Cary Spotlight | Issue #437

Phone Scam Targeting Wake County Community, Trauma Services Still Limited, Digital NC Driver’s Licenses

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Kristina!

📰 Sheriff’s Office Alerts Public to Phone Scam Targeting Wake County Community

📰 Trauma Services Still Limited as Duke Hospital Works Towards Full Recovery

📰 North Carolina Moves Closer to Offering Digital Driver’s Licenses

🧭 Discover Cary (Restaurant): Abbey Road Tavern & Grill

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: What city is known as the "City of Canals"?

(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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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Kristina!

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Sheriff’s Office Alerts Public to Phone Scam Targeting Wake County Community

Residents of Wake County are being targeted in a phone scam involving a fraudulent caller impersonating a sheriff’s deputy. Using threats and urgency, the scammer demands payments through platforms like PayPal, exploiting trust in law enforcement.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has clarified that it never requests payments over the phone or through mobile apps. Officials urge anyone receiving such a call to remain calm, hang up immediately, and verify the call’s legitimacy by contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly.

The office is actively investigating and asks residents to stay alert to prevent further incidents. Read Full Report

How long have you lived in Cary, NC? (More Options)

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Trauma Services Still Limited as Duke Hospital Works Towards Full Recovery

Duke University Hospital is working to restore normal operations after a burst water pipe on December 26 caused severe flooding, heavily impacting the emergency department. While ambulance traffic remains temporarily diverted, the hospital has reopened its emergency room to walk-in patients, with limited services available. Repairs to key areas, including the trauma center, are ongoing, with full trauma care expected to resume in the coming days. Over the past four days, the hospital has received more than 100 transfer patients from other facilities, and surgical operations have continued without disruption.

With over 200 contractors onsite, the hospital has made rapid progress in restoring its services. The front entrance, waiting room, and 16 emergency department beds are now operational, signaling a move toward full recovery. As one of Durham’s primary centers for 911 patients, Duke University Hospital is coordinating with regional EMS and nearby hospitals in Raleigh and Chapel Hill to manage the temporary rerouting of trauma cases.
Read Full Report 

North Carolina Moves Closer to Offering Digital Driver’s Licenses

North Carolina is advancing plans to offer digital IDs as an optional alternative to physical driver’s licenses. These mobile IDs, accessible through a smartphone app, would provide a secure and flexible way to carry identification. Unlike a simple photo, the digital ID would feature advanced security protocols, including multifactor authentication, ensuring that personal information remains protected even if a device is lost.

The initiative, which has been years in development, mirrors similar programs already launched in other states, where users can present a digital ID for various purposes, such as proving age or interacting with law enforcement. The TSA also recognizes mobile IDs at nearly 30 airports nationwide. In North Carolina, the digital ID would be an optional supplement to physical IDs and is designed to modernize the way residents manage identification.

Lawmakers are expected to authorize a DMV study and finalize plans by early 2025. If successful, North Carolina would join a growing list of states offering digital IDs as a convenient and secure alternative for residents. Read Full Report

Just curious…

If North Carolina introduced digital IDs, would you use one?

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Credit: Abbey Road Tavern & Grill

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill is one of the local restaurants nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you’ve experienced the food and service at Abbey Road Tavern & Grill firsthand, we’d love to hear your recommendations.

Learn more about the their menu on their website.

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill

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🚀 Cary Business Owners: Let’s Share Your Story! 🎙️

Hi, I’m Chris Coetzer, founder of Cary Spotlight—your go-to hyperlocal newsletter and podcast showcasing the incredible businesses and charities that make Cary special.

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Join me on the Cary Spotlight Connect Podcast for FREE:
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Spots for 2025 are limited, so don’t wait! Click the button below to secure your spot and put your business in the spotlight. 💡

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. Most events are closed for the holidays.

January 2nd (Thursday)

January 3rd (Friday)

January 4th (Saturday)

January 5th (Sunday)

January 6th (Monday)

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

Venice, located in northeastern Italy, is famously known as the "City of Canals." Built on a network of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges, Venice relies on its iconic canals for transportation. The city is renowned for its romantic gondola rides, historic architecture, and landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Grand Canal. Its unique charm and cultural heritage make it one of the most visited cities in the world.

For more information, visit Venice's official tourism website.