Cary Spotlight | Issue #123

Poe Hall Cancer Alert, AT&T's Swift Recovery, Duke's Herbarium Closure Backlash, & Ripley's Wrestling Milestone

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 Women Diagnosed with Cancer After Time in Poe Hall Speak Out

📰 AT&T Restores Service After Nationwide Outage Linked to Software Glitch

📰 Closure of Duke's Herbarium Sparks Outrage and Calls for Preservation

🏆 Maddie Ripley Defends Title, Shatters Gender Barriers in High School Wrestling

🏆 Building Bridges with Humor and Heart: The Tyler Merritt Story: I Take My Coffee Black

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the first African American to command a nuclear-powered submarine?

A) Pete Tzomes B) Pete Sampras C) Kevin Hart

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Women Diagnosed with Cancer After Time in Poe Hall Speak Out

Following the closure of NC State's Poe Hall due to high PCB levels, an investigation by WRAL's 5 On Your Side has brought to light 123 cancer reports from individuals linked to the building.

This alarming figure has sparked a broader conversation about environmental health risks in educational institutions. 

Eight women, diagnosed with cancer after their time in Poe Hall, have come forward, criticizing the university's handling of the situation and calling for more detailed investigations and communication.

Despite ongoing tests to assess PCB levels and the potential health implications, the university's response has been criticized for lacking in both transparency and empathy.

The situation at Poe Hall not only raises concerns about immediate health risks but also about the long-term implications of exposure to toxic substances in educational environments. Read full story

young men holding iPhone 11 Pro

AT&T Restores Service After Nationwide Outage Linked to Software Glitch

A significant outage affecting AT&T customers across the United States was eventually linked to a problematic software update, dismissing earlier concerns of a potential cyberattack.

The telecommunications company swiftly addressed the issue, restoring services and issuing an apology to its customers. The incident led to a nationwide mobilization of federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS, to investigate the cause and prevent future vulnerabilities.

Despite the temporary disruption, which impacted emergency services and prompted public advisories, the swift resolution and ongoing investigations underscore a concerted effort to safeguard the nation's telecommunications infrastructure against both technical failures and malicious threats. Read full story

Closure of Duke's Herbarium Sparks Outrage and Calls for Preservation

Duke University's closure of its herbarium has alarmed the scientific community, highlighting the challenges of maintaining large-scale scientific collections in the face of financial pressures.

The herbarium, crucial for biodiversity research and environmental studies, has been a cornerstone of scientific discovery and education. Its potential dissolution poses significant questions about the preservation of scientific heritage and the prioritization of resources in academic institutions.

The outcry from researchers and scientific societies underscores the herbarium's value to global scientific endeavors, while Duke's efforts to find a new home for the collection underscore the logistical and financial challenges inherent in such undertakings. Read Full Story

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Building Bridges with Humor and Heart: The Tyler Merritt Story: I Take My Coffee Black

In his memoir, Tyler Merritt takes readers on a journey through his life, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in combating racial injustice.

Known for his impactful viral video (Before You Call The Cops), Merritt uses his platform to share personal anecdotes that illuminate the challenges and joys of Black manhood in America.

From his early experiences in a multicultural but not always welcoming community to his decision to pursue musical theater and his deepening faith, Merritt's narrative is filled with both laughter and lessons.

He addresses the legacies of racism and the importance of not just recognizing privilege but actively working to bridge societal divides. "I Take My Coffee Black" is not just a memoir but a call to action, urging readers to look beyond their assumptions and build connections that transcend race.

Learn how to get this book (free audio book or kindle or paperback)

Maddie Ripley Defends Title, Shatters Gender Barriers in High School Wrestling

Maddie Ripley's recent victory in the boys' division of the Maine Class B high school wrestling championship underscores a significant shift in high school athletics towards gender inclusivity and the breaking of traditional barriers.

By winning her second consecutive title against male opponents and securing a victory in the girls' division, Ripley has positioned herself as a trailblazer for female wrestlers.

Her achievements reflect the broader trend of increasing opportunities and recognition for women in wrestling, a sentiment echoed by her coach and stepfather, Jason Yates. Ripley's aspirations extend beyond high school, with hopes of national titles and Olympic participation, alongside a career in nursing.

Her story, paralleled by achievements of female wrestlers like Audrey Jimenez in Arizona, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of women's athletics. Read full story

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February 23nd (Friday)

February 24th (Saturday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A) Pete Tzomes (30 December 1944−13 June 2019) Link to Bio

On 28 May 1983, Pete Tzomes became the first African American to command a nuclear-powered submarine, USS Houston (SSN-713). Six African Americans followed him.

The designation "Centennial Seven" — the only African American men to command submarines within the first 100 years of the submarine service — recognizes their accomplishment. Throughout Tzomes’ distinguished career, he demonstrated the importance of having discipline and determination, and not letting others’ perceptions of him define who he was or his potential.