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.

A lawsuit has been filed against a Georgia corrections officer who was captured on video wrapping a chain around the neck of 37-year-old Tremar Harris, a pre-trial detainee in solitary confinement at the Appling County jail in Brunswick, Georgia.

Fayetteville is considering a youth curfew to address violence, with State Senator Val Applewhite advocating for it, citing safety and accountability. However, experts like Professor Eric See and Dr. Angela Taylor argue that a curfew may not address the root causes of youth crime, which often occur after school or in the early evening. Elizabeth Taber, a local youth, opposes the curfew, fearing it could worsen policing disparities. Alternatives such as creating more safe spaces for youth are suggested.

The family of 8-year-old Jenesis Dockery, who was shot and killed in Cumberland County, is seeking justice. A 12-year-old boy accused of the shooting will remain in custody with the Department of Juvenile Justice following a recent hearing. Jenesis' father, Fon Dockery, supports the decision and calls for public officials to address gun violence with more urgency. Another hearing on September 19 will determine if the accused will stay in custody long-term.

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.

Fayetteville State University (FSU) is offering over 100 scholarships to Cumberland County students through two new summer programs funded by a $580,000 grant from the Cumberland Community Foundation. The programs aim to help students adjust to college life, develop life skills, and ensure they graduate within four years. FSU Chancellor Darrell Allison and CCF President and CEO Mary Holmes emphasize the initiative's role in workforce development and strengthening the local community.

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.

AAA has declared the current day as the worst travel day of the year due to heavy traffic amid the holiday season. Delays are expected around major transit areas, with congestion continuing into the night. Travelers have shared mixed experiences, with some facing significant delays affecting their holiday plans, while others see the traffic as a sign of returning normalcy post-pandemic or an opportunity to save money on travel expenses. AAA projects over 100 million Americans to drive to their holiday destinations, an increase from the previous year.

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.

Sonny Young, a presenter for Voice of America, delivers the most recent sports news and trends. The program also includes a segment where Sonny addresses questions and comments from sports enthusiasts from across Africa and the rest of the globe. This interaction suggests a focus on engaging with a diverse audience and covering sports events and topics that are of interest to an international community.

Liberia's Supreme Court has postponed the presidential run-off election, which was scheduled to occur less than 24 hours from the time of the ruling. The delay is to allow the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to address a complaint by the Liberty Party, which alleged fraud and irregularities in the first round of voting on October 10. The Liberty Party's candidate, Charles Brumskine, who finished third, and other parties, including the Unity Party, have supported the complaint. The NEC has been given 30 days to resolve the issue before a new date for the run-off can be set. The court's decision emphasizes the importance of the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process in Liberia.

Liberia's presidential run-off election has been put on hold by the Supreme Court after a complaint by the Liberty Party, led by Charles Brumskine, who finished third in the first round of voting. The party alleges irregularities and fraud in the October 10 election, including accusations against outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of influencing the election outcome. The National Elections Commission (NEC) has responded to the court, which will hear arguments from both the NEC and the Liberty Party. The run-off, if it proceeds, will be between George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai. Political analyst Lawrence Yealue expresses concern that the legal process might not be well understood by the public and could lead to unrest.

Liberia is approaching a historic democratic transition with the upcoming elections slated for October 10th, marking the potential first peaceful handover of power in many years. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's two terms are concluding, and twenty candidates from 26 parties are vying to succeed her. Key candidates include former Coca Cola executive Alexander Cummings and Vice President Joseph Boakai, with infrastructure as a central campaign issue. The elections feature public debates, a first for the country, and efforts to engage young voters through Hipco music. Despite international praise for Sirleaf's stabilization efforts, her administration faces corruption allegations. The election also highlights a surge in female political participation, with a significant number of women running for office, building on Sirleaf's legacy as Africa's first female president. However, voter frustration is evident due to perceived disconnect between elected officials and constituents, compounded by the country's high poverty rate and a recent public health crisis during the Ebola epidemic.

The article discusses the concerns in Liberia as the U.N. Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) scales down its operations, transferring security control back to the national government. It highlights the potential impact on girls' education and safety, with fears of increased gender-based violence and challenges in accessing schools during the rainy season. The article also touches on the country's political landscape, noting the leadership of Nobel laureate President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and peace activist Leymah Gbowee. Despite some progress, issues like the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the ineffectiveness of laws against sexual violence due to cultural norms remain significant challenges. The U.N.'s efforts in establishing special policing units and supporting local initiatives are mentioned, but concerns persist about the future of gender-based violence prosecution and the effectiveness of the local police in handling such cases post-UNMIL. The article includes insights from various individuals, including government officials, U.N. representatives, and journalists, who provide a multifaceted view of the situation in Liberia.