Cary Spotlight | Issue #115

NC Faces Romance Scam Spike, Fight Against 'Gas Station Heroin' Intensifies, Latest Cary Crime Stats, & U.S. Team's Swimming Success

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 Love Under Siege: NC Ranks High for Romance Scams, AG Stein’s Warning

📰 North Carolina Lawmakers Target 'Gas Station Heroin' in Public Health Crusade

🚨 Latest Cary Police Department Crime Data

🏆 U.S. Swimming Team's Medal Tally Hits Double Digits in World Championship

🏆 Sam Mewis's Illustrious Soccer Career to Be Honored by North Carolina Courage

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize?

A) Mel Brooks B) Gwendolyn Brooks C) Gwen Stacey

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Love Under Siege: NC Ranks High for Romance Scams, AG Stein’s Warning

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein alerts the public to the threat of sweetheart scams, a form of fraud exploiting individuals seeking romantic connections.

Last year's data from the Federal Trade Commission revealed a significant number of romance scam reports, with victims suffering notable financial damage.

The scams are characterized by fast-moving relationships, specific financial requests, elaborate excuses for not meeting in person, and a focus on vulnerable populations.

The state's high ranking for such scams underscores the urgency of awareness and reporting. Common tactics include counterfeit financial instruments, using victims in illicit activities, and scammers claiming true love to manipulate their targets financially. Read full story

North Carolina Lawmakers Target 'Gas Station Heroin' in Public Health Crusade

The push by North Carolina lawmakers to address the public health threat posed by "gas station heroin," or products containing tianeptine, follows grave concerns over the substance's addictive properties and its associated health risks, as highlighted by the FDA.

Despite its unregulated status in the U.S., tianeptine's adverse effects range from psychological disturbances to critical physical conditions.

With increasing reports of misuse and dependency, particularly among younger demographics, state officials, spurred by bipartisan federal support, are considering legislative measures to classify tianeptine as a controlled substance, reflecting a collective urgency to protect public health and safety. Read full story

Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (Latest update: 14 Feb 2024)

Latest Cary Police Department Crime Data

In the meticulous endeavor of crime data reporting, the Cary Police Department upholds a steadfast commitment to precision, navigating the intricate challenges that inherently accompany this vital process. With a rigorous routine of daily updates, the department ensures its adherence to stringent privacy laws, acknowledging the fluidity of crime statistics that may evolve over time.

Spanning the past decade and extending into the current year, the data unveiled by the Cary Police Department underscores an unwavering dedication to transparency. This prolonged period of documentation not only serves as a testament to their resolve but also provides a comprehensive overview of the crime landscape, allowing for informed decisions and policy formulations within the community. View Cary NC Police Incidents

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U.S. Swimming Team's Medal Tally Hits Double Digits in World Championship

During the fourth night of competition at the World Aquatics Championships, the U.S. swimming team further solidified its position as a dominant force, securing a gold medal in the 4x100-meter mixed medley relay alongside a bronze medal courtesy of Nic Fink's performance in the 50-meter breaststroke.

These latest additions have elevated the U.S. team's total medal tally to 10, distinguishing it as the premier federation to hit the double-digit milestone in the current championship.

The medal table for the U.S. now features an impressive lineup, including a mix of gold, silver, and bronze, highlighting the team's competitive edge and diverse talent pool. Read full story

Sam Mewis's Illustrious Soccer Career to Be Honored by North Carolina Courage

The North Carolina Courage is preparing to honor Sam Mewis, a central figure in the team's history and a decorated international soccer star, by inducting her into the club's newly established Ring of Honor.

This recognition is slated for the team's home opener on March 16, highlighting Mewis's significant contributions to the team and the sport at large. Mewis, whose career achievements include winning the World Cup with the U.S. women's national team and securing three NWSL championships, recently retired from professional soccer.

Her retirement was prompted by a challenging knee injury that concluded her illustrious stint, which notably included playing for the Courage from its inception in 2017 until 2021. Read full story

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
B) Gwendolyn Brooks

Today, Brooks is considered to be one of the most revered poets of the 20th century. She was the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize (in 1950, for Annie Allen), and she served as poetry consultant to the Library of Congress, becoming the first Black woman to hold that position.

She was also the poet laureate of the State of Illinois, and many of her works reflected the political and social landscape of the 1960s, including the civil rights movement and the economic climate.