• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Cary Residents Asked to Watch for Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
• 📰 Scrollback: Cary Readers Call for Early Action on Water Conservation
• 📰 Scrollback: Which Cary Restaurant Serves the Best Mexican Food?
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Start Your Day with a Smile
• ❤️ Some stories are worth revisiting: Thank You For Your Gift
• 📅 Events: Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

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Question: The brown recluse spider is identifiable by a silhouette of what shape on its body?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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The invasive spotted lanternfly is beginning to emerge across North Carolina, with established sightings now confirmed in seven counties: Caldwell, Caswell, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham and Rowan.

Although the pest has not yet been confirmed in Wake County, agricultural experts are encouraging residents throughout the Triangle to stay alert. The spotted lanternfly was first detected in North Carolina in 2022 after spreading across several eastern states following its arrival in Pennsylvania in 2014.

Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly feeds on the sap of more than 100 plant species, making it a serious threat to vineyards, fruit trees, ornamental plants and other landscape vegetation. Heavy infestations can reduce grape yields, weaken trees and leave behind sticky honeydew that attracts mold and creates a significant nuisance around homes and businesses.

Because the insect closely resembles several harmless native moths and insects, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension has released identification guides to help residents distinguish the spotted lanternfly from look-alike species, including the Giant Leopard Moth, Tiger Moth, Buck Moth, Ailanthus Webworm, Tiger Bee Fly and Squash Vine Borer.

Residents who believe they have spotted a lanternfly in a county where it has not previously been reported are encouraged to notify the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Experts also recommend inspecting outdoor furniture, vehicles, firewood and other smooth surfaces where the insects may lay egg masses that can easily be transported to new areas.

Contact your County Extension Agent with questions about SLF in your neck of the woods ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/?ask

Report a sighting in a new county: https://ncagr.gov/SLF

Read Full Story

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

From Cary Spotlight Issue #971

As drought conditions tighten their grip on central North Carolina, Cary readers are paying close attention and more than a few are worried. With Durham turning to Cary's Jordan Lake allocation to help shore up its dwindling reservoirs, the question of regional water security has moved from background concern to front-of-mind issue for many in our community.

We asked readers how concerned they are about local water supplies if dry conditions continue. Here's how the vote broke down:

🔵 Very concerned — 35%
🟠 Moderately concerned — ~28%
🟡 Slightly concerned — ~18%
🔴 Extremely concerned — ~17%
💧 Not concerned at all — ~2%

Taken together, readers expressing some level of concern account for the overwhelming majority of responses — a clear signal that Cary residents aren't taking this lightly.

Several readers pointed to the need for proactive planning. One noted that while we can't control the weather, there's meaningful work to be done on smarter water conservation. Another called on local governments to think beyond household restrictions, suggesting limits on water-intensive new businesses as part of any serious regional strategy. A third commenter drew on firsthand experience with chronic drought in California, expressing frustration that officials had advance warning of worsening conditions last fall and didn't act sooner.

A couple of readers also zeroed in on specific concerns closer to home including questions about how much water Cary should be sharing with neighboring communities, and pointed remarks about the water demands of data centers, which can consume millions of gallons daily for cooling systems.

Whether the coming months bring relief from the skies or a move toward more serious restrictions, one thing is clear: Cary readers are watching the reservoir levels — and they want thoughtful action from local leaders before the situation gets worse.

Cary's Mexican and Tex-Mex scene brought out some serious loyalty this issue — and the results proved this town has no shortage of strong opinions (or good salsa). With 61 votes cast, Torero's Mexican Restaurant came out on top, earning 24.59% of the vote and the title of Cary's reader-favorite for Mexican fare.

Poll Results:

🥇 Torero's Mexican Restaurant — 24.59%
🥈 Los Tres Magueyes — ~23%
🥉 Mi Cancun — ~20%
🌮 Another favorite (write-in) — ~19%
🌶️ La Victoria Mexican Food — ~12%
🫙 Gonza Tacos y Tequila — ~6%
🌮 Chuy's — ~2%
🍹 Totopos Street Food & Tequila — ~1%

Torero's fans were quick to make the case: one reader called it simply "the best in Cary for Tex-Mex." Meanwhile, Gonza Tacos y Tequila drew a passionate defense from one voter who praised the freshly made food, bold flavor combinations, standout guacamole and salsa, and the margaritas.

The write-in "Another favorite" category generated a lively list of contenders readers felt deserved a spot on the ballot:

One reader took a contrarian view, declaring there's no good Mexican food in the entire Raleigh area — a bold take that we suspect Torero's voters would dispute.

Whether you're a queso purist or a birria devotee, one thing is clear: Cary's Mexican food scene has plenty of passionate fans. We'll see you at the chips-and-salsa bar.

Just curious…
From sushi and ramen to Thai curries, Korean BBQ, Chinese favorites, Vietnamese pho, and more... Cary has no shortage of incredible Asian restaurants! 🍜🍣🥟

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.

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 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: Art Cart: PRIDE 10AM-1PM
• Saturday: NC Symphony Summerfest: The Music of Billy Joel 6PM-9:45PM
• Sunday: Cary Tennis Classic ALL DAY
• Monday: 3D Stained Glass Water Lily Workshop 6PM-9PM

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