Cary Spotlight | Issue #242

Corporate AI Boom, Longest Day's Strawberry Moon, NC Earthquake Count, Cary Park Debate

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 Survey Reveals Rapid Growth of AI in Corporate America

📰 Witness the Rare Strawberry Moon on the Longest Day of the Year

📰 Recent Seismic Activity Adds to North Carolina's Growing Quake Count

📰 Supervision and Common Sense: The Debate Over Safety at Cary's Downtown Park

😀 Quote of the Day

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the most famous awards show in the world?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Survey Reveals Rapid Growth of AI in Corporate America

The adoption of artificial intelligence in Corporate America is accelerating, with nearly half of large U.S. firms planning to automate tasks traditionally performed by humans within the next year.

This trend, highlighted by a survey from Duke University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, encompasses a wide range of functions, from financial operations to creative tasks like writing press releases and job postings. The primary motivations behind this shift include cost reduction, productivity enhancement, and profit maximization.

Although experts believe that AI will not immediately lead to widespread job losses, it is expected to significantly transform the workplace. Employees may increasingly work alongside AI tools, focusing on more important and rewarding tasks. However, the long-term impact on employment remains uncertain.

Inflation continues to be a major concern for corporate leaders, with many anticipating faster-than-normal price increases this year. Interestingly, companies that have embraced AI report a more positive outlook on price stability.

As AI adoption outpaces regulatory developments, experts and government officials emphasize the importance of robust risk management and oversight. The rapid integration of AI into business processes presents both opportunities and challenges that require careful navigation. Read full article

How do you feel about the increasing use of AI to automate tasks traditionally done by humans in the workplace?

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Credit: The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Witness the Rare Strawberry Moon on the Longest Day of the Year

Tonight, June 21, 2024, the full moon, known as the "Strawberry Moon," will coincide with the summer solstice, creating a notable celestial event.

Named by Native American tribes to mark the strawberry harvesting season, this moon will be the lowest full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

This positioning results in a phenomenon called the "Moon Illusion," making the moon appear larger and orange-red. Observers can see this striking moon just after sunset in the southeast, with peak illumination at 9:08 P.M. Eastern Time. The low trajectory of the moon on the solstice day offers a rare visual spectacle for sky watchers. Read full story

Recent Seismic Activity Adds to North Carolina's Growing Quake Count

North Carolina has experienced a notable increase in seismic activity with 15 recorded earthquakes this year. The most recent series of tremors occurred near the North Carolina-Virginia border, specifically in Sparta.

A minor 2.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded early Wednesday morning at a very shallow depth, making it unlikely to be felt by residents.

This followed two similar quakes in the same area on Tuesday morning, both measuring 2.3 in magnitude but at greater depths of 4 miles and 3.6 miles, respectively.

These minor quakes serve as a stark reminder of the significant 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Sparta in August 2020, causing extensive damage and leading to a state of emergency in Alleghany County. Read Full Story

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Credit: Downtown Cary Park

Supervision and Common Sense:
The Debate Over Safety at Cary's Downtown Park

In recent months, Cary's Downtown Park has become a focal point of concern for parents, who have highlighted several safety issues at the popular playground. Reports have surfaced about overcrowded play areas, visibility challenges for supervising adults, and the potential dangers posed by hot metal slides.

Particularly concerning are features like the red cardinal play structure and steep slides, which have been noted for their potential to cause burns during hot weather. In response, town officials have instituted measures to monitor the temperature of these slides and close them off when they become too hot. Despite these efforts, some parents remain cautious, wary of the risks posed to their children during the summer months.

A Cary Spotlight reader’s comment to yesterday’s report in Issue #241, underscores a sentiment shared by some: “Regarding the new park, seems people have choices to go or not. Hot slide don’t go down! Common sense!! Also ultimately it’s the parents and/or guardians of the children they bring there to have a watchful eye on their children. I’ve seen many parents not paying attention because of chatting with others and even more on their cellphones while their kids play!”

Here is your chance to voice your thoughts…

Do you believe that parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children’s safety at the park?

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All this June celebrate the colors of Pride with activities and events in Cary. Events include Pride Cary Night Market at Downtown Cary Park on June 22; Allies and Icons Pride Film Festival at The Cary Theater; Pride Through the Decades, an art exhibition at Cary Arts Center and more. Learn more

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

June 21st (Friday)

June 22th (Saturday)

June 23rd (Sunday)

June 24th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are the most famous and prestigious awards show in the world, celebrating excellence in the film industry. Hosted annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ceremony honors outstanding achievements in various categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

The event attracts global attention, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the star-studded red carpet and the award presentations. Winning an Oscar is considered one of the highest honors in the film industry.

For more information, you can visit the official Oscars website.