🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Celebrate the Season with Cary’s Annual Tree Lighting
• 📰 News: Wake County Sees Highest-Ever Need for Salvation Army Gift Drive
• 📰 News: New NC Laws Now in Effect
• 📰 News: North Carolina Requires All Adults to Report Child Abuse
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Show your support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here
Question: Who was "The Wizard of Menlo Park"?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
Celebrate the Season with Cary’s Annual Tree Lighting
The Town of Cary is hosting its annual Tree Lighting Celebration on December 6 at Downtown Cary Park. This free, family-friendly event runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and features holiday-themed activities and entertainment. The official tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m.
Free public transportation via GoCary buses and multiple parking options make access to the park easy. The event is open to all, with accessibility services available upon request.
Road closures are planned along Academy Street between Park Street and Dry Avenue from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream will be provided.
The celebration marks the beginning of the town’s holiday season and is expected to draw families and visitors from across the area.
Are you going to Cary’s Tree Lighting Celebration on Dec 6?
Wake County Sees Highest-Ever Need for Salvation Army Gift Drive
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is facing unprecedented demand in Wake County, with over 8,000 children signed up to receive holiday gifts this year. That figure represents a 1,000-child increase from 2022, reflecting ongoing economic hardships for many families in the area.
Volunteers are actively sorting donations, including toys and clothing, to prepare for distribution. The program aims to give children a joyful holiday experience, even as their families struggle to meet basic needs.
The organization is urging community members who adopted angels to return their gifts as soon as possible. Additional donations are still needed to meet the growing demand and ensure every child is served.
Community involvement remains strong, with many donors and volunteers motivated by a shared desire to support neighbors in need during the holiday season. Read full report
New NC Laws Now in Effect
North Carolina enacted a series of new laws on Monday that impact public safety and criminal justice.
Senate Bill 391 mandates that drivers with tinted windows must roll down the appropriate window when stopped by law enforcement to improve officer visibility and safety.
House Bill 193 allows individuals to carry firearms in private schools if they meet specific requirements, including administrator approval, a concealed carry permit, and completion of training. Supporters argue this increases security, while critics warn of potential risks.
House Bill 307, known as Iryna’s Law, is aimed at deterring violent crime by allowing longer jail holds and expediting capital punishment. The legislation was introduced in response to a high-profile stabbing in Charlotte. While its sponsors view it as a crime-fighting tool, county officials have raised concerns about the strain on jail capacity and staffing.
These new measures reflect broader debates across the state on balancing safety, justice, and resource management in law enforcement and education.
North Carolina Requires All Adults to Report Child Abuse
North Carolina mandates that every adult report suspected child abuse, with legal statutes reinforcing this responsibility. Reports must go to both local law enforcement and DSS in the child's county of residence. Resources such as Child Advocacy Centers are available statewide for further support.
The state defines abuse broadly, encompassing physical injury, emotional harm, sexual exploitation, and neglect. Abuse may involve actions or omissions by a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker. Certain age groups are at higher risk for specific forms of maltreatment, and contributing factors such as poverty or household violence can raise the risk.
To comply with the law, individuals who suspect abuse must take action promptly. If a child is in immediate danger, 911 should be called. In other situations, both the sheriff’s office and DSS must be contacted directly. The law is clear: inaction is not an option.
Before reading this, were you aware that all adults in North Carolina are legally required to report suspected child abuse?
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.
🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary.
Buy Cary Spotlight coffee. Every contribution helps us highlight more local restaurants, small businesses, and nonprofits making a difference. Help us keep this resource free.
🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:
• Thursday: Town Council Meeting (Regular) 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Legacy of Jazz: My Favorite Things III 7:30PM-9PM
• Friday: Photos with Santa Comes to Western Cary! 4PM-8PM
• Friday: Bitters Tasting: Every Guest, Every Glass 6:30PM-8PM
• Friday: Peter Rabbit Christmas 7:30PM-8:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Arthritis Foundation: Jingle Bell Run 5K 9AM-2PM
• Saturday: Tree Lighting Celebration 9AM-8PM
To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Thomas Edison
He earned the nickname “The Wizard of Menlo Park” for the constant stream of inventions produced at his Menlo Park, New Jersey laboratory — including the phonograph and major improvements to the electric light bulb.