Cary Spotlight | Issue #124

Empower & Engage in NC: Education Plan Deliberation, U.S. Open Bonanza, Primary Voting & Feline Friends

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 North Carolina's High Court Deliberates Statewide Reach of $677.8M Education Plan

📰 CAT ADOPTION SATURDAY: Saving homeless cats, nine lives at a time

📰 North Carolina's Early Voting: What You Need to Know for the 2024 Primaries

🏆 2024 U.S. Open Championship to Boost North Carolina Economy with $300 Million Impact

🏆 Carlos Gómez Shifts Gears: MLB Star to Olympic Cycling Hopeful

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the first black Supreme Court justice ?

A) Marshall Mathers B) Thurgood Marshall C) Nick Foles

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Partner with us to reach our local audience.

Advertising Opportunities: Start Here

North Carolina's High Court Deliberates Statewide Reach of $677.8M Education Plan

The future of public education in North Carolina hangs in the balance as the state's highest court weighs the merits of the Leandro Plan, a proposed $677.8 million investment in educational improvements.

This debate is part of a broader lawsuit seeking to ensure all children in the state receive an adequate education. The arguments center on whether the plan's benefits should extend statewide or be limited to the five counties directly involved in the lawsuit.

With the state's Supreme Court now holding a Republican majority, the outcome could significantly impact the direction of education policy and funding in North Carolina, reflecting broader tensions between judicial mandates and legislative authority over educational investments.
Read full story

CAT ADOPTION SATURDAY: Saving homeless cats, nine lives at a time

Did you know that cuddling with kittens can help them to socialize? So bring the kids and the grandkids and snuggle up. It’s good for kittens and for make you feel good (except if you’re allergic to cats). Imagine holding a soft, warm bundle of cuteness.

At Meow City, they offer a colorfully curated collection of cat-wares and creative gifts for the cat lover in your life. So it’s purr-fect for cats and people, too.

If you can’t visit today’s event, please consider making a donation at Facilitate Rescue (https://www.facilitaterescue.org/).

Who’s Invited: Everyone (Free Event)
When: Today (24 Feb 2024) 12PM - 4PM
Where: 659 Cary Towne Blvd, Cay NC 2711
Click here for Directions

Brought to you by: Meow City and Facilitate Rescue

Pet Preference Poll: Dogs, Cats, or No Pets?

Click to pick the one that best describes you

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

North Carolina's Early Voting: What You Need to Know for the 2024 Primaries

North Carolina's primary election season features early in-person voting as a popular choice for voters, running until March 2nd. 

This period allows voters to cast ballots at any early voting site within their county, a unique aspect of the state's voting process.

The primary elections determine party nominees for the November general election, with voting restricted to one's registered party. A valid photo ID is required, though mechanisms exist for obtaining a free ID or resolving ID issues by primary election day.

Unregistered voters can also register during this period by providing proof of residence. Should early voting be missed, the final opportunity to vote is on March 5th, the official primary election day.

Please Support Our Local Cary NC Community Businesses
👉Click Their Images To Visit Their Websites👈

Here’s where you can help…
👉Click These Images To Nominate A Business👈

Is Your Business A Hidden Gem?
Increase Your Local Visibility!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Cary area residents in an upcoming issue of Cary Spotlight? Click the link below.

2024 U.S. Open Championship to Boost North Carolina Economy with $300 Million Impact

As Pinehurst, North Carolina, prepares for the 2024 U.S. Open Championship starting June 10, the area faces a significant challenge with accommodations.

With the event drawing an estimated quarter of a million visitors, hotel rooms in Moore County are fully booked, and the remaining rental homes are exceedingly expensive.

The early reservation of accommodations by media, USGA, and vendors has forced many visitors to look for alternatives in surrounding cities.

The U.S. Open is expected to significantly benefit North Carolina's economy, with a projected impact of $300 million. Preparations are already in progress at Pinehurst #2, emphasizing the event's importance in the golfing world. Read full story

Carlos Gómez Shifts Gears: MLB Star to Olympic Cycling Hopeful

Carlos Gómez, known for his remarkable speed as a Major League Baseball player, is now pursuing an Olympic qualification in track cycling.

Having stolen 268 bases in his MLB career, Gómez's new challenge is to compete in a sport where the Dominican Republic has had minimal representation.

He is set to participate in a May qualifier for a chance to compete in Paris, aiming to add to his illustrious athletic career, which includes 13 MLB seasons and two All-Star selections. This transition showcases Gómez's versatility and ambition in the world of sports. Read full story

This food drive needs volunteers and donations (Final Day Saturday 24 Feb 2024). Learn more here.

Upcoming Local Events

February 24th (Saturday)

February 25th (Sunday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
B) Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall, who was born on July 2, 1908, was the first African American to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, the highest court in the country.

In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him as the first African-American justice to serve on the Supreme Court. He continued to fight for civil rights, using the law to protect the all people. He died on January 24, 1993.