Cary Spotlight | Issue #435

Shooting at Fenton Raises Questions, Addressing Teacher Shortages, Fastest Coach to 300 Wins in NHL History

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Deborah!

📰 Holiday Tragedy: Shooting at Fenton Raises Questions of Gun Safety

📰 Addressing Teacher Shortages: 210 Awarded in NC Teaching Fellows Program

📰 Rod Brind’Amour Becomes Fastest Coach to 300 Wins in NHL History

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: What is the capital city of Ethiopia?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Deborah!

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Editior’s Note: Listening to some old-school Blues while putting together this edition.

Credit: Cary Police

Holiday Tragedy: Shooting at Fenton Raises Questions of Gun Safety

Cary’s Fenton social district became the site of a tragic shooting just days before Christmas, leaving 23-year-old Cory McNeill dead and 24-year-old Malik Scott-McClarin facing murder charges. The incident, described by the accused as a horrific accident between friends, occurred in a parking garage where the two men were reportedly examining their handguns. Newly released warrants reveal Scott-McClarin’s account that the weapon discharged after McNeill bumped it.

The case, the first shooting reported at Fenton since its opening, remains under investigation as prosecutors evaluate the evidence and maintain the murder charge. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman has underscored the importance of corroborating details to validate claims of accidental discharge.

The shooting has amplified concerns about gun safety, with officials urging the community to exercise caution and follow proper firearm handling procedures. Scott-McClarin is being held on a $1.5 million bond as legal proceedings continue.
Read Full Report

Addressing Teacher Shortages: 210 Awarded in NC Teaching Fellows Program

The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program has announced 210 early decision recipients from 63 counties, providing up to $10,000 annually in forgivable loans to students who commit to teaching in critical areas such as STEM, special education, or elementary education in the state’s public schools. Participants choose from 10 partner institutions, including NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, and repay their loans through service—one year of teaching equals one year of loan forgiveness.

This initiative addresses a significant challenge for North Carolina's education system: rising teacher attrition rates and increasing vacancy rates for licensed positions. The program also seeks to boost representation in STEM fields, inspiring future students through relatable role models in classrooms.

Recipients often cite personal experiences and a commitment to their communities as driving factors behind their decision to pursue teaching. Many plan to return to their hometowns to give back to the schools and communities that shaped their lives.

As teacher shortages grow and debates over public education funding continue, advocates are urging increased support for programs like Teaching Fellows to ensure schools are well-resourced and that teaching is viewed as a respected profession.
Read Full Report 

Rod Brind’Amour Becomes Fastest Coach to 300 Wins in NHL History

Rod Brind’Amour, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, made NHL history by becoming the fastest coach to reach 300 career wins. This milestone, achieved during a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, came in just 488 games, surpassing the previous record set by Bruce Boudreau. Brind’Amour and Boudreau are the only coaches in NHL history to reach 300 wins in fewer than 500 games.

Brind’Amour has consistently been recognized as one of the league’s elite coaches, leading his team with a .615 win percentage and fostering a culture of hard work and consistency. He is one of just eight coaches since 2000 to achieve 300 wins with a single franchise, further highlighting his dedication to the Hurricanes.

Despite his personal accomplishments, Brind’Amour credits his success to his players’ commitment and effort, underscoring the team-first mentality that defines his leadership style. His milestone solidifies his place among the NHL’s coaching greats and reinforces the Hurricanes’ reputation as a powerhouse in the league. Read Full Report

Just curious…

What is Your Favorite Sport to Watch?

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Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (30 Dec 2024)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

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. Most events are closed for the holidays.

December 31th (Tuesday)

January 1st, 2025 (Wednesday) Happy New Year!

January 2nd (Thursday)

January 3rd (Friday)

January 4th (Saturday)

January 5th (Sunday)

January 6th (Monday)

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

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is a vibrant hub of culture, politics, and history. Located at an altitude of 2,355 meters (7,726 feet), it is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Known as the political center of Africa, Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The city is rich in heritage, featuring landmarks like the National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral.

For more information, visit Ethiopia's tourism website.