In partnership with
🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Zest Sushi and Small Plates Review
• 📰 News: North Carolina Reports Rising Measles Cases
• 📰 News: Cary Releases 2016 Police Records Involving Former Town Manager Sean Stegall
• 😉 Meme of the Day – Start Your Day with a Smile
• 🎁 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
Got a local business or Event?
Question: What is the fear of Friday the 13th called?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
Do you know someone that might be alone on Valentine's Day?
It doesn't have to be a widow/widower . It can be a single person or a caregiver or just a friend that you want to make their Valentine's Day special. Suggest a name.
Every dollar goes directly toward flowers, supplies, and delivery.
Ready to help? Donate, volunteer, or learn more.
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
Zest Sushi and Small Plates Review
Zest is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.
Zest in downtown Cary offers a chic dining experience with a raw bar, serving fresh sushi, Asian-inspired small plates, oysters, and handcrafted cocktails in a modern setting with an outdoor patio.
Check out their menu on their website: Zest
Address: 175 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions
Reader Poll Results
Zest Sushi and Small Plates (23 Votes)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (12)
🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ 😊😊😊 I might give it a try (11)
Zest Sushi and Small Plates
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.
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
North Carolina Reports Rising Measles Cases
Measles exposures confirmed in multiple Triangle counties; unvaccinated most at risk Credit: WRAL
Measles exposures and confirmed cases are increasing in North Carolina, with Orange County recently issuing a warning tied to a Chapel Hill retail location. Cases have also been identified in Wake, Johnston, and Durham counties.
Health officials warn that measles is more than a routine childhood illness. In addition to its characteristic rash, it can lead to pneumonia, severe dehydration, and in rare instances, long-term brain inflammation. There is no specific antiviral treatment available.
The MMR vaccine provides strong protection, with two doses offering about 97 percent effectiveness. Vaccination is required for school attendance in North Carolina, yet most recent cases involve people who were either unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated.
Medical experts continue to stress that extensive research has found no connection between the vaccine and autism, and they encourage residents who are unsure of their vaccination status to consult a healthcare provider.
Just curious…
How concerned are you about the recent rise in measles cases in North Carolina?
Cary Releases 2016 Police Records Involving Former Town Manager Sean Stegall
The Town of Cary has released law enforcement records from 2016 that reference former Town Manager Sean Stegall, following a public records request from the media.
In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht Jr., speaking on behalf of the Town Council, said the documents were compiled by staff and presented to council members for the first time on Feb. 5. Council members then directed staff to release the records to the public, citing what the mayor described as unprecedented circumstances surrounding Stegall’s tenure and activities while serving as town manager.
The mayor said the records raise questions but that the council would not speculate about events that occurred nearly a decade ago without additional evidence. He said the decision to release the information reflects the council’s continued commitment to transparency following its request for Stegall’s resignation on Nov. 20. The town will continue reviewing what occurred under Stegall’s leadership and take actions consistent with legal obligations and community values, the statement said.
In a separate statement, Police Chief Terry Sult said he oversaw an inquiry into records connected to police activity at 607 East Chatham Street between 2016 and 2017. After identifying records involving the former town manager, he recommended that they be released in accordance with state law. Sult said no charges were filed against Stegall and that his inquiry found no basis for further action. He added that the Cary Police Department remains committed to impartial and professional service.
Just curious…
Do you think an outside Cary official should investigate this matter further?
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.
Every contribution helps us highlight more local restaurants, small businesses, and nonprofits making a difference. Join readers who’ve already donated.
🎟️ 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:
• Friday: Polar Doubles Adult Tennis Tournament ALL DAY
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Valentine’s Date Night in the Park 5PM-9PM
• Saturday: VALENTINE'S NIGHT OF R&B JAZZ AND FUNK WITH CHIP SHEARIN 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Sunday: Polar Doubles Adult Tennis Tournament ALL DAY
• Monday: School BreakOUT! 1PM-7PM
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: The Basenji, often called "Africa's Barkless Dog,"
The fear of Friday the 13th is primarily called friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia. It is a specific type of superstition affecting an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the U.S., causing anxiety that can lead to avoiding travel, business, or daily routines.
Paraskevidekatriaphobia: Derived from Greek words Paraskeví (Friday), dekatreís (thirteen), and phobía (fear).
Friggatriskaidekaphobia: Named after Frigga, the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named, combined with triskaidekaphobia.
Triskaidekaphobia: The more general fear of the number 13.
These terms describe a common Western cultural superstition often linked to religious myths or simply a fear of the number 13, which is sometimes considered unlucky.