🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: 600 Editions of Cary Spotlight
• 📰 Scrollback: NC Hospitals Forgive Billions in Medical Debt
• 📰 Scrollback: Home Buying Pitfalls (Part 1)
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🏪 Support Local: Small biz to check out and coffee booster
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.

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Question: What is the most popular tourist attraction in the world?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

600 Editions of Cary Spotlight: A Daily Dose of Connection, Community, and Impact

What started as a simple idea, to inform and inspire Cary residents, has now blossomed into 600 editions of stories that celebrate the heart and soul of our town. For the past 600 days, Cary Spotlight has delivered a daily dose of hyperlocal connection—showcasing small businesses, spotlighting local changemakers, and helping neighbors feel more rooted in the place we all call home.

Stories That Build Belonging

From the savory bites at Zest to the handcrafted elegance of Farha Syed Design, we've celebrated the businesses that give Cary its unique flavor. We've shared the mission behind Mama Edna’s Thrift Shop and the Tobacco Road Marathon , explored the entrepreneurial spirit at ScentsXchange and Lapels Cleaners, and uncovered weekend favorites like Enrigo Italian Bistro and Taipei 101.

We’ve gone beyond storefronts too: spotlighting nonprofit heroes like Dorcas Ministries and Kids Together, and guiding readers through meaningful causes and seasonal events that bring our community together.

Not Just News—A Voice for Our Community

Cary Spotlight has also served as a watchful eye on the issues that shape our lives—from development debates and park access disputes to regional flooding and the ripple effects on local families. We've covered Cary's growth with nuance and clarity, amplifying resident voices and helping our readers understand what’s at stake.

More Ways to Connect: The Launch of Our Podcast

This year brought a bold new chapter: Cary Spotlight Connect, a podcast that dives deeper into the stories shaping our town. With candid interviews from business owners and nonprofit leaders, we’ve expanded the way you engage with local voices—bringing their insight, passion, and behind-the-scenes stories straight to your ears.

It’s Always Been About You

Behind every feature, every calendar event, and every daily edition is one guiding belief: local matters. Cary Spotlight exists because of your curiosity, your loyalty, and your love for this town. Whether you’re new to Cary or a longtime reader, thank you for inviting us into your inbox each day.

Here’s to the next 600—and to a community that keeps shining.

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

NC Hospitals Forgive Billions in Medical Debt

North Carolina’s medical debt relief initiative, launched in July 2024, is now entering its critical implementation phase. The program aims to use federal Medicaid funding to relieve $4 billion in medical debt for approximately 2 million residents. It targets individuals on Medicaid and others earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level, offering automatic charity care and income-based discounts.

As of January 1, 2025, hospitals that opted in began offering automatic financial aid to qualifying individuals. By March 1, they partnered with nonprofits like Undue Medical Debt to structure full implementation. The biggest changes come July 1, 2025, when aggressive debt collection will be curbed, credit scores will be protected, and debts will be forgiven for Medicaid enrollees.

The plan is transformative: no need for state law changes, no burden on patients, and a shift away from medical debt as a tool of punishment. North Carolina may be offering a blueprint for the rest of the country.

For more information visit: NC Medical Debt

Home Buying Pitfalls (Part 1): What Many First-Time Buyers Miss

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest investments—and while it's easy to get swept up by curb appeal or the size of the kitchen, some of the most important details are the ones that don’t make the listing photos.

Here’s Part 1 of the top things homebuyers often overlook:

• Natural Light: Consider how light shifts throughout the year. A sunny room in summer may turn dim in winter—especially if there’s no overhead lighting and the ceilings are textured.

• Basement Condition: A newly finished or painted basement might be hiding water damage. Ask questions and check for signs of moisture.

• Flood Zones and Modifications: Confirm whether the home is in a flood zone. Ask if modifications were properly permitted and inspected, and find out the age of the roof. Look into any easements and request recent property surveys and sewer/septic system inspections.

• Noise Levels: Visit at different times—morning, afternoon, and evening—to get a true sense of neighborhood and traffic noise.

• Closet Space: Don’t underestimate storage. Lack of a coat closet, small pantries, or limited bedroom storage can affect how comfortably you live in the space.

• Tree Roots: Mature trees add charm but can bring hidden risks. Roots may damage sewer lines, leading to costly repairs—sometimes $10,000 to $20,000 or more.

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

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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Today: The Music of Jimmy Buffett & More 8PM
• Sunday: Art Cart: Father’s Day 10AM-1PM
• Monday: Pollinator Week Bioblitz 9AM-8PM
• Monday: Summer BreakOUT! 2PM-8:30PM

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