Good morning. Former Godwin town board candidate Dennis Smith Sr. won another chance to persuade election officials to cancel the town’s November election results and hold a new contest.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted unanimously to revive Smith’s protest of the municipal election after the Cumberland County Board of Elections rejected his claim. The state board directed the county board to consider new evidence that Smith said he did not have during the initial hearing. Read more in today’s lead story.
Welcome to CityView Today. This week, we’ve asked our staff to highlight a few of their best stories from the year—required reading for 2026 or reporting they were just really proud of.
Hi everyone—I’m Rachel Heimann Mercader, CityView’s government reporter. I write how local elected leaders’ decisions shape the lives of residents, from city budgets and development to public transparency and accountability.
public transparency and accountability.
One of my favorite stories of 2025 uncovered little-known Fayetteville City Council meetings that have taken place ahead of regularly scheduled meetings, out of view and off the radar for most residents. The story shows why transparency matters—and the public’s response showed just how hungry readers are for this kind of reporting.
I also highlighted Fayetteville’s contract for the Hay Street parking deck. I got a tip that City Council members received a draft of the contract before the public hearing. This story mattered because it allowed residents to speak up and stay informed about a major downtown project.
I also wrote about how some Fayetteville City Council members and local activists urged the city manager to more closely monitor the communications department after a spokesperson released incorrect information to the media. My story untangled a complicated communications breakdown and held local officials accountable.
Thanks for reading,
Rachel Heimann Mercader
Government Reporter
Dennis Smith Sr. Continues Fight to Overturn Godwin Town Board Election Results
The State Board of Elections says Smith can bring new evidence to try to prove that the town clerk’s electioneering while on duty could have affected the outcome.
More from CityView
In Hidden Upstairs Room, Fayetteville City Council Conducts Business Away from Public Eye
Fayetteville’s city council holds dinner meetings before public sessions, discussing major issues without livestreams or agendas—raising concerns about transparency, access, and accountability.
Fayetteville leaders to discuss contract for long-awaited tower on Hay Street parking deck
A Florida developer proposed a 12-story apartment and hotel project downtown.
Council and Activists Press City Manager After Spokesperson’s Botched Press Release
They said the city manager must take action after a city spokesperson released inaccurate information.
Events
SHAG LESSONS
- Where: Kings Grant Golf Club House, 347 Shawcroft Road, Fayetteville
- When: 6:45-8 p.m. today
- What: Learn to shag dance! Join us on Monday evenings for fun, music, and lots of smiles!
NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
- Where: Koka Booth Ampitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
- When: 6 p.m. today
- What: Experience the magic of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival!
TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 30
- What: A Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics with very slow controlled movements taught by Rich Martin.
Obituaries
Vicki Jane ((Baker)) Cooper
Vicki Jane Cooper, 73 of Fayetteville, NC passed away suddenly on Friday December 26, 2025 […]
William (Bill) Grayston Spires
William (Bill) Grayston Spires passed away December 24, 2025 at the VA Hospice. Bill, also […]
Javier Evyian Gomez
We are heartbroken to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Javier Gómez at the […]
Until tomorrow!
🌟 I moved to Fayetteville in October with my husband and our 15‑month‑old, and I’m still getting to know the rhythms of the city and the people who make it feel like home. I’ve been exploring new neighborhoods and parks, usually with a stroller in tow. It’s been a fun challenge learning the community while covering it, and every week brings a new corner of Fayetteville I didn’t know before. Thanks for welcoming me so warmly—and for reading CityView. Your engagement is what makes accountability journalism matter.
~ Rachel Heimann Mercader
