Demetria Murphy, from Fayetteville, overcame her past incarceration for substance possession and has since become a social worker and community activist. She collaborates with the Fayetteville Police Department on gun violence education and supports the formerly incarcerated. Murphy earned a Master's Degree at NC State and is pursuing a Doctorate in criminal justice leadership. She runs De'vine Infinity Therapeutic Service, a therapy clinic, and is involved in supporting families affected by gun violence, including the Dockery family. Murphy is recognized for her genuine and impactful community work, and she is organizing a career expo for the formerly incarcerated with Fayetteville Tech.

Residents of Fayetteville's oldest public housing complex, Cross Creek Pointe Apartments, are expressing their frustration and fear over ongoing gun violence. Eshanna Malloy and Miriam Ford, among others, have reported frequent shootings and a lack of adequate response from the property's management, United Management II, and the Fayetteville Police. Malloy's car was shot at 15 times, and Ford's building was shot up, leading her to sleep on her living room floor. The residents are calling for more aggressive action to protect their community.

Fort Liberty in North Carolina celebrated its first July 4th event since its redesignation, drawing an estimated 60,000 attendees. The celebration featured performances by the 82nd All-American Rock Band and Sheryl Crow, a flag ceremony, and a parachute demonstration by the Golden Knights. Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue and Col. John Wilcox expressed pride in the community's participation. Attendees Elba Cardona and Cece Bernstine shared their honor in being part of the event, while visitor Cody Collins from Ohio expressed his pride in being the son of a veteran.

Fayetteville has closed a projected $8 million budget gap for 2024, resulting from Cumberland County's planned tax collection changes. The city's strategy avoids layoffs and service reductions by increasing vehicle license fees and reallocating American Rescue Plan funds, with a minor property tax increase. Mayor Mitch Colvin emphasized fiscal responsibility and maintaining the city's attractiveness. An agreement with Cumberland County to change tax collection based on property values is pending a vote, and Fayetteville, along with other municipalities, will contribute extra economic growth funds to the county, leading to expected shortfalls in 2024 and 2025. The city is seeking equitable tax distribution solutions with state assistance.

Fort Bragg in North Carolina has been renamed to Fort Liberty in a ceremony that included a 15-gun salute and the uncasing of the garrison colors. The renaming, inspired by Gold Star mom Patti Elliott and part of a broader Department of Defense initiative following the 2020 George Floyd protests, aims to make the U.S. Army more welcoming and remove Confederate names. The base was originally named for Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, known for owning slaves and losing key Civil War battles. The change has been met with both support and opposition, with some veterans seeing it as a step towards inclusivity. The renaming will cost about $6.37 million.

Fort Bragg is transitioning to become Fort Liberty, a change that has sparked various opinions within the military community. Kim Gilley of the Patriot Foundation was initially hesitant due to the cost but was persuaded by a Gold Star mother's testimony. Sgt. Jameson Harris, Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, and Spc. Casey Brumbach from the U.S. Army 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment expressed support for the change, highlighting the value of liberty. Staff Sgt. Larry Barnhill acknowledged resistance but believes people will adapt. The redesignation will occur on Friday morning.

Fort Bragg is transitioning to Fort Liberty, introducing the Sunset Liberty March, a walkway to honor veterans. The path will be guided by a veteran and will feature signs sharing the region's history. LT. Gen. Chris Donahue will lead the first march, and the path will be open 24/7. Veterans like Grilley Mitchell and Commander Jim Morris support the initiative. A permanent construction of the path is planned once funding is allocated, with the Fort Liberty redesignation ceremony scheduled for Friday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Fort Bragg and Fayetteville State University ahead of his commencement speech at the university. Austin, the first African American Secretary of Defense, reflected on his time at Fort Bragg and addressed the renaming of the base to Fort Liberty. He emphasized the importance of service in protecting democracy and highlighted that 30% of FSU students are connected to the military.

Fayetteville is clearing its largest homeless campsite, citing safety and sanitary concerns, and offering resources for housing to the displaced individuals. The city acknowledges that this will not solve homelessness but aims to manage the situation. Local advocates recognize the city's efforts but point out the complexity of homelessness, including mental illness, legal issues, and substance abuse. No timeline is set for clearing additional campsites.

A Cumberland County Schools bus driver is accused of choking and assaulting a 14-year-old student named Jeremy after an exchange on the bus. The incident occurred after Jeremy was picked up from Anne Chesnutt Middle School in Fayetteville. The driver allegedly kicked Jeremy and his sister out of the bus, leaving them in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Jeremy sustained a dislocated shoulder. Parents, including Cassie Brunson and Dajuanda Mitchell, whose children were involved, are demanding action from Cumberland County Schools. The school district has suspended the driver with pay and is cooperating with law enforcement, who are investigating the incident without any charges filed yet.

Evans Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, with a history dating back to 1796, is set to reopen after being displaced for nearly five years due to damage from Hurricane Florence in 2018. The church, which is also the birthplace of Fayetteville State University, was severely damaged but has been restored. The congregation, including members who have worshipped there for generations, is expected to return later this month.

Wilhelmina Myeonway Cooper, a Liberian entrepreneur, overcame the challenges faced by women in her country to start her own business, Myeonway Designs, in 2013. Due to financial constraints, she launched the Monrovia African Pop Up Shop in 2015, a platform for small business owners to sell their products. Despite Liberia's high poverty rate, low female labor force participation, and educational setbacks, Wilhelmina has succeeded in growing her business and supporting other local entrepreneurs. She aspires to expand her enterprise across Africa and is working with Business Start-Up Center Monrovia and SPARK to further her goals. The article also highlights the struggles of shipping products internationally and the lack of online payment options in Liberia.