Fayetteville Daily Local Headlines: Crash probe, Fayetteville Liberty debut, library festival

Top headlines

Wrong-way crash on All American Freeway leaves 1 dead, others hospitalized

Fayetteville police are investigating a late-night head-on collision that happened around 10:44 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, on the All American Freeway between Cliffdale Road and Morganton Road, headed toward Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty. Investigators say a Mercedes-Benz was traveling the wrong direction, with headlights off at times, before colliding with a Volvo XC90.

A passenger in the Mercedes, 31-year-old Nealon Alan McNair, died at the scene. The Mercedes driver, 32-year-old Joelle Danielle Sage Outlaw, was taken to the hospital in critical condition; police said charges are expected once she is released. The Volvo’s driver and passenger were hospitalized with serious injuries, and police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.

New pro basketball team, the Fayetteville Liberty, sets inaugural game for March 6

A new professional basketball team is launching in Fayetteville with a stated focus on community outreach and connections to the region’s military population. Organizers say the team name and identity reflect the post-renaming era of Fort Liberty and are meant to tie service and civic pride to game nights.

The Liberty’s first game is scheduled for Friday, March 6, at the Crown Complex against the Raleigh Firebirds. Team leaders say early outreach has already included scholarships, youth camps, and school support as the franchise builds its first season.

Library Storytelling Festival returns March 1–31 with ‘Enchanted Gardens’ theme

Cumberland County Public Library announced its 17th annual Storytelling Festival will run from March 1 through March 31, with free programs designed mainly for kids up to age 12, plus some all-ages events. This year’s theme, ‘Enchanted Gardens,’ highlights stories and activities across multiple library locations.

Among the scheduled programs are puppet performances in early March at several branches, including Cliffdale, West, North, Spring Lake, and Hope Mills.

Volunteer litter cleanup planned for March 7 in Fayetteville

Cumberland County Solid Waste Management is organizing a litter pickup on Saturday, March 7, starting at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at 575 Assembly Court. Organizers say registered participants will receive cleanup supplies and safety gear, and county crews will haul away filled bags.

Sources

https://www.wral.com/news/local/person-killed-all-american-freeway-fayetteville-feb-2026/
https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/entertainment/12121-fayetteville-liberty-launches-service-community-opportunity
https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-information-group/public-information/news-releases/news-release-full-story/2026/02/26/public-library-to-host-17th-annual-storytelling-festival-march-1—31-2026
https://foxy99.com/2026/02/24/cumberland-county-to-host-litter-cleanup-event-march-7-in-fayetteville/