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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Proposed Wake County Budget Sparks Debate Over Taxes and Services
• 📰 News: Cary’s Memorial Day Remembrance
• ⚽ Sports: NC Courage Drop Tough Road Match
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Your gift fuels local fun: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Scroll or Skip to your favorites.
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Question: In what US city does Hitchcock's movie "Vertigo" take place?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
Cary Roll Call 👇
When friends move to Cary, what’s the one local business you always tell them to try first?
It could be a restaurant, coffee shop, boutique, service business, or a hidden gem you don’t want people to miss.
We’re building a community-powered list of Cary favorites this week.
👉 Join the conversation on Facebook and see what others are recommending:
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Not on Facebook?
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Cary Experience Suggestion Box
Let’s shine a spotlight on the businesses that make Cary special.
Featured Event
Parents across Wake County often wonder how their teens can build a creative portfolio that stands out when applying to college.
The 16th Annual Wake County Teen Art Exhibition in Cary is designed to give student artists exactly that opportunity. The exhibition displays work from students across roughly 50 Wake County schools in a real, professionally curated gallery setting - the kind of experience students can list on a resume or college application. The exhibition runs May 6-27, 2026.
The community is welcome to attend the free public reception and awards ceremony on May 10, where $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to students and their schools. Coming soon: May 10, 2026.
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Your Retirement Savings Need to Outlast You
Most retirement plans underestimate two things: how long your savings need to last, and how quietly inflation erodes them along the way.
The 15-Minute Retirement Plan helps you close both gaps with practical guidance on longevity risk, purchasing power, and building a financial plan that doesn't run out before you do.
If you have $1,000,000 or more saved, download your free guide to start.
Proposed Wake County Budget Sparks Debate Over Taxes and Services
Wake County commissioners are considering a $2.28 billion budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that includes a two-cent property tax increase. The proposal sparked debate during a public hearing Monday night, where residents shared concerns about affordability and county spending priorities.
County leaders say the additional revenue is necessary to address budget pressures and maintain services as state funding falls short. The proposed increase would generate an estimated $62 million, with part of the funding earmarked for public safety improvements, including more EMT positions, fire service training, and reopening the jail annex.
Residents who spoke during the hearing raised concerns about rising housing costs and the cumulative impact of tax increases. Library advocates warned about worsening staffing shortages after recent cuts to temporary positions, while others urged the county to dedicate more funding toward affordable housing initiatives.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal on June 1.
Just curious…
Wake County leaders are considering a property tax increase as part of the proposed 2026-27 budget. What should be the county’s top priority right now?
What should Wake County’s top priority be right now?
Cary’s Memorial Day Remembrance
Cary will hold its annual Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony on Monday, May 25, at Veterans Freedom Park. The hour-long event is designed to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military and will include patriotic performances, veteran speakers, and community reflection.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Freedom Tower Monument and enjoy complimentary refreshments before and after the program. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs because seating will be limited.
Featured speakers include retired Air Force veteran Matthew Kallio and retired Marine Corps veteran Paul Berry. Berry currently works with Veterans Bridge Home and remains active in statewide efforts supporting veterans and military families across North Carolina.
To improve accessibility, ADA shuttle transportation and event parking will be available at Cary Academy throughout the afternoon. Learn more before you go
How do you plan to honor Memorial Day this year?
NC Courage Drop Tough Road Match
A rainy Friday night in Orlando brought a tough finish for the North Carolina Courage. Despite strong defense and a few bright young-player moments, Orlando Pride found the late goal they needed.
Weekend Highlights:
North Carolina Courage fell 1-0 to Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium, marking their first road loss of 2026.
Kailen Sheridan kept the Courage in it with several big saves, while North Carolina outshot Orlando 12-9 on the night.
Barbra Banda, the NWSL Golden Boot leader, scored in the 87th minute, curling in the game-winner just before stoppage time.
Lauryn Thompson made her first pro start and played 69 minutes, while former NC Courage Academy player Ivy Younce made her professional debut.
The Courage return home to Cary on Saturday, May 16, for Star Wars Night, giving local fans another fun reason to pack WakeMed Soccer Park.
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Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.
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May 12 - May 18, 2026
🎟️ 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: Turntable Takeover: DJ 101 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Today: The Broadside Presents: An Evening of Asian American Storytelling 7PM-8:30PM
• Wednesday: TEEN Turntable Takeover: DJ 101 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: Town Council Quarterly Meeting 1PM-6PM
• Thursday: Zumba 6PM-7PM
• Friday: Cary Night Market 5PM-9PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: Good Hope Farm Volunteer Workday 9AM-11AM
• Saturday: Wheels on Academy 10AM-2PM
• Saturday: NC Courage vs Chicago Stars 6:30PM
• Sunday: Shakespeare Live!: Julius Caesar 12PM-1:10PM
• Sunday: Cary Town Band presents Summer Sizzle 5PM
• Monday: Life at the Waters Edge 10AM-11AM
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: San Francisco, California
Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 thriller Vertigo takes place in San Francisco, California. The film, which showcases numerous iconic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and Mission Dolores, is a famous, classic portrayal of the city.
Learn more, Vertigo Film Locations