🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🎨 Discover Cary: Pro's Epicurean Market & Café Reviews
• 📰 News: Wake County Schools Enforce Stricter Cellphone Policy
• 📰 News: North Carolina Prepares for AI-Driven Future
• 😄 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.

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Question: Which European city is known as the "Eternal City"?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Pro's Epicurean Market & Café Reviews

Pro's Epicurean Market & Café is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight's readers for our Discover Cary project. If you've had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Pro's Epicurean Market & Café is a casual and eclectic restaurant with a European atmosphere that serves exceptional authentic Italian and French cuisine using the finest quality ingredients cooked with proper techniques and care.

Check out their menu on their website: Pro's Epicurean Market & Café

Address: 211 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Pro's Epicurean (24 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (15)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 Never been there but I might give it a try (9)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:

“We LOVE going to Pro's. Karen and Rick are warm and welcoming, the staff is friendly. They offer signature cocktails, sandwiches and a variety of entrees. Some of our favorites, Lamb Chops, Porchetta, and the Mussels. Seating inside, at the bar, or outside. ”

“Pros is a supporter of local artists.” “The absolute best restaurant in Cary. Atmosphere is wonderful, food is excellent, service is exemplary.”

“Food and service excellent! Inside tight and loud; courtyard on a nice day or night magical!”

“Karen and the staff are great. Service is personal and excellent. Food is my favorite in Cary. Try the Sausage Pie, Lamb Chops or Tortellini...Enjoy!”

Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

Wake County Schools Enforce Stricter Cellphone Policy

The Wake County Public School System has introduced a stricter cellphone policy this school year, requiring students to keep phones silenced and put away during class. The goal is to limit distractions and encourage student engagement during instructional time.

At Green Hope High School, students are expected to place their phones in labeled caddies at the start of class. Teachers have found this system effective not only for reducing distractions but also for routine tasks like taking attendance. The policy is not new at Green Hope but has become more standardized and enforced district-wide.

Students report feeling more focused during the school day, with fewer interruptions from notifications and social media. While some attempted to bypass the system using phone cases or decoys, such efforts have diminished as the school community adjusted to the new rules.

Enforcement has become more consistent across classrooms, helping to build a culture where the majority of students comply. School staff say that while logistical questions arose initially, the benefits to student learning have made the policy widely accepted. Read Full Story

North Carolina Prepares for AI-Driven Future

Governor Josh Stein has signed Executive Order 24 to advance North Carolina’s role in artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance. The order establishes an AI Leadership Council, an AI Accelerator, and agency-level oversight teams to coordinate and manage AI initiatives across the state.

The AI Leadership Council will advise on policy and strategy, while the AI Accelerator will function as a central node for research, development, and public education. Each state agency will also set up its own AI Oversight Team to ensure AI tools are responsibly implemented.

With the state already attracting significant AI investment from companies like Amazon and FUJIFILM, the new measures aim to ensure proactive management of industry shifts, including increased energy demands and workforce transformation. The order also includes plans for public-facing AI literacy and fraud prevention training to prepare residents for the evolving technological landscape.

These steps align with the state’s broader goal to harness AI for improved government services, economic development, and public benefit, while maintaining strict standards for data privacy and security. Read The Order

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.

🎟️ 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:

• Today: Live at Lunch: Kyle Mullins 11:30AM-1:30PM
• Today: Yonder Mountain String Band Summer Tour 5:30PM
• Friday: Bands, Bites, & Boats 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Friday: Movie Night: Inside Out 2 6PM-10PM
• Friday: Salsa Lesson with Norberto “Betto” Herrera 6:30PM-8PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Saturday: Grown Folk Funk & Classic R&B Concert 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Saturday: NC Courage v Utah Royals (Home Game) 7:30PM

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