  or using the drained pool as a parade ground for driving a Presidential motorcade across.  

Take your choice.   Reality is in the politics of the beholder.  We don’t need no stinkin’ reality.  We got our political opinion. 

Pools of water have a long history of causing troubles.  Consider our old pal Narcissus from Greek mythology.   He had so much trouble with a pool of water that he turned into a flower and a psychiatric disorder.  Narcissus was a Pretty Boy.  

He was so pretty that everyone, both male and female, fell in love with him.   He lived in a time before mirrors so he didn’t know how pretty he really was.   One day, a lady nymph named Echo saw him and fell in love.  

Echo had previously gotten into trouble with the Goddess Juno for covering up Zeus’ girlfriends.   Juno laid a curse on Echo that prevented her from talking, except for being able to repeat the last few words of what someone said to her.

The love-smitten Echo tried to hug Narcissus, but he was irritated by her constant repeating of his words.  He wasn’t buying what Echo was selling.  

Echo, broken-hearted after being spurned by her Pretty Boy, developed an eating disorder.  She wasted away until her body was gone.    All that was left was her voice doing echoes for eternity.  Another spurned Narcissus lover was a man named Ameinias.  Like Echo, he was hot to trot with Narcissus, who refused to have anything to do with him. 

Ameinias even wrote a poem for Narcissus that Andy Griffith once quoted: “Sure as the vine twines round the stump/ You are my darling sugar lump.”  It didn’t work.   Ameinias did not cotton to rejection.  He asked Nemesis, the goddess of revenge, to put a spell on Narcissus.  Her spell caused Narcissus to never be able to be loved by a person he loved. 

As luck would have it, one hot day Narcissus worked up a powerful thirst.  He found a pond in the forest and stopped to take a drink.   When he looked into the water he saw his reflection for the very first time.   

He immediately fell in love with his reflection thinking it was the Prettiest Boy he had ever seen.  Every time he tried to touch his own reflection, the ripples in the water caused the reflection to disappear. This narcissism mutated into the annoying ad for eye drops announcing: “I can’t take my eyes off my eyes,” and Frankie Valli’s song: “I’m just too good to be true. Can’t take my eyes off of me.”

Narcissus couldn’t leave the side of the pond because he was so in love with his own reflection.  

He neither ate nor slept for staring at his own reflection.   This ultimately led to his demise.   He shrank down until he became a flower called a Narcissus lily or daffodil (which you can buy at most garden centers).

 Psychiatrists stole Narcissus’s name for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which is used for a patient diagnosed as “arrogant, self-centered, demanding who often has high self-esteem and may believe they are superior or special compared to other people.  

They seem to need excessive praise and admiration, and they may react poorly to perceived criticism.”

Gentle Reader, you decide if our current Fearless Leader in DC might have some things in common with Narcissus in connection with the Reflecting Pool and possibly other issues.   

As the mutant turtles in the Reflecting Pool say: “It’s later than you think.” 

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

As we gathered last week to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we remembered what makes our country exceptional — what makes it, despite evident flaws, so worthy of our loyalty and affection.

American exceptionalism isn’t about our country’s vast expanse and bounty of resources. Nor do we venerate the Founding as if the American people possessed superior virtues or talents.

While England was the most common origin of America’s progenitors, by 1776 there were sizable populations of people with Scottish, Irish, Dutch, French, German, Scandinavian, Spanish, aboriginal, and African ancestry. Indeed, while New England was much less diverse, in the Middle and Southern colonies people with primarily English ancestry comprised only about 40% of the population.

What led to the Revolutionary War — and what sustained the American cause through its duration — was a commitment to traditions and ideas that arose in a specific historical context but had the potential for broad, even universal, application. Two of them, freedom and self-government, were related but distinct principles for which American patriots were willing to combat a world-spanning empire.

“My first wish is for America to be free,” said John Penn, one of North Carolina’s three signers of the Declaration. Like many other North Carolinians of the 1770s, Penn was a native Virginian who had headed south in pursuit of freedom (North Carolina was comparatively lax in enforcing conformity and collecting taxes) as well as greater economic opportunity (land was cheaper). 

A particular incident seems to have motivated his move. Penn, a lawyer, had been complaining publicly about Parliament taxing the colonies without their consent — that is, without having their own elected representatives in the body. According to family lore, someone reported Penn to the local authorities. He was charged and convicted of making disrespectful remarks about the king. A Virginia judge ordered him to pay a nominal fine of one penny.

Penn refused. Other members of his family had already moved to what is now Vance County, North Carolina. He joined them.

Can you spot both principles in question here? Penn was speaking in favor of self-government, that people living in a community ought to enjoy the civil right to help select those who populate and run its governmental institutions. But his personal freedom to express that view was a natural right, one that the civil authority had violated.

These ideas may have been expressed eloquently in English, but they had far older roots. The Greek philosopher Aristotle, for example, distinguished between two conceptions of liberty: a civic one that was “for all to rule and be ruled in turn” and a personal one, “that a man should live as he likes.”

Both sets of rights were and are important. And, of course, neither has been consistently defended and advanced, including here in America. At the time of the Founding, most Americans couldn’t vote. And colonial governments imposed a range of restrictions on the freedom of Americans, including the moral outrage of slavery.

But to observe that the Americans whose representatives gathered in Philadelphia in 1776 were inconsistent in their commitments to freedom and self-government is not to deny the significance of what transpired that summer. There are worse sins than shortsightedness or even hypocrisy, including having no principles at all. As Martin Luther King would later put it so memorably, the Founders had essentially written a “promissory note,” whether they realized it or not, to future generations. Fulfilling that obligation is an on-going project.

While not foreseeing all the consequences, the signers of the Declaration of Independence knew they were making history. Another North Carolina participant, William Hooper, celebrated “the important share which the colonies must soon have in regulating the political balance” by adopting a “constitution purged of [the] impurities” of English government and informed by “an experience of its defects.”

Our dual experiment in freedom and self-government continues. Human nature prohibits perfection. What makes America special, and worth celebrating, is the audacity of our aspiration.

Editor’s note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

For the fourth time since 2003, actor, musician and humanitarian Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band hosted a concert on Fort Bragg, N.C., continuing their mission to honor and give back to the local military community.  

 For one family in particular, it wasn’t just a concert, but an opportunity for a long overdue ‘thank you.’

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Justin Runk, Corps Counterintelligence Coordinating Authority (CICA), XVIII Airborne Corps, was deployed in 2024 leaving his wife, Stephanie, and then 10-year-old son at home. That alone doesn’t make the Runk family unique, but their son is wheelchair bound, making day-to-day activities difficult.

“Every day is a struggle when you don’t have a vehicle equipped to transport a wheelchair,” said Runk. “We looked at vans to make it easier for my wife, but the prices were easily $25,000 to $50,000, making it impractical to buy before I left.”

While deployed, a family friend told Stephanie about the Gary Sinise Foundation’s vehicle donation program, something that sounded too good to be true. The constant challenge of getting her son in and out of their car was taking its toll on Stephanie, and she submitted the online application. When prompted to select a desired delivery date, she chose her birthday, April 5.

“I was so positive and faithful that we were going to get the van that I put down my birthday,” Stephanie said. “Then on March 30, they called and said, ‘Come get your van on your birthday.’”

Stephanie received the birthday present of a lifetime.

“The van has changed our lives drastically,” said Runk. “It’s given us the freedom to safely transport Jaxon to and from his medical appointments and just get him around.”

Prior to the June 13 concert, Sinise and band members met with the Runk family backstage, an engagement Runk put into motion once he learned about the Lt. Dan Band’s visit to Fort Bragg.

For Stephanie, she’d been waiting for the moment to properly say thank you to the foundation that changed her family’s lives.

“They made it very seamless and very easy,” Stephanie said. “There was no fanfare. They didn’t want publicity. They just wanted to do something good for our family.” For Sinise it’s about giving back to a group of people who give so much.

“I just felt a need to get out there and let people know that I appreciate them,” said Sinise. “We want to make sure we’re not forgetting what people are doing for our country.”

The Runks are now huge advocates of the Gary Sinise Foundation. Whether they are encouraging military families that may need help, or creating awareness so others can shed light on the resources offered.

As the Lt. Dan Band took the stage later that evening, the family joined hundreds of Soldiers and community members in attendance. For the Runks, it was more than a concert, it was an opportunity to thank Sinise and his foundation for transforming daily challenges into a renewed sense of independence.

“Share the resource if you don’t need it,” Runk said. “Maybe there’s a family that does. And if you do need it, make sure you apply. The Gary Sinise Foundation has been amazing.”

For more info on the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

(Photo: The Lt. Dan Band performs for an audience at the Tolson Youth Center on Fort Bragg, June 13, 2026. The Lt. Dan Band performs concerts around the world to honor service members, veterans, first responders and their families while supporting the outreach efforts of the Gary Sinise Foundation. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Hernandez)

 The last few years, I have been in a bit of reading rut. I have had quite a lot on my plate admittedly. My son turned three on June 29, and he has taken up quite a bit of time. I also took over as editor of Up & Coming Weekly not long after he was born. 

So between the two, I keep quite busy. 

I promised myself, though, that I would pick up some books and start reading again, and this summer I have been able to achieve that goal. Here are the books I have read this summer that have been my favorite... so far. Some are old and some are new, all have been great reads. 

1. Yesteryear

This is the one that kickstarted my summer reading. Caro Claire Brooke's debut novel centers around a tradwife influencer named Natalie Heller Mills. The book follows Mills as she goes to college and meets her husband, buys a ranch and starts using social media to make money for her growing family. 

The book is a piece of satire, and Burke has talked about being influenced by social media family influencers such as Ballerina Farm. Mills' perfect life online is only a front for the darkness within, and this book has quite a few twists and turns. I sped read through it. Yesteryear for me was a real page turner. 

What I liked: I really get into books where the main character is a bit of a villain, and Natalie Heller Mills is definitely a hard character to like. I didn't find myself rooting for her, exactly, but I did hope somewhere she would redeem herself. 

2. Just For the Summer

I'm not usually one for romances, but this one hooked me pretty quick. The opening is a Reddit post from the subReddit "Am I The A**hole," where posters tell a story from their lives and ask if they were in the right or the wrong. The Reddit post from "Justin" ends up in a meet cute with Emma, a traveling nurse. 

Abby Jimenez, the author, draws a lot of experience from her life in Minneapolis to tell the story, and it added a nice real touch to the book. I read the book in one sitting on my porch. It has ended up being the perfect summer read. 

What I liked: The story had a nice easy flow to it, making it easy to engage with. It had some spicy scenes but was not overly graphic. 

3. Captain's Dinner: A Shipwreck, An Act of Cannabilism, and a Murder Trial That Changed Legal History

Captain's Dinner is a non fiction book by Adam Cohen, and its about the May 19, 1884 sinking of the luxury yacht the Mignonette, the survivors and a court case surrounding them. 

Thomas Dudley, the captain of the crew, had taken the job of sailing the yacht from England to Australia, and he had hired three others to help with the task. The journey was going well.... until it wasn't. 

The crew managed to escape in the lifeboat, where they sat for weeks waiting for rescue. Eventually the conversation began to veer into cannabilism. As a means of survival, cannabilism had been the law of the sea in the past, even celebrated in a macabre sense. So the discussion wasn't out of the norm for how things had operated. 

But times change.

The captain and one of the other crew, Edwin Stephens made the decision to kill the youngest of the group, the 17 year old cabin boy named Richard Parker. 

The second half of the book focuses on the legal case surrounding the survivors when they made it back to England. 

Dudley and Stephens were charged with murder. The third crew member, Edmund Brooks, wasn't charged, as he had been against the eating of Parker. 

The legal case spawned from this shipwreck was the first of its kind. Survival was always thought of as a positive, survival by any means was celebrated. Dudley and Stephens were found guilty, but asked for mercy and it was granted. Instead of being put to death or life imprisonment, the men were freed and allowed to live their lives. 

What I liked: This nonfiction book read like a fiction. It was unbelievable. The entire story of the crew's month at sea is absolutely horrifying and incredible. The lengths these men went to to stay alive will remain with me for awhile. It's just one of those books that I'll be thinking about for months, if not years. 

4. Ghosts of the British Museum

This book is part paranormal part history book, and all fascinating. Noah Angell spent years collecting stories of those who have worked at the British Museum. His goal had been to explore the idea of artifacts stuck in a place they didn't belong. 

The question is an interesting one. Is it ethical to keep another country's artifacts? And do these artifacts exude an energy from being kept from their homeland? Noell tells the stories of several people who have worked or still work in the British Museum in London and their experiences, most of which venture into the paranormal. 

What I liked: This book is another thinker. As a student of history, I love going to museums. But I've never really personally explored how I feel about seeing these objects in such a sterile setting. It has made me consider how I view museums, and the British Museum in particular. 

Here's to more fabulous books this summer! 

There's a reason the next generation isn't buying what we're selling.

It's not that the truth has lost its power. It's that too many of us have lost our grip on it — or more honestly, we've decided our judgment is better than the guidance we've been given. The problem isn't what we know. It's what we're willing to do with what we know.

America is celebrating 250 years of independence this year. I love this country, and I love what it was built on — the freedom to worship, to build, to chart a course toward something better. But here's something worth sitting with: what at first looked like rebellion in those early colonists became a full-scale exodus toward self-determination. The freedom to make their own rules. Decide their own future. Trust themselves more than anyone else.

Sound familiar? Because that same spirit — the one that says I know a better way — is alive and well today. And it's not just in the culture. It's in the church. It's in our homes. Maybe it's in the mirror.

We have more access to biblical truth than any generation that has ever lived. Bibles on every device, sermons on demand, podcasts for every theological question you could think to ask. And yet James didn't say blessed is the one who hears the most. He said, "Do not merely listen to the word... Do what it says." (James 1:22, NIV) That's the gap. That's where we're losing ground — not in the information age, but in the application of it.

Here's the honest part: application is hard. It's easier to attend another study than to forgive the person sitting across the dinner table from you. It's easier to know the right thing than to do it, especially when doing it costs you something. Most of us aren't wrestling with Greek verbs or systematic theology. We're wrestling with our temper. Our pride. Our silence when we should speak.

And the next generation is watching. What looked at first like youthful rebellion has become something more sobering — a full-scale exodus from the very idea of absolute truth. We can point fingers at social media, politics, the culture, the therapy industry. But maybe the most honest place to start is closer to home. In the mirror.

Because here's what Scripture doesn't leave us room to debate: "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:4, NIV) That's not my editorial opinion. That's the Word.

The value of knowing the truth isn't just personal. It's generational. Every time we choose to actually live what we say we believe — when we forgive when it's hard, when we speak truth when it's costly, when we love our neighbor in the specific and inconvenient details of real life — we're doing something far greater than just being obedient. We're giving the next generation something to hold onto.

The measure of our faith isn't what we know or even what we declare. It's what we're willing to do with it.

That's not just good theology. It's the whole thing.

When Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in the summer of 2026, they are sure to look back on the nation's humble beginnings and the Founding Fathers who risked everything to gain independence from Great Britain.

While it's important to recognize and honor the brave individuals who played integral roles in the founding of the United States, more recent American history also is worth noting when the nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026. It's only been 26 years, but the twenty-first century has already produced some noteworthy moments in American history.

• 2000: The Supreme Court stops the Florida recount. The first presidential election after the 1990s proved to be a memorable one, as George W. Bush narrowly defeated Al Gore in a hotly contested affair. Neither candidate conceded defeat on election night, and the United States Supreme Court ultimately decided the election when the justices issued a landmark decision in Bush v. Gore, which stopped a recount in Florida and awarded the state's electoral votes to Bush, who then became the 43rd President of the United States.

• 2001: The 9/11 attack on America shocks the world. Nearly 3,000 Americans and international citizens were killed in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Four airliners were hijacked that morning, and the nineteen hijackers flew three of the planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in rural Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt. In the aftermath of the attacks, which American government officials soon identified as the work of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the United States launched a worldwide war on terror.

• 2008: Barack Obama becomes America's first Black president. Barack Obama was a junior senator from Illinois when he secured the Democratic nomination for president in June 2008. That nomination was historic, as it marked the first time an African American was designated as a major political party presidential nominee in U.S. history. Obama continued making history during the election, which proved to be a decisive victory over Arizona Senator John McCain on November 4, 2008. With that victory, Obama became the first African American president in American history. 

• 2008: Bernie Madoff is arrested for running a massive Ponzi scheme. Roughly five weeks after Obama won the presidential election in November 2008, financier Bernie Madoff was arrested in New York City for running a massive Ponzi scheme that he had begun in the early 1990s. Sixty-five billion dollars was reportedly missing from client accounts at the time of Madoff's arrest, though much of that was gains fabricated by Madoff. Later estimates suggested direct losses to unknowing investors in Madoff's scheme totaled roughly $18 billion. Less than a year after his arrest, Madoff pleaded guilty to a wide range of financial crimes and was sentenced to 150 years in prison, where he died in 2021.

• 2016: The Chicago Cubs win the World Series. A 108-year championship drought finally ended for the Cubs and their faithful fans shortly after midnight on November 3, 2016. In a thrilling, seven-game World Series, the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 to secure the franchise's first World Series title since 1908. The game was widely recognized as an instant classic, as Cleveland outfielder Rajai Davis hit a game-tying, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. The game ultimately ended up going into extra innings and was even interrupted by a brief rain delay. The Cubs promptly scored two runs in the top of the tenth inning and survived another Cleveland rally in the home half of the frame to secure the historic victory.

When summer arrives, the pressure to plan an expensive getaway can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing career, educational or family responsibilities, or career transitions. But what if the perfect summer break doesn't require a plane ticket, hotel reservations, or weeks of advanced planning? A staycation, a vacation spent at home or in your local area, offers an accessible, affordable alternative that can be just as rejuvenating as a trip to a distant destination. 

The financial benefits alone make staycations worth considering. Without airfare, accommodation costs or dining out for every meal, you can allocate your budget toward experiences that truly matter to you.  Beyond the budget, staycations offer flexibility that traditional vacations simply can't match. 

There's no stress about missing flights, navigating unfamiliar locations or dealing with travel delays. You can adapt your plans spontaneously, extend an activity you're enjoying, or simply rest when you need to. 

Perhaps most importantly, staycations encourage you to rediscover your own community. A staycation invites you to become a tourist in your own town, exploring local attractions with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Your hometown and surrounding areas hold more treasures than you might realize. 

Many of us overlook local attractions, museums, nature trails, and historical sites because we assume we've already experienced everything nearby. Challenge that assumption this summer by approaching your community with a tourist's curiosity. Research local parks you've never visited, check out farmers' markets in neighboring towns, or explore hiking trails within a 30-mile radius. You'll be surprised by what you discover when you actively seek new experiences close to home. 

Summer staycations offer the perfect window for skill development without the pressure of formal deadlines or grading. Choose a project or hobby you've been curious about but never had time to pursue.  The beauty of a staycation is the flexibility to explore at your own pace, make mistakes, and discover what genuinely interests you without external expectations. 

One of the most effective ways to maximize your staycation is by creating themed days that transport you to different places and experiences without leaving your region. Designate a 'Cultural Exploration Day' where you dive deep into a specific country or culture, cook traditional dishes, watch films from that region, listen to its music, and read about its history and customs. This immersive approach transforms an ordinary day into an educational adventure that broadens your global perspective. You might be surprised how much you can learn and experience without boarding a plane. 

Plan adventure-themed days that push you outside your comfort zone. Try 'Outdoor Challenge Day' by tackling a difficult hiking trail, kayaking or paddleboarding, or geocaching in your area. Or organize a 'Culinary Adventure Day' where you attempt a complex recipe you've never tried, visit ethnic grocery stores to discover new ingredients, or recreate dishes from a restaurant you love. For those interested in arts and humanities, schedule a 'Museum Marathon' where you visit multiple museums or galleries in a single day, or a 'Literary Journey' where you visit locations mentioned in books set in your region. 

Themed days work exceptionally well for families and friend groups, but they're equally valuable for solo staycationers. The structure provides purpose and anticipation, transforming what might feel like 'just another day at home' into something special and memorable. Consider themes like 'Wellness Wednesday' focused entirely on self-care activities, 'Throwback Thursday' where you revisit favorite childhood activities or places, or 'Learning Friday' dedicated to attending workshops or taking online courses. 

The psychological shift from daily routine to vacation mode doesn't require a passport; it requires intention. The most successful staycations involve deliberate choices that signal to yourself and others that this time is different, protected, and devoted to rest and renewal. With thoughtful planning, your staycation can deliver the restorative benefits of any distant getaway.

Begin by establishing clear boundaries around your time. Inform family, friends and colleagues that you'll be unavailable except for emergencies. Set up email auto-responders, silence non-essential notifications and resist the temptation to 'just quickly check' on work or coursework. This boundary-setting might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's essential for creating the mental space that allows true relaxation. 

Create vacation rituals that mark this time as special. Start each morning differently from your typical routine. Perhaps with a leisurely breakfast, a morning walk, or simply sleeping later than usual. Dress differently than you would for work or classes, even if you're staying home. Plan one 'anchor activity' each day that you genuinely look forward to, whether that's visiting a local attraction, trying a new restaurant, engaging in a hobby, or simply reading in your favorite outdoor spot. These intentional touchstones provide structure and anticipation that make each day feel purposeful and memorable. 

Document your experience in ways that honor its value. Take photos of local discoveries, keep a staycation journal, or collect small mementos from your explorations. This documentation serves two purposes: it keeps you present and mindful during the experience, and it provides lasting reminders that meaningful rest and renewal don't require expensive trips or exotic destinations. 

Remember, the value of any vacation isn't measured by distance traveled or money spent. It's measured by how it restores your spirit, strengthens your relationships, and renews your capacity to engage fully with your life and goals. 

When summer arrives, the pressure to plan an expensive getaway can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing career, educational or family responsibilities, or career transitions. But what if the perfect summer break doesn't require a plane ticket, hotel reservations, or weeks of advanced planning? A staycation, a vacation spent at home or in your local area, offers an accessible, affordable alternative that can be just as rejuvenating as a trip to a distant destination. 

The financial benefits alone make staycations worth considering. Without airfare, accommodation costs or dining out for every meal, you can allocate your budget toward experiences that truly matter to you.  Beyond the budget, staycations offer flexibility that traditional vacations simply can't match. 

There's no stress about missing flights, navigating unfamiliar locations or dealing with travel delays. You can adapt your plans spontaneously, extend an activity you're enjoying, or simply rest when you need to. 

Perhaps most importantly, staycations encourage you to rediscover your own community. A staycation invites you to become a tourist in your own town, exploring local attractions with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Your hometown and surrounding areas hold more treasures than you might realize. 

Many of us overlook local attractions, museums, nature trails, and historical sites because we assume we've already experienced everything nearby. Challenge that assumption this summer by approaching your community with a tourist's curiosity. Research local parks you've never visited, check out farmers' markets in neighboring towns, or explore hiking trails within a 30-mile radius. You'll be surprised by what you discover when you actively seek new experiences close to home. 

Summer staycations offer the perfect window for skill development without the pressure of formal deadlines or grading. Choose a project or hobby you've been curious about but never had time to pursue.  The beauty of a staycation is the flexibility to explore at your own pace, make mistakes, and discover what genuinely interests you without external expectations. 

One of the most effective ways to maximize your staycation is by creating themed days that transport you to different places and experiences without leaving your region. Designate a 'Cultural Exploration Day' where you dive deep into a specific country or culture, cook traditional dishes, watch films from that region, listen to its music, and read about its history and customs. This immersive approach transforms an ordinary day into an educational adventure that broadens your global perspective. You might be surprised how much you can learn and experience without boarding a plane. 

Plan adventure-themed days that push you outside your comfort zone. Try 'Outdoor Challenge Day' by tackling a difficult hiking trail, kayaking or paddleboarding, or geocaching in your area. Or organize a 'Culinary Adventure Day' where you attempt a complex recipe you've never tried, visit ethnic grocery stores to discover new ingredients, or recreate dishes from a restaurant you love. For those interested in arts and humanities, schedule a 'Museum Marathon' where you visit multiple museums or galleries in a single day, or a 'Literary Journey' where you visit locations mentioned in books set in your region. 

Themed days work exceptionally well for families and friend groups, but they're equally valuable for solo staycationers. The structure provides purpose and anticipation, transforming what might feel like 'just another day at home' into something special and memorable. Consider themes like 'Wellness Wednesday' focused entirely on self-care activities, 'Throwback Thursday' where you revisit favorite childhood activities or places, or 'Learning Friday' dedicated to attending workshops or taking online courses. 

The psychological shift from daily routine to vacation mode doesn't require a passport; it requires intention. The most successful staycations involve deliberate choices that signal to yourself and others that this time is different, protected, and devoted to rest and renewal. With thoughtful planning, your staycation can deliver the restorative benefits of any distant getaway.

Begin by establishing clear boundaries around your time. Inform family, friends and colleagues that you'll be unavailable except for emergencies. Set up email auto-responders, silence non-essential notifications and resist the temptation to 'just quickly check' on work or coursework. This boundary-setting might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's essential for creating the mental space that allows true relaxation. 

Create vacation rituals that mark this time as special. Start each morning differently from your typical routine. Perhaps with a leisurely breakfast, a morning walk, or simply sleeping later than usual. Dress differently than you would for work or classes, even if you're staying home. Plan one 'anchor activity' each day that you genuinely look forward to, whether that's visiting a local attraction, trying a new restaurant, engaging in a hobby, or simply reading in your favorite outdoor spot. These intentional touchstones provide structure and anticipation that make each day feel purposeful and memorable. 

Document your experience in ways that honor its value. Take photos of local discoveries, keep a staycation journal, or collect small mementos from your explorations. This documentation serves two purposes: it keeps you present and mindful during the experience, and it provides lasting reminders that meaningful rest and renewal don't require expensive trips or exotic destinations. 

Remember, the value of any vacation isn't measured by distance traveled or money spent. It's measured by how it restores your spirit, strengthens your relationships, and renews your capacity to engage fully with your life and goals. 

Braxton Clark believes Fayetteville is carrying more history than it knows what to do with.

As a tour guide with Triangle Walking Tours, Clark spends Saturdays leading visitors through downtown streets that many residents pass every day without realizing what has happened beneath their feet. Ghost stories and true crime may draw the largest crowds, but for Clark, the real treasure is local history, the kind that reveals a city far older, stranger and more consequential than its reputation suggests.

“I feel like there are a lot of ways in this town where our history is treated very weird,” Clark said. “You’d be surprised at how historically significant this town was. Fayetteville is up there in terms of historically significant towns.”

Triangle Walking Tours offers several Fayetteville tours on Saturdays: a history and architecture tour at 2 p.m., a Black history tour at 4 p.m., a true crime tour at 6 p.m. and a ghost tour at 8 p.m. The tours give residents and visitors a chance to experience downtown Fayetteville as more than a collection of buildings, restaurants and familiar intersections.

For Clark, who describes himself as an archaeologist and local history enthusiast, the walking tours are about restoring depth to places that have often been flattened into a single sentence.

Take the Market House, for example.

To many, it is known primarily as a place where enslaved people were once sold. Clark does not dismiss that painful history, but he argues that the structure’s story is broader, more complicated and more revealing. He points to its role after the Civil War, when newly freed Black residents celebrated Jubilee Day there and gathered in the same space to mark freedom, survival and community.

“A lot of those newly freed enslaved individuals would have found out about their freedom at the Market House,” Clark said. “Going forward, you would actually have years and years where that Market House would be used specifically by the Black population of Fayetteville to celebrate their freedom on Jubilee Day.”

That, he said, is the kind of history Fayetteville should be willing to hold in full, not polished, not reduced, not hidden.

Clark is especially drawn to figures such as Isaac Hammond, a Black Revolutionary War soldier from Fayetteville who enlisted at 15, survived Valley Forge and returned home to a country that still denied Black citizens basic rights.

“He came home from the war fighting for the freedom of this new nation that he helped create,” Clark said. “And this nation immediately went and put up laws that said Black people aren’t allowed to be in a militia. Black people are not allowed to vote. And he did it anyway.”

For Clark, Hammond represents a Fayetteville spirit that deserves more recognition.

“That is the most American thing to do,” he said. “Do it anyway.”

The walking tours also challenge the idea that Fayetteville is simply an extension of Fort Bragg. Clark said many people think of the city as “Fort Bragg plus,” forgetting that Fayetteville’s story began long before the military installation became part of the region’s identity.

For most of its history, he said, Fayetteville was its own complicated, evolving Southern town, shaped by agriculture, commerce, slavery, war, Reconstruction, Black resilience and civic ambition.

The true crime and ghost tours offer a different doorway into that past. Some stories date back to the 1800s and, according to Clark, “read like a soap opera.” But even those darker tales are tied to real streets, real businesses and real families.

One of Clark’s favorite examples involves a carriage wheel he found near First Presbyterian Church and later donated to the local history museum. His research led him to the Simpson and McLaughlin carriage repository, once located near Liberty Point. That discovery connected to another tour story involving Alexander Simpson, one of the business owners, whose name appears in both the true crime and ghost tours.

“You start to really surprisingly easily put this puzzle together,” Clark said. “It’s like a 3D map of time and space.”

That is the power of a walking tour. Unlike a textbook or a museum case, the streets become part of the lesson. A guide can stand near the site of an old killing, point toward a nearby intersection and help guests imagine how a witness saw events unfold more than a century ago.

“There are so many things you don’t get from a page or a screen,” Clark said. “It’s a lot easier to get the lay of the land once you’re actually at an intersection.”

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Clark believes Fayetteville has a responsibility to stop treating its local history as an afterthought. He wants the city to lean into its complexity, preserve what remains and tell the stories of ordinary people with the same care often reserved for generals, politicians and national heroes.

“History is just as much of a quilt,” Clark said. “Every person is a patch of fabric, and it’s all woven together in a way that really blows your mind when you start to look into it.”

That quilt, in Fayetteville, is still being stitched together.

And for those willing to walk slowly, listen closely and look again, the city is still speaking. For more information about the walking tours, visit their website, https://www.trianglewalkingtours.com 

(Photo by J. Stephen Conn. For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/jstephenconn/with/3908622566/)

This Independence Day carries special meaning as we mark another milestone in our nation's journey since its founding in 1776. The free admission concert at Festival Park on Saturday, July 4, offers more than just entertainment. It's an opportunity for our community to come together and reflect on our shared history, the progress we've made, and the work that remains. The event begins at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m., giving families and friends plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the evening together. 

Fayetteville's unique character, shaped by military service and a diverse mix of service members, families and transplants from around the world, creates a meaningful backdrop for this celebration. This community embodies the American story in a tangible way, from local restaurants to festivals to businesses; you can see the melting pot of cultures and experiences that define our nation. The Fourth of July concert at Festival Park reflects this spirit, bringing together residents from all walks of life to honor the people and institutions that continue to shape the United States. 

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville and Fayetteville PWC, has created an event that's truly accessible to everyone. With free admission and support from organizations including the North Carolina Arts Council, Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Dogwood Festival, Fayetteville Parks and Recreation and HIS Radio, this celebration demonstrates the power of community collaboration. It's an evening where neighbors become friends and where we can all appreciate the values that unite us. 

The musical lineup for this year's concert showcases exceptional talent and patriotic spirit. Under the direction of Dr. Daniel McCloud, the evening will feature performances from the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and members of the 82nd Airborne Division Band. This combination of professional musicians, dedicated community instrumentalists and military performers creates a uniquely powerful musical experience that honors both artistic excellence and service to the country. 

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has earned praise for its artistic excellence and serves as the leading musical resource for our region. As a professional regional orchestra, the FSO is dedicated to educating, entertaining and inspiring citizens throughout the Fayetteville and southeastern North Carolina. Throughout the year, the symphony performs a variety of concerts, including subscription concerts, free community performances and educational programs designed for music lovers of all ages. This Fourth of July concert represents their commitment to making high-quality musical experiences accessible to the entire community.  

Adding to the evening's entertainment, the Fayetteville Symphonic Band brings together a community of instrumentalists who are passionate about preserving great wind band music in our area. The band meets weekly under Dr. McCloud's direction, and performs free concerts throughout the year, demonstrating their dedication to community engagement. Those interested in joining this talented group can find information at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/fayetteville-symphonic-band/.  The collaboration of these three exceptional musical ensembles promises an unforgettable evening of patriotic favorites and classical masterpieces, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. 

Festival Park transforms into a welcoming space for families and friends to gather and celebrate together.  Food truck vendors will be on-site throughout the evening, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy every taste. Whether you're craving classic festival fare or looking to try something new, the food vendors add to the celebratory atmosphere and ensure that no one goes hungry during the evening's festivities. This convenience means families can focus on enjoying the music and fireworks without worrying about meal planning. 

The event is designed with families in mind, creating an environment where people of all ages can feel comfortable and engaged. The combination of world-class musical performances, patriotic celebration, and the grand finale fireworks display ensures that there's something special for everyone. From young children experiencing their first Independence Day concert to seniors who have celebrated decades of American history. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones while honoring the values that make our nation strong. 

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, Festival Park has implemented several important policies that attendees should be aware of before arriving. A clear bag policy will be in place, so plan accordingly when packing your essentials for the evening. This security measure helps keep everyone safe while allowing for efficient entry into the park. For complete details about security procedures, visit https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation.

Other policies to note are that only service animals are permitted at the event. Additionally, skateboards, bicycles, personal tents or canopies, and outside food or beverages are not allowed. These guidelines help maintain a safe, accessible environment for all attendees and ensure that everyone can enjoy unobstructed views of the performance and fireworks. The food truck vendors on-site will provide plenty of refreshment options throughout the evening. 

Arriving early is highly recommended, as this popular community event typically draws large crowds. With gates opening at 6 p.m. and the concert starting at 7:30 p.m., giving yourself extra time to park, enter the festival grounds and find a comfortable viewing spot will enhance your experience. Consider bringing blankets or low-profile lawn chairs (where permitted) for your family's comfort during the performance. Most importantly, come with a spirit of community and celebration, ready to enjoy an evening that honors our nation's independence and the values that bring us together. 

Events like the Fourth of July Festival Park Concert demonstrate the strength of community partnerships and the commitment of local organizations to enriching the lives of area residents. The collaboration between numerous supporting organizations reflects a shared dedication to providing accessible, high-quality cultural experiences. This investment in community celebrations creates opportunities for connection, reflection, and joy that extend far beyond a single evening. 

As we gather at Festival Park to honor Independence Day, we're not just watching a concert and fireworks. We're participating in a tradition that strengthens our community bonds and reminds us of what we can accomplish when we work together. The memories created on this special evening will stay with families for years to come, becoming part of the stories we tell and the experiences that shape our community identity. Be sure to join in this celebration of American independence, artistic excellence, and the spirit of togetherness that makes Fayetteville such a special place to live, learn, and grow. Festival Park is located at 335 Ray Ave. 

(Pictures: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Fourth of July in 2025. Once again, the FSO will take the stage in Festival Park in 2026. Photos courtesy of FSO)

Long before Fayetteville became synonymous with military service, another industry helped define the city and shape the lives of generations of local families.

Inside a modest home tucked along Camden Road, those stories still live.

The Fayetteville History Museum will open the doors to the historic Massey Hill Mill House on July 11 from 11 a.m. to noon, inviting visitors to step into a world where life revolved around spinning frames, neighborhood schools and front porches occupied by people who knew one another not simply as neighbors, but as family.

For Hattie M. Presnell of the Fayetteville History Museum, the significance of the house extends far beyond its walls.

“The Massey Hill Mill House provides our community with a glimpse of how our local textile mill communities lived,” she said. “The Massey Hill community has a strong community built around the textile industry.”

That spirit of togetherness helped define an era when textile mills served as the heartbeat of daily life. Families settled near the mills. Businesses emerged. Churches flourished. Baseball teams representing competing mills filled summer evenings with friendly rivalries.

Massey Hill High School, which recently celebrated its centennial, became another gathering place. The anniversary celebration drew alumni from across the country, a testament to the bonds forged decades ago.

“Individuals didn’t just work at the mill, or attend the same school or church, or go to the same stores,” Presnell said. “They were and are family. There is a reason why the 100th anniversary of Massey Hill High School was so well attended. It was a family reunion.”

Visitors attending the upcoming open house will encounter more than historical photographs and artifacts. The home itself has been carefully arranged to recreate everyday life as it would have appeared for a typical mill worker’s family.

Within the house, exhibits highlight several of the area’s textile operations, including Tolar, Hart and Holt Mills, Victory Mill and Lake View Cotton Mill. Rooms have been furnished to reflect the era, offering a tangible connection to a way of life that once touched thousands of residents.

“People will be able to see what these homes looked like and learn about the mills that shaped this community,” Presnell said.

The work of preserving those memories falls largely to the Fayetteville History Museum, whose mission reaches far beyond its downtown location.

“The purpose of the Fayetteville History Museum is to collect and share the stories about our entire community,” Presnell said. “It is an ongoing process that I’m grateful to be a part of.”

Sometimes that work leads to unexpected discoveries.

“Through our collection and research process, we are introduced to some amazing stories and ‘a-ha’ moments that help put the pieces together,” she said. “We hope to collect more of these stories in the near future.”

Those pieces matter because communities are built not only through industry, but through shared experiences and collective memory.

Today, many of the mills are gone, but their legacy remains etched into neighborhoods and family histories. Preserving places like the Massey Hill Mill House ensures that future generations understand the sacrifices, traditions and relationships that helped shape Fayetteville long before modern development transformed the city.

In many ways, the house serves as more than a museum.

It is a reminder that communities are woven together much like the textiles that once came from the mills themselves, thread by thread, story by story and family by family.

The Massey Hill Mill House open house is free and open to the public. For one hour on July 11, visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and discover how a neighborhood built around industry became something far more enduring: a community bound together by memory. For more information, visit their website at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Fayetteville-History-Museum

(Photo: The Massey Hill Mill House will be open by the Fayetteville History Museum on July 11 for the public to check out a piece of Fayetteville's history.  Photo courtesy of Fayetteville History Musem's Facebook page)

The Fayetteville City Council voted 9-1 on June 22 to approve a $327.3 million spending plan, ending a turbulent budget season largely driven by Mayor Mitch Colvin’s insistence on keeping tax rates steady.

The final budget—paired with a $117 million capital improvement plan—maintains the city’s current property tax rate of $0.4495 per $100 of value. 

“Passing a zero tax increase budget is a testament to what disciplined, community-focused leadership can achieve,” Colvin told CityView. “We kept taxes low while investing in our workforce, eight new police officers, public safety technology and continuing our commitment to sidewalks, bike lanes, and street infrastructure—that’s a win for every resident in Fayetteville.”

The council also agreed to raise the solid-waste fee by $10, the only fee change this year.

The city will release the full budget in the next few weeks, Communications Manager David Scott told CityView. 

City Manager Doug Hewett proposed a $322 million budget in May that included a 3-cent property tax increase and a slate of “strategic investments.” But council members expressed their frustrations during budget meetings, saying the proposal failed to reflect the priorities they set in February.

Colvin was the sharpest critic. He said the proposal ignored the council’s directions and left elected officials “hunting for dollars” to avoid a tax hike.

“I felt like I wasted our time,” Colvin said earlier this month.

The council had planned to adopt a budget by June 8, but it quickly became clear that timeline was no longer feasible. 

Over the next two weeks, Colvin emerged as the central budget architect by encouraging city staff to work within his political parameters.

On June 12, he presented what he called a consolidated “working list,” a package of cuts, restorations, and adjustments designed to avoid a tax increase while protecting high visibility services. 

He repeatedly framed a no tax increase stance as both a political and moral imperative. Many residents are already strained by inflation and high poverty rates, he argued. 

But several members questioned whether avoiding a tax increase was reckless. 

Councilmember Stephon Ferguson argued for a 2 cent tax increase, calling it “fiscally irresponsible” to not fully fund critical needs public safety technology, bike lanes, and neighborhood connectivity. 

Ferguson also criticized Colvin’s decision to bundle dozens of recommendations into a single vote, saying it “forces us to support items we really are against and go against things that we actually support.” 

Councilmember Lynne Greene urged her colleagues to stay open to the idea of a tax increase. She said the city could otherwise struggle to maintain services.

“We can’t get where we need to be because we are outpaced, and so I think it’s important that we as a body keep that in mind,” she told the council. 

Still, Ferguson and Greene voted in favor of the budget on Monday. Councilmember Shaun McMillan cast the lone no vote. He said the council’s process was rushed and unfair—both in how staff were treated and in how some major items, including ShotSpotter and employee pay raises, were not thoroughly debated in public.

“I am not supporting this budget as presented tonight, and that’s not against my colleagues, not against the good that is in this budget,” he said Monday night. “But it is a vote for process that is worthy of the people we serve and the staff who serve alongside us.”

U&CW Editor’s note: This article has been trimmed for space. To read the article in full, visit https://www.cityviewnc.com/stories/fayetteville-council-adopts-budget-avoids-tax-increase/

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina voted not to move forward with a proposed casino development in Robeson County on June 23. 

Unofficial results from the Lumbee Tribe Elections board show that 62 percent of voters rejected the amendment. In the votes that were cast, 5,553 votes opposed the proposed amendment, while 3,363 votes were in favor. This was the first major tribal vote since the Lumbee Tribe achieved federal recognition in 2025. 

The proposed casino would’ve been on a stretch of land, 250 acres, on the I-95 corridor. The Lumbee Dark Water Resort plans had the casino, a waterpark, convention centers and a hotel. The Lumbee People are known as the "People of the Dark Water," the inspiration of the resort's name and design.

While on the surface, the vote may have seemed like a “yes” or “no” regarding gaming, tribe members say that isn't the case. Members of the tribe have come out in favor of gaming. This vote, however, was an amendment to the Lumbee Tribe’s constitution, and dissenters of the vote say the amendment would’ve stripped away power from the voters. The amendment, they say, would’ve moved votes concerning gaming from the hands of the voters into the hands of elected officials instead. 

John Lowry, Tribal Chairman and a Robeson County representative in the North Carolina General Assembly, issued a statement after the vote on June 23.

“A majority of the Lumbee people have spoken, and they have said no to progress and have decided to stay with the status quo or simply stay with the way things are. As a federally recognized Indian tribe, we had the opportunity, like so many of our brother and sister tribes, to exercise our sovereign rights to the fullest and generate billions of dollars to assist our tribal members and lift this entire region. This decision by the majority of Lumbee voters is historic and ensures we will not move forward with gaming.”

Lowry stated he will not pursue another vote on gaming during his term, which expires in 18 months. 

Cumberland County and Fayetteville are poised to tackle the important challenge of consolidating 911 services for our community. Although this is a long-overdue step, they are eager to move ahead and focus on creating a safer, more efficient future for all residents. But as they say, the devil is in the details.

What is the greatest challenge? Some things remain the same; the debate over who will oversee the services: Cumberland County or Fayetteville. This continues to influence the process. This long-standing power struggle between local officials has been a source of concern. Recently, efforts by Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and Cumberland County Board Chairman Kirk deViere to promote collaboration have been met with old conflicts resurfacing, reminding residents of the ongoing challenges.   

One key argument for Fayetteville leading 911 services is its high call volume. Since they handle the majority of 911 calls, it seems practical for them to be the lead agency. Explaining how call volume influences leadership decisions can help residents understand the practical factors at play and feel more informed about the process. However, addressing a specific caveat could change how this reasoning is viewed. 

Fayetteville has previously used, and perhaps still does allow, a high volume of non-emergency calls to be handled by its 911 operation. I know this to be a fact because several years ago, my wallet was stolen at a Fayetteville grocery store on a Friday night. I made several non-emergency update calls over the weekend and was instructed to use 911 because no other number was available. This raises the question: how many legitimate 911 calls is Fayetteville handling compared to the rest of the county? The Sheriff's Office has an alternate number for non-emergency calls to help ensure calls are directed appropriately. 

Fayetteville proudly serves as the county seat of Cumberland County, which is truly special. Remembering the surrounding communities, such as Eastover, Falcon, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Godwin, Linden, Stedman and other townships, helps residents feel connected and that their voices matter. By working together, we can find a solution that benefits everyone and involves our community in shaping the future. 

It looks like there's a bit of a power struggle at the 911 call center controversy, but what matters most to residents is receiving the right help in emergencies. I truly believe that everyone wants an effective response, and nobody minds who's in charge if the right support arrives promptly. Prioritizing safety and reliable emergency services is essential for community trust and well-being.

Progress happens when leaders choose cooperation over conflict, unity over division, and the common welfare over political differences, working together for the benefit of the community. This approach can inspire residents to feel hopeful and confident about the future of our emergency services.

Cumberland County and Fayetteville are poised to tackle the important challenge of consolidating 911 services for our community. Although this is a long-overdue step, they are eager to move ahead and focus on creating a safer, more efficient future for all residents. But as they say, the devil is in the details.

What is the greatest challenge? Some things remain the same; the debate over who will oversee the services: Cumberland County or Fayetteville. This continues to influence the process. This long-standing power struggle between local officials has been a source of concern. Recently, efforts by Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and Cumberland County Board Chairman Kirk deViere to promote collaboration have been met with old conflicts resurfacing, reminding residents of the ongoing challenges.   

One key argument for Fayetteville leading 911 services is its high call volume. Since they handle the majority of 911 calls, it seems practical for them to be the lead agency. Explaining how call volume influences leadership decisions can help residents understand the practical factors at play and feel more informed about the process. However, addressing a specific caveat could change how this reasoning is viewed. 

Fayetteville has previously used, and perhaps still does allow, a high volume of non-emergency calls to be handled by its 911 operation. I know this to be a fact because several years ago, my wallet was stolen at a Fayetteville grocery store on a Friday night. I made several non-emergency update calls over the weekend and was instructed to use 911 because no other number was available. This raises the question: how many legitimate 911 calls is Fayetteville handling compared to the rest of the county? The Sheriff's Office has an alternate number for non-emergency calls to help ensure calls are directed appropriately. 

Fayetteville proudly serves as the county seat of Cumberland County, which is truly special. Remembering the surrounding communities, such as Eastover, Falcon, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Godwin, Linden, Stedman and other townships, helps residents feel connected and that their voices matter. By working together, we can find a solution that benefits everyone and involves our community in shaping the future. 

It looks like there's a bit of a power struggle at the 911 call center controversy, but what matters most to residents is receiving the right help in emergencies. I truly believe that everyone wants an effective response, and nobody minds who's in charge if the right support arrives promptly. Prioritizing safety and reliable emergency services is essential for community trust and well-being.

Progress happens when leaders choose cooperation over conflict, unity over division, and the common welfare over political differences, working together for the benefit of the community. This approach can inspire residents to feel hopeful and confident about the future of our emergency services.

As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, here is a question worth pondering: was the event it sought to explain and justify, the American War of Independence, fated to succeed?

Some historians say yes. They argue that while the rebellious colonies of North America contained a small population and limited military resources, they also comprised a sprawling territory that was simply impossible for any feasibly sized force of British regulars, auxiliaries, and Loyalist militia to subdue and hold.

Other historians disagree. While outright conquest might have been practically impossible, they correctly note that many colonists were Tory in their sympathies and an even-large swath were disinclined to fight on either side. A few decisive defeats, followed by the capture of key Patriot political and military leaders, might have induced some of the colonies to submit, they argue, leaving the remaining rump of revolutionary states too isolated and deprived of resources to continue their resistance.

I’m in the latter camp, at least regarding the first couple of years of the war. After the British realized they couldn’t hold rebellious Boston, their leaders formed the correct strategic insight: attack the enemy at its weakest point, not its strongest. They decided to redeploy their forces southward to remove the Carolinas and Georgia from the conflict. Virginia would have been their next target — and if it fell, the American Revolution would falter and, eventually, collapse.

It was Britain’s best play. It was not fated to fail. It was, over the course of six months, systematically defeated by the concerted efforts of a comparatively ragtag force of Patriots, most hailing from North and South Carolina.

During the first stage of the campaign, Patriots blocked a column of North Carolina Loyalists marching down the Cape Fear River to join up with an approaching invasion force of British redcoats. At the February 27, 1776, battle of Moores Creek Bridge, nearly all the Tories were killed, captured, or dispersed.

Weeks later, when British generals Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis finally converged on Wilmington, they discovered no reinforcements were coming. After some indecisive skirmishing, they decided to reembark on their ships and sail south to the port of Charlestown (now Charleston). Taking this largest city in the region would, they surmised, lead to the capture of the Carolinas.

Perhaps, at this early stage in the war, it would have. But Charleston had stout champions. Among them were soon-to-be-famous men such as Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter, and William Moultrie, a local militia colonel who deemed Sullivan’s Island at the mouth of the harbor as its most defensible point. It was Moultrie who supervised the construction of a fort made of palmetto logs.

In addition to these South Carolinians, Charleston’s defenders included hundreds of North Carolina militiamen from such counties as Bladen, Halifax, Mecklenburg, and Rowan. Some were stationed in the city itself, others on James Island or in other strongpoints ringing the harbor.

On June 28, 1776, the British attacked. Their warships pounded the fort on Sullivan’s Island. Their soldiers landed on its northern end. Neither gambit worked. After withering fire from entrenched Patriots, the redcoats withdrew. As for the fort, British cannonballs thudded ineffectually into its walls of spongy palmetto.

Charleston did fall — but not until 1780. By then, the American cause had weathered many storms and gained the crucial support of the French and Spanish. Leaving a garrison to hold Charleston, Cornwallis headed inland and won a series of battles so costly in casualties and irrelevant in strategic value that he was compelled to flee to Yorktown in hopes of resupply or evacuation. We know how that turned out.

It was 250 years ago this week, then, that Carolinians put an end to Britain’s first Southern Strategy, and with it the Crown’s best chance to win the war. The Continental Congress in Philadelphia was about to finalize the Declaration of Independence. Its relevance rested on a hard-fought battle nearly 700 miles away.

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).