🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Simmer Coffee House
• 📰 News: Major Parking Changes at RDU
• 📰 Scrollback: Education Lottery Falling Short of Promises
• 📰 Scrollback: Remembering the Greatest Generation
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Some stories are worth revisiting: Thank You For Your Gift
• 📅 Events: Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
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Question: The Cherokee rose is the state flower of which U.S. state?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
The Featured Event
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Simmer Coffee House
Simmer Coffee House 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.
Simmer Coffee House in Cary is a neighborhood coffee shop in Amberly Village serving locally roasted coffee, signature matcha drinks, handcrafted toasts, and pastries from nearby bakeries in a warm, welcoming space where comfort meets craft.
Check out their menu on their website: Simmer Coffee House
Address: 726 Slash Pine Dr, Cary, NC 27519 | Get Directions
Simmer Coffee House
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.
Major Parking Changes at RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has permanently closed Park Economy Lot 4 to public use, transitioning it into an employee-only lot. The change is part of a larger effort to revamp RDU’s parking infrastructure.
To accommodate passenger demand, the airport is expanding Economy Lot 3. This project, which will roll out in phases through 2026, includes 7,000 new parking spots along with enhanced features such as solar panels, EV chargers, and a Customer Amenity Building. Importantly, Economy Lot 3 will remain open throughout the construction.
Travelers are still able to use the Premier, Central, Express, and Economy 3 lots, but should book online in advance to secure a space, particularly near Terminal 2. All RDU parking facilities now operate on a cashless payment system.
Airport officials also recommend alternate routes to reduce delays caused by construction, directing drivers to approach Economy Lot 3 via I-540 and Aviation Parkway.
Travelers can book a RDU parking space online
Just curious…
How do you usually get to RDU for your travels?
We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…
Education Lottery Falling Short of Promises
A Cary Spotlight poll found that more than 94 percent of respondents feel the North Carolina Education Lottery is not adequately supporting public education. Just one person believed it was doing what it could under current market conditions, while the rest were either unsure or unaware of the funding decline.
The sharp criticism follows new audit findings showing that only 16 percent of lottery revenue went to education in FY2025, compared to 35 percent when the lottery was established. Despite increased ticket sales, the amount directed to schools decreased by almost $20 million due to changes in how the funds are distributed, particularly higher prize payouts and digital game expansion.
Compounding the issue, the state legislature removed a requirement that a fixed percentage of lottery funds be allocated to education. Readers reacted strongly, with many describing the situation as misleading and calling for stronger commitments to school funding.
The results reflect deep dissatisfaction with the current state of education funding and skepticism about the lottery's branding and legislative oversight.
📊 Poll Results:
❌ 94.37% said:
"No — Schools should receive a larger share of lottery proceeds."🤷 2.82% were unsure and said they needed more information.
😮 1.41% didn’t realize the share for schools had decreased.
✅ 1.41% felt the lottery was doing what it could given market changes.
🗣️ Representative Reader Comments:
“Promoting this as ‘the NC education lottery’ is flagrantly untrue and a bait and switch scam.”
“Let’s become the Education State again!”
“Education Lottery is a misnomer... too many stipulations on how money is spent.”
“The ads which promote the lottery funds going to education are deceiving!.”
“They could eliminate their annoying radio ads - folks that buy lotto don’t need encouragement to do so.”
Remembering the Greatest Generation
The World War II Generation, often called the Greatest Generation, refers to Americans born roughly between 1901 and 1927. This cohort came of age during the Great Depression and went on to serve in World War II, both on the front lines and the home front. Their experiences during these turbulent years shaped a national identity rooted in sacrifice, resilience, and a deep sense of civic duty.
Members of this generation faced economic hardship early in life, developing a strong work ethic and a commitment to community. As global conflict emerged, millions enlisted in the military while others contributed through manufacturing, farming, and volunteer efforts that supported the war. Their collective action was central to the Allied victory and the stability that followed.
After the war, the Greatest Generation played a key role in rebuilding the economy and laying the groundwork for American prosperity in the second half of the 20th century. They fueled suburban growth, expanded the middle class, and helped create the infrastructure of modern life.
Their values, including discipline, patriotism, and service, left a lasting legacy on American society. Journalist Tom Brokaw popularized the term “Greatest Generation,” recognizing their contributions as foundational to the nation's modern history.
What generation are You?
Meme of the Day.
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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:
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Yoga 9AM-10AM
• Sunday: NC Chinese Lantern Festival 6PM
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