Good morning. A federal judge dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by the family of Jada Johnson, who was shot and killed by a Fayetteville police officer in 2022 while experiencing a mental health crisis.

U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III ruled that officers did not use excessive force against 22-year-old Johnson, saying they had to make “split-second judgments—in circumstances that [were] tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving.” Read more in today’s lead story.

Also in today’s newsletter: Three new members joined the Fayetteville City Council on Monday, when calls for unity gave way to division during a contentious vote for the board’s second in command. And senior columnist Bill Kirby Jr. writes about how the Singing Christmas Tree is back for a four-day, six-performance run at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church on Westmont Drive in Haymount.

Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Editor for CityView

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit in Fayetteville Police Shooting of Jada Johnson

U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III ruled that officers did not use excessive force when they fatally shot 22-year-old Johnson.

Continue reading.

More from CityView

Credit: City of Fayetteville

Mayor Pro Tem Vote Exposes Divisions in New Fayetteville City Council 

An inauguration ceremony celebrated collaboration, but a divisive vote exposed fault lines that could shape the next two years.

A choir and orchestra perform at a church.
Credit: Snyder Memorial Baptist Church

THE KIRBY FILE: Singing Christmas Tree Brings True Message of the Holiday Season

“We are not singing just words,” says Sue Byrd with Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. “It’s about life itself.”

Events

POTPOURRI GIFT BAG WORKSHOP

  • Where: Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters Branch, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville
  • When: 10 a.m.-noon today
  • What: Join us for a relaxing, creative workshop where you’ll make your own holiday potpourri—a beautiful handmade gift for friends, family, or yourself.

ACUTE OBSERVATIONS ART SHOW

  • Where: Red Springs Artspace, 200 South Main St., Red Springs
  • When: Noon-3 p.m. today
  • What: Red Springs Artspace presents “Acute Observations: Expansive Experimental Works Inspired by Water & Sky” by Janette K. Hopper.

ART 4 ALL: DIY GIFT GIVING

  • Where: Bordeaux Community Library, 3711 Village Drive, Fayetteville
  • When: 4-5 p.m. today
  • What: Design your own wrapping paper and make a winter-themed ornament or piece of jewelry.

Find more events here.

Obituaries

LTC (Ret.) A. Dwayne Aaron

LTC (Ret.) A. Dwayne Aaron, 76, passed away on Tuesday, November 25.

San Jocinto Gutierrez

San Jocinto Gutierrez passed away on Friday, November 8.

Alice Wine

Alice Wine passed away on Saturday, November 29.

Find complete listings here.

Until tomorrow!

🖥️ Cumberland County Solid Waste Management will host a free electronics waste recycling drive from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Ann Street Landfill, 698 Ann St., Fayetteville. Residents can drop off unwanted printers, copiers, laptops, televisions, video game systems, cell phones, personal computers, and servers.