In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Debra!

📰 Cyberattack Hits Wake County Schools

📰 Deadly Truck Crash in Wake County Leads to Second-Degree Murder Charge

📰 Bill Belichick Delivers a Surprise to UNC Frats

🧭 Why Can’t We See Underwater, But Fish Can?

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who was the first African American to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice?

(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

You can read their Business Spotlight | Order Online | Catering Service

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Farha Syed Design: Your Remodeling Partner

Transform your home with Farha Syed Design’s signature "Designer By Your Side" service. Get expert guidance and hands-on support through every step of your remodeling project—ensuring your vision comes to life with style and ease.

Don’t miss this spotlight on a local business redefining home design in Cary!
Read it here.

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?

You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Debra!

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Cyberattack Hits Wake County Schools

PowerSchool is reaching out to Wake County students and educators whose personal information was compromised in a December 2024 cybersecurity breach. The breach, which affected PowerSchool’s nationwide information system, exposed names, addresses, contact details, and, in the case of school staff, Social Security numbers. Fortunately, student Social Security numbers were not included in the leaked data.

To assist those impacted, PowerSchool is providing free identity protection and credit monitoring services through Experian. Affected individuals will receive emails with enrollment instructions, and a dedicated call center has been set up to address concerns. Wake County Public Schools advises anyone affected to visit PowerSchool’s website for more details.

The breach underscores growing cybersecurity threats in the education sector, raising concerns about data protection and digital security in schools.

Learn more here

A recent cybersecurity breach in PowerSchool’s system exposed student and teacher information in Wake County and beyond. As schools increasingly rely on digital platforms, we want to hear from you!

Deadly Truck Crash in Wake County Leads to Second-Degree Murder Charge

A grand jury in Wake County has indicted Victor Eldred, a dump truck driver, for second-degree murder in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on May 7, 2024. Eldred was originally charged with several misdemeanors after his truck veered off Mial Plantation Road, crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck a tanker truck, killing its driver, Scott Painter.

In the days following the crash, authorities suggested Eldred might have been under the influence. His case evolved over several months, with an initial indictment for involuntary manslaughter in June. This week, a grand jury determined the circumstances warranted a second-degree murder charge, a more serious felony offense.

Eldred is currently being held at the Wake County Detention Center with a $5.4 million secured bond. His case raises broader concerns about commercial vehicle safety and the legal consequences of impaired or reckless driving. Read Full Article

Bill Belichick Delivers a Surprise to UNC Frats

Bill Belichick, one of the most decorated coaches in NFL history, is taking a unique approach to his new role as the head coach of the University of North Carolina football team—by delivering pizza to fraternities.

Ahead of the Tar Heels’ much-anticipated basketball game against Duke, UNC’s football operations team coordinated a pizza giveaway on behalf of Belichick, a move that underscores his efforts to embrace college culture. The Hall of Fame-bound coach, who once pledged Chi Psi at Wesleyan University, is tapping into Greek life to connect with students.

His arrival in Chapel Hill was one of the most unexpected coaching moves in recent memory. Following a disappointing 6-7 season, UNC parted ways with Mack Brown, leaving a high-profile vacancy few expected Belichick to fill. While many assumed the 72-year-old would return to the NFL, he instead took the reins in college football, a decision that sent shockwaves through the sport.

Though Belichick has long been known for his no-nonsense approach, his willingness to engage with students through simple gestures like a pizza giveaway suggests he’s ready to adapt to a new chapter. Whether this unconventional strategy translates to success on the field remains to be seen, but for now, he’s ensuring that at least one group of Tar Heel fans is well-fed before tipoff. Read Full Story

Why Can’t We See Underwater, But Fish Can?

Have you ever wondered why everything looks blurry when you open your eyes underwater, but fish see just fine? Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down the fascinating science of vision, light bending, and why fish have an evolutionary advantage beneath the waves.

👉 Discover:
✅ How our eyes work in air vs. water
✅ Why goggles make everything clear
✅ The secret behind fish’s super-powered vision
✅ What diamonds and underwater sight have in common

📺 Watch now and see the world through a fish’s eyes!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQlhHh7kzQ4

Just curious…

They covered some mind-blowing science about why humans struggle to see underwater while fish have no problem at all! Now, we want to know—what part of this explainer video did you find most interesting?

🚀 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.

Our daily email reaches over 5,700 engaged readers who trust us for local recommendations—and now, I want to feature YOU!

Join me on the Cary Spotlight Connect Podcast for FREE:
✅ Share your business story.
✅ Answer your top 3 FAQs.
✅ Connect with Cary residents who are eager to support local businesses like yours.

Spots for 2025 are limited, so don’t wait! Click the button below to secure your spot and put your business in the spotlight. 💡

🎁Click to See the
three hot gift deals of the week🎁

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.

February 1st (Saturday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• Celebrating Creatives Through Art 9:30AM-12PM

• Cary Players presents The Trip to Bountiful 3PM-5:15PM

• GLOW | Under the Silver Moon Parade 6PM-7:30PM

• Cary Players presents The Trip to Bountiful 7:30PM-9:45PM

• Food Truck: Saffron on Wheels 4PM-9PM

• Food Truck: Tombachi Restaurants 4PM-9PM

• Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM

• Yoga 8AM-9AM

February 2nd (Sunday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• Sweet Delilah Swim Club: Option 1 10:15AM-5:30PM

• Cary Players presents The Trip to Bountiful 3PM-5:15PM

February 3rd (Monday)

• GLOW (All Day)

• Cary Players presents The Trip to Bountiful 7:30PM-9:45PM

• Stretch and Refresh 10AM-11AM