

🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: NCDMV Cuts Appointment Window to One Week
• 📰 News: Mixed-Gender $1M Tournament Added to TST in Cary
• 📰 News: Two Arrested in Wake County Mail Fraud Investigation
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Make your gift
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
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Question: Metathesiophobia is the irrational fear of what?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
Support Local Hunger Relief Programs
Got gently used furniture, tools, or kitchen gadgets? Instead of tossing them out, donate them to the Mama Edna Project and turn your pre-loved goods into meals for neighbors in need. Want to shop instead? Every purchase supports local hunger relief programs.
Mama Edna’s Thrift Shop
📍 1393 Maynard Rd SE Cary, NC 27511 | ☎ 919- 649-0678
🌐 The Mama Edna Project | Facebook Page
Learn more: Give the Gift of Food Security
If you have questions email: [email protected]

NCDMV Cuts Appointment Window to One Week
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has implemented a new policy limiting online appointment scheduling to just one week in advance. This shift from the previous three-month booking window aims to help the agency respond more quickly to demand changes and better distribute customer flow across service centers. Despite the shorter scheduling period, the number of appointments available each day remains the same, with over 3,000 statewide.
The DMV emphasized that while appointments are helpful, they are not mandatory. More appointment slots are now accessible as the scheduling system adapts, and walk-ins continue to be welcomed at all offices. Officials note that service delivery has improved significantly over the past year, though further improvements are still underway.
In addition to changes in scheduling, the NCDMV announced a statewide shift in operating hours for 90 offices. These locations will now open at 8 a.m., an hour later than before, following the end of temporary grant funding tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These adjustments reflect the DMV’s ongoing focus on enhancing the customer experience while managing resources more effectively. Read Full Report
Just curious…
How do you feel about the NCDMV limiting online appointments to just one week in advance?
Mixed-Gender $1M Tournament Added to TST in Cary
The Soccer Tournament returns to Cary with a groundbreaking addition: a mixed-gender competition that puts men and women on the same teams, competing for a $1 million prize. The new event joins the existing men’s and women’s tournaments, creating a trio of $1 million contests. Organizers hope this innovative approach will increase ticket sales and further position the tournament as a major national attraction.
The mixed format features alternating gendered quarters and a final Target Score period that intensifies gameplay by progressively reducing team size. Hope Solo and Wrexham Red Dragons headline the new event, bringing additional attention and credibility.
Beyond the professional matches, the Cary Cup youth tournament will provide opportunities for local participation, and TST will continue to offer fans a festival-style experience with food, entertainment, and multiple simultaneous matches.
The tournament is scheduled from May 27 to June 1 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Last year’s record attendance and significant economic impact reflect the event’s growing influence in Cary and beyond. Read Full Report
Two Arrested in Wake County Mail Fraud Investigation
Wake County deputies have arrested two suspects linked to a multi-month mail fraud scheme involving stolen and altered checks. The investigation began last fall following reports from residents whose mailed checks had been tampered with and rerouted to unknown accounts.
A December tip from the Pitt County Sheriff's Office helped move the case forward when investigators there found evidence connected to the Wake County crimes. This led to the arrest of 23-year-old Deniya Dickens and 21-year-old Tahagi Brown. Dickens faces a total of 18 charges, including forgery, conspiracy, and attempted fraud. Brown has been charged with felony conspiracy.
Authorities believe there may be more victims and stressed the importance of reporting suspicious financial activity. The case is ongoing, and no additional details have been released at this time. Read Full Report
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.

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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: Learn to Square Dance (No Charge!) 7PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Friday: Cooking Demo: SoulFULL Celebrations 6PM-8PM
• Friday: Meet the Artist: Sid Thakur 6PM-8PM
• Friday: Cary Apex Piano Teachers Association present 7PM-8:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Gold Medal Games 1PM-5PM
But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: change or making changes in one's life
Metathesiophobia is the intense, irrational, and persistent fear of change or making changes in one's life. Stemming from a desire for consistency, it causes severe anxiety regarding new situations, routines, or the unknown future. This phobia can hinder personal growth and cause individuals to stay in comfortable, familiar, or unfulfilling situations.
Learn more about Why Do We Fear Change

