Cary Spotlight | Issue #297

FBI Tracks Escaped Murderer in Orange County, Wake County Prepares for Traffic Boost & '90s Nostalgia at Koka Booth

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Meme of the Day

📰 FBI Joins Manhunt for Escaped Murderer in Orange County; Reward Increased

📰 Triangle Expressway Extension Set to Open, Enhancing Traffic Flow in Wake County

📰 All NC Qualifying Hospitals Join Effort to Erase Medical Debts

📰 Step Back in Time: Gin Blossoms Lead a Star-Studded '90s Lineup at Koka Booth

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What type of fruit is a banana classified as?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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FBI Joins Manhunt for Escaped Murderer in Orange County; Reward Increased

Ramone Jamarr Alston, a 30-year-old convicted murderer, escaped custody during a routine medical transport to UNC Gastroenterology in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Alston, who was restrained with leg shackles designed to impede movement, managed to free himself upon arrival at the hospital and fled into the surrounding woods, pushing past an officer during his escape. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, catching the escorting officers by surprise despite their adherence to standard security protocols, which included securing their firearms in lock boxes during the transfer.

The search for Alston has expanded significantly, now involving local authorities and the FBI, and has concentrated north of the hospital based on K-9 unit tracking that initially followed Alston's trail before losing it.

Over a hundred personnel are actively searching a 580-acre area, with the effort intensifying as the community is reassured of their safety despite the ongoing manhunt.

A dedicated tip line has been set up to gather information from the public, and a $35,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Alston's capture. Authorities are also appealing to anyone who may have assisted in his escape to come forward. Read Full Report 

Triangle Expressway Extension Set to Open, Enhancing Traffic Flow in Wake County

The upcoming completion of Phase 1 of the Complete 540 project marks a significant development in southern Wake County, with the Triangle Expressway extension expected to draw significant daily traffic and improve regional connectivity.

The new 18-mile stretch, linking Holly Springs to I-40 in Garner, aims to support the area's rapid growth and traffic increase.

Local business owners, such as Kwame Dixon of Parisi Speed School of Raleigh, are optimistic about the extension's potential to ease access for clients and reduce the inconveniences of ongoing construction.

The road's design has also been noted for its aesthetic appeal compared to typical highway projects. With further expansions planned through 2028, the region anticipates continued improvements in transportation and local business opportunities. Read Full Report

All NC Qualifying Hospitals Join Effort to Erase Medical Debts

All qualifying hospitals in North Carolina have committed to a groundbreaking program that will provide them with enhanced Medicaid reimbursements for reducing the medical debts of low- and middle-income patients and implementing measures to prevent future debts.

This initiative, which recently received federal approval, will start by erasing debts dating back to 2014 for Medicaid enrollees and also eliminate older debts for non-enrollees under specific financial thresholds.

Hospitals will also adopt new practices by next year to automatically enroll eligible individuals in charity care programs and reform their debt collection methods.

This program is expected to not only relieve patients of overwhelming financial burdens but also stabilize hospital finances through increased federal funding. Read Full Report

Step Back in Time: Gin Blossoms Lead a Star-Studded '90s Lineup at Koka Booth

On August 16, the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina, will host a concert that revisits the vibrant and diverse music scene of the 1990s, featuring performances by Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Vertical Horizon. Set to begin at 7:00 PM, the evening will showcase a mix of jangle-pop, indie rock, and alternative music, bringing together three bands whose sounds defined much of the era's musical landscape. The venue will operate as a cashless environment, enhancing the convenience for attendees.

Gin Blossoms, renowned for their melodic jangle-pop, will headline the event. Their breakthrough album "New Miserable Experience" includes hits like "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You," which catapulted them to fame and are still favorites on the airwaves.

Toad the Wet Sprocket will complement the lineup with their introspective alternative rock, known from songs like “Walk on the Ocean” and “All I Want.” Vertical Horizon will add to the night’s allure with their indie rock hits such as "Everything You Want" and "You’re a God," showcasing the depth and variety of '90s music.

This nostalgic musical event offers not just a trip down memory lane but also a family-friendly setting, with free lawn access for children two and under, while requiring tickets for reserved seating areas. With a limit of six tickets per person, the concert is designed to be accessible to a wide audience.

It’s an ideal opportunity for fans of all ages to experience the enduring charm and diversity of '90s music genres under the stars at Cary’s beloved amphitheater. Get More Event Info | Source for Band Bios

Pet Spa Gives Back to the Community

Mosa Pet Spa & Boutique in Cary is hosting a special event this August to support local dog rescue efforts. On August 18th, the spa will hold a “Wash-a-Thon” to benefit Perfectly Imperfect Pups (PIPs), a rescue organization dedicated to helping at-risk dogs, particularly those with special needs.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mosa Pet Spa will offer discounted grooming services, including baths, nail trims, and ear cleanings for dogs, at a price of $40. Half of the proceeds from these services will go directly to PIPs. Current fosters with PIPs can take advantage of these services for free.

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.

August 15th (Thursday)

August 16th (Friday)

August 17th (Saturday)

August 18th (Sunday)

August 19th (Monday)

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

Surprisingly, a banana is scientifically classified as a berry. In botanical terms, a berry is a simple fruit with seeds and pulp produced from the ovary of a single flower.

The banana fits this description because it contains multiple seeds throughout its flesh, and it develops from a flower with a single ovary. The classification often confuses people because bananas don’t resemble typical berries like blueberries or strawberries, which are also technically considered berries.

For more detailed information about the botanical classification of bananas and other fruits, you can visit this informative page from the Britannica website.