In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 Habitat for Humanity Receives Significant Donation from Triangle Painting Companies

📰 Software Company Sued by NC and USDOJ for Driving Up Rental Cost

📰 Educational Funding Gaps Force Teachers to Spend Own Money on Supplies

📰 Lazy Daze Festival Parking & Support Veterans

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the only animal that can’t jump?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

We welcome Bee Banhmi as the newest local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

CertaPro Painters of Cary-Apex, in collaboration with Spectrum Paint Company of Raleigh, has generously contributed to Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. Their donation, which totals $30,000, comprises $25,000 worth of paint supplies and an additional $5,000 in cash.

This significant contribution is part of CertaPro's Safe & Affordable Housing campaign, aiming to foster positive changes within the construction industry and support affordable housing initiatives. The donation provides not only materials but also financial assistance for construction efforts, directly aiding Habitat Wake's mission to increase accessible housing solutions in the Triangle area.

The partnership between CertaPro and Spectrum Paint Company exemplifies a strategic and philanthropic approach to addressing social challenges in the community. By leveraging their resources and expertise, the companies hope to encourage a culture of giving and collaboration within the local construction sector.

This initiative is just the beginning of a broader effort, with CertaPro inviting other businesses and organizations to join in future projects aimed at creating sustainable impacts and brighter futures for families in need across the Triangle area. Read Full Report

North Carolina has aligned with the United States Department of Justice and seven other states in a legal battle against RealPage, a software firm accused of unfairly inflating rental prices through its revenue management software.

This collaborative lawsuit, which includes the attorney generals from states like California, Connecticut, and Minnesota, asserts that RealPage's software leads property managers to adopt suggested rental prices that are artificially high, thereby distorting the housing market in urban areas, especially in the Triangle and Charlotte-Mecklenburg regions. This strategic use of sensitive, non-public market data effectively eliminates competitive pricing, forcing renters to face higher costs.

The significant rise in rental prices, particularly evident in Wake County where the median rent surged by 40% from 2010 to 2020, underscores the financial burden imposed on families—an extra $4,200 annually.

The lawsuit follows a detailed year-long investigation by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who initiated the probe into RealPage's practices earlier this year. By challenging these alleged antitrust violations, North Carolina and its allied states aim to restore fairness in rental pricing and protect residents from exploitative business practices that threaten housing affordability. Read Full Article

As the school year looms, Nancy Cattrell, a seasoned science teacher at Apex Friendship High School, confronts the recurring issue of underfunded classrooms by digging into her own pocket. Entering her 17th year, Cattrell has invested thousands to ensure her students have a conducive learning environment.

This year, she utilized the Wake Ed Partnership's Tools 4 Schools, a point-based system that offers teachers free supplies to alleviate some financial burden. Despite this support, the resources provided were not enough, compelling her to spend an additional $114 out-of-pocket after depleting the program's points, with further purchases still pending until her finances recover.

The financial strain on teachers like Cattrell highlights a larger systemic issue within North Carolina's educational funding. The state ranks 38th in the nation for teacher pay, significantly below the national average, underscoring the economic challenges faced by educators.

Keith Poston, President of the WakeEd Partnership, acknowledges the deep-seated funding inadequacies, wishing for a shift in legislative priorities that could render his nonprofit's role in supply provision obsolete.

Despite the grim financial landscape, the community-driven initiatives like Tools 4 Schools continue, with ongoing calls for donations and support to help bridge the gap in educational resources. Read Full Report

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three hot gift deals of the week🎁

Cary American Legion Post 67 has parking for 90 plus vehicles at Chapel Hill Road and Academy Street, the beginning of the Lazy Daze event. The cost is $15 for all day parking. Cash and credit cards accepted. This is our major Fund Raiser for the year. Get Directions | Visit their website

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.