Cary Spotlight | Issue #410

Firearm Found on Campus, Pearl Jam Returns to Raleigh, NC Courage’s Future

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

📰 Wake County Student to Face Charges After Firearm Found on Campus

📰 Pearl Jam Returns to Raleigh for Two Shows in 2025

📰 NC Courage’s Future: Steve Malik Eyes New Opportunities

📢 Serendipity Gourmet Deli Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: What country is home to the Great Victoria Desert?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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Meme of the Day.
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Wake County Student to Face Charges After Firearm Found on Campus

River Oaks Middle School in Wake County went into lockdown Thursday morning after a report surfaced that a student might have brought a weapon onto campus. Law enforcement and school officials acted quickly, conducting a comprehensive search of the school with the help of a K-9 unit. An unloaded handgun was discovered in the multipurpose gym.

The lockdown, initiated at 9:45 a.m., lasted until 12:55 p.m., when the school resumed normal activities after authorities confirmed the campus was secure. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office announced that charges would be filed against a juvenile student, though details about disciplinary measures were not disclosed. State law dictates a 365-day suspension for any student found in possession of a firearm at school.

The school and law enforcement have emphasized the critical role of vigilance in ensuring safety, urging students to report any concerning behavior or threats to trusted authorities or through an anonymous tip line. Read Full Report

Pearl Jam Returns to Raleigh for Two Shows in 2025

Pearl Jam is making a highly anticipated return to Raleigh in 2025 with two shows at the Lenovo Center on May 11 and 13 as part of their "Dark Matter U.S. Tour." Known for their influential hits from the 1990s, such as "Black" and "Even Flow," the band has released 12 albums, including their latest, Dark Matter.

The announcement comes nearly two decades after their last Raleigh performance at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in 2003. Pearl Jam’s history with North Carolina includes a memorable stand in 2016, when they canceled a concert in Raleigh in opposition to the state’s House Bill 2.

Fans hoping to attend can register for presale access through December 10. The presale opens on December 13 and allows fans to select up to five tour dates during registration.

With their return to Raleigh, Pearl Jam continues to solidify their place as one of rock’s most enduring and influential bands, captivating both loyal followers and a new generation of fans. Read Full Report 

NC Courage’s Future: Steve Malik Eyes New Opportunities

Steve Malik, owner of the NC Courage, is looking ahead after a proposed deal to sell majority control of the team to Marc Lasry, former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, was halted due to NWSL restrictions on private equity ownership. Malik remains encouraged by significant interest from other investors, a reflection of the league's rapid growth and rising standards for player salaries, facilities, and competition.

Having relocated the franchise to North Carolina in 2016, Malik has played a key role in advancing women’s soccer, including a historic collective bargaining agreement. However, WakeMed Soccer Park’s below-average capacity has fueled Malik’s aspirations for a new soccer and entertainment complex in Raleigh, which he sees as integral to the team’s future and the community’s revitalization.

These efforts are tied to broader plans for a downtown Raleigh development project centered on a stadium. While the pandemic delayed the initiative, Malik continues to work with public officials to make the vision a reality, aiming to position the Courage as a cornerstone of the region’s growth and innovation. Read Full Report

How do you feel about the potential move of the NC Courage to Raleigh?

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Credit: Serendipity Gourmet

Serendipity Gourmet Deli Review

Serendipity Gourmet Deli is one of the eateries that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. Here are the results from our last reader poll (see below).

Check out their menu on their website: Serendipity Gourmet Deli

Reader Poll Results (Issue # 327)

Serendipity Gourmet Deli Review (8 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (5)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (3)


Cary Spotlight Readers’ Feedback:

“For decades! Garden Pocket’s tahini 💕

“Love their veggie pita! Delicious!”

Serendipity Gourmet Deli

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Age Is Just a Number

It is concerning to see that there are many people that are waking up feeling tired, experiencing stiffness, and feeling the need for more support in staying healthy. Take the Thrive Wellness Blueprint Quiz.

Get recommendations designed to support your overall well-being.

Click here to take the quiz

Meet Diane Friedman, a 100-year-old powerhouse from Cleveland, Ohio, who’s showing the world that age is just a number!

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

December 6th (Friday)

December 7th (Saturday)

December 8th (Sunday)

December 9th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

Australia is home to the Great Victoria Desert, the largest desert in the country, covering an area of approximately 348,750 square kilometers (134,650 square miles). Stretching across Western Australia and South Australia, this arid region features sand dunes, salt lakes, and sparse vegetation. Despite its harsh environment, the Great Victoria Desert is home to unique wildlife and has significant cultural importance to Indigenous Australian communities.