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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Winter Hazards and Faulty Alarms Fuel Rise in Fire Fatalities
• 📰 News: NC State Seeks Dismissal of Poe Hall Cancer Lawsuit
• 📰 News: Cary Invites Residents to Shape FY27 Budget
• 😄 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: What was the name of the long period of peace and stability that began under Augustus?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Winter Hazards and Faulty Alarms Fuel Rise in Fire Fatalities
A new report from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal shows that 27 people have already died in fires this year, signaling a troubling upward trend. Officials say the state is on pace for a particularly deadly year if conditions continue.
In 2024, 159 people died in fire incidents statewide. The majority of those deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms, underscoring a persistent safety gap. Only a small number of fatalities happened in homes where smoke alarms were confirmed to be functioning.
State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor noted that modern homes burn more quickly due to synthetic materials, reducing escape time to roughly two minutes. Winter months bring additional risk, especially from improperly placed space heaters and overloaded electrical systems.
Officials are urging residents to test smoke alarms monthly and ensure they are in working order, calling it one of the simplest and most effective steps to prevent tragedy. Read Full Report
Just curious…
Do you test your smoke alarms regularly?
NC State Seeks Dismissal of Poe Hall Cancer Lawsuit
North Carolina State University has moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former students, faculty and staff who allege they developed breast cancer after exposure to toxic PCB chemicals in Poe Hall.
The plaintiffs filed a direct constitutional claim, arguing the university’s alleged inaction amounted to deliberate indifference and violated their rights under the state constitution. They contend the university had a duty to protect them from harmful exposure.
In its motion to dismiss, the university argues the case does not meet the legal threshold for a constitutional violation and instead reflects a negligence claim. It maintains that such claims must be pursued through workers’ compensation or under the State Tort Claims Act before the Industrial Commission.
The case is part of broader litigation surrounding alleged PCB contamination, including separate lawsuits against Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer. Read Full Report
Cary Invites Residents to Shape FY27 Budget
The Town of Cary is inviting residents to participate in its annual Budget Open House on April 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center. The event is structured as a drop in session, allowing attendees to explore budget information at their convenience.
Town staff will offer a repeating educational presentation and host department booths where residents can ask questions and better understand how local services are funded. Officials say community feedback will directly inform the FY27 budget now under development.
Interim Town Manager Russ Overton is expected to present the proposed budget to the Town Council this spring. Leaders emphasize that the budget guides funding for public safety, infrastructure, parks and long term planning.
For details, visit carync.gov/budgetinput
Residents who cannot attend may watch live coverage or provide input through Cary 311, council meetings and upcoming public hearings. Read Full Release
What matters most to you in Cary’s next budget?
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.
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: Green Hope JV vs East Chapel Hill 4PM
• Thursday: Intro to Machine Sewing Workshop 6PM-8PM
• Friday: PONDER Program: Birds of a Feather 10:30AM-12PM
• Friday: Nature in Love 2PM-3PM
• Friday: Game Night with Black and Nerdy Gamers 6PM-10PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Blood Drive with the Cary Police Department 9AM-2PM
• Saturday: Youth Advocacy Summit 9AM-3PM
• Saturday: The Story of Love and Resilience 7PM-9:30PM
• Sunday: Cary Players presents Fortune or Fate 3PM-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: Pax Romana
The long period of peace, stability, and prosperity that began under Augustus in 27 BC is known as the Pax Romana (Latin for "Roman peace"). Lasting approximately 200 years until 180 AD, this "golden age" allowed for significant expansion, trade, and architectural achievements across the Roman Empire.
For more information, visit: Pax Romana