Question: In which country was a method for making rust-resistant iron discovered in the fifth century B.C.?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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A North Carolina state audit found significant concerns over spending and governance within the Town of Cary during the leadership of former Town Manager Sean Stegall. The investigation began after allegations of financial mismanagement and ultimately uncovered purchases that auditors said lacked a clear public purpose or appeared excessive.

The report highlighted several high-profile expenditures, including the purchase of two properties worth more than $1 million without council notification, payments for a ghostwritten book, tuition assistance that was later repaid, and a series of costly travel, dining, and retreat-related expenses. Auditors also questioned the town's unusually broad distribution of purchasing cards, which were used for more than $24 million in transactions over a two-year period.

Investigators also described a workplace culture where employees and elected officials reported intimidation, bullying, and limited transparency. Multiple accounts suggested that dissent was discouraged and that information was often shared selectively, contributing to a hostile work environment.

Town leaders acknowledged that problems emerged during the final months of Stegall's administration and said they are implementing reforms to improve accountability, financial oversight, and organizational culture. Some findings have been referred to law enforcement agencies, and any potential criminal investigation remains ongoing.

Read Full Report

Editor's Note: We republished this article because yesterday's article was incorrect. It mistakenly referenced a Duke Energy story instead of the Town of Cary audit. We have corrected the content and are republishing the article to ensure the information is accurate.

Just curious…

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 #978

The spotted lanternfly hasn't touched down in Wake County yet, but it's creeping closer — with confirmed sightings now in seven North Carolina counties, including Guilford and Forsyth. First detected in the state back in 2022 after working its way down from Pennsylvania, this sap-sucking pest poses a real threat to vineyards, fruit trees, and ornamental plants, and agricultural experts are urging Triangle residents to start paying attention now, before it arrives. So we asked Cary Spotlight readers: had you even heard of it before?

Poll Results:

🔴 No, this is the first I've heard of it — 59.65%
🟡 I've heard of it, but wouldn't recognize one — 21%
🟢 Yes, and I know how to identify it — 16%
📘 I'll be learning how to identify and report one now — 4%

The takeaway: Nearly six in ten readers are hearing about the spotted lanternfly for the very first time here — which tracks, given that it hasn't been confirmed in Wake County yet. Still, roughly a fifth of readers say they've heard the name but wouldn't know one if it landed on their porch, and only about 16% feel confident they could identify one on sight. A small but proactive slice of readers said today's poll was the nudge they needed to start learning.

One reader's note is a fitting preview of what could be headed this way — in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly populations have exploded into full-blown nuisances, coating outdoor furniture and cars in sticky honeydew. Cary may have a head start, but it's a good moment to learn the signs before this pest becomes a familiar one.

Consider this your official heads-up — er, wings-up. Keep an eye on your firewood, your patio furniture, and your grapevines, because this hitchhiker doesn't RSVP before it shows up.

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

Cary's breakfast and brunch scene turned out to be a genuinely close contest this round, with readers rallying hard behind a handful of local favorites — and tossing in plenty of write-in love for spots that weren't even on the ballot.

🍳 Poll Results:

🥇 Brigs at the Crossing — 40.70%
🥈 First Watch — ~22%
🥉 Another favorite (see comments!) — ~12%
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant (Cary) — ~10%
La Farm Bakery — ~7%
Peck & Plume — ~5%
Another Broken Egg Café — ~3%
Eggs Up Grill — ~1%

🍳 What Readers Had to Say:

Brigs at the Crossing's win wasn't a surprise to its fans, who praised the restaurant's variety and consistency. First Watch held strong in second, though it didn't draw as many detailed comments as its vote share might suggest.

The real story, though, is in the write-ins. A striking number of readers skipped the ballot entirely to shout out spots not listed — and a few names kept coming up again and again.

The Craft Public House and The Famous Toastery each earned multiple mentions as breakfast favorites, while Barry's Cafe (Swift Creek Shopping Center) and IHOP each got a couple of nods too, with one reader specifically praising IHOP's revamped, more affordable menu.

Pam's Farmhouse also made an appearance. One commenter clarified they meant the Brigs location on High House and Maynard, and another gave a shoutout to the State Farmer's Market — technically outside Cary, but clearly worth the drive for some.

🍳 Representative Reader Comments:

📝 Editorial note: With Craft Public House and The Famous Toastery pulling in repeat write-in votes, both could be strong additions to the ballot if this poll runs again.

Whatever your order, eggs over easy or pancakes stacked high, it's clear Cary takes its first meal of the day seriously. Bon appétit, neighbors!

Just curious…

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: American Revolution Experience ALL DAY
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: Men's Rugby, USA vs. Spain 7:30PM-10PM
• Sunday: American Revolution Experience ALL DAY
• Monday: Stretch and Refresh 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