Cary Spotlight | Issue #470

Wake County Shooting Claims Life, Astronomical Highlights in February 2025, Cary Police Department Crime Data

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

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

📰 No. 2 Duke Overwhelms North Carolina in Rivalry Showdown

📰 Wake County Shooting Claims Life of DoorDash Driver and Father of Eight

📰 Don’t Miss These Astronomical Highlights in February 2025

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who was the African American scientist credited with developing a method for storing and processing blood plasma?

(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, Thomas!

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Ready to Race for a Cause?
The Tobacco Road Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a mission. This premier annual event has raised over $1.8M for charities like the American Red Cross and Hope for the Warriors. Want to be part of something bigger while crushing your PR? Use code "Spotlight" (case-sensitive) for $20 off your registration!

No. 2 Duke Overwhelms North Carolina in Rivalry Showdown

No. 2 Duke showcased their dominance in a decisive 87-70 victory over North Carolina on Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game, part of college basketball’s most storied rivalry, quickly tilted in Duke’s favor as they built a 22-point halftime lead and extended it to as much as 32 in the second half.

Freshmen stars Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg were instrumental for the Blue Devils, combining for 43 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. Their early synergy set the tone, with Flagg breaking a 2-2 tie in the opening minutes and Duke maintaining control throughout the game.

North Carolina, now 13-10 overall and 6-5 in ACC play, struggled offensively, with RJ Davis and Drake Powell leading the team with 12 points each. A late effort cut Duke’s lead to 16, but it was too little, too late against a team firing on all cylinders.

Duke’s victory extends their winning streak to 15 games and cements their place atop the ACC standings with an 11-0 conference record. For North Carolina, the loss underscores ongoing challenges as the team has now dropped four of their last five games.

Men's College Basketball

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Wake County Shooting Claims Life of DoorDash Driver and Father of Eight

Tragedy struck a Fayetteville family over the weekend when Shawn Rouse, 38, was fatally shot in Wake County while making DoorDash deliveries. The incident occurred Saturday evening in a neighborhood near Wendell, with deputies responding to the scene on Stag Trail around 6 p.m.

Rouse, a husband and father of eight, was working to support his wife, Rudie, and their 1-year-old daughter when he was killed. Described as a devoted and active father, Rouse leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to his family. His social media was filled with images of him spending time with his children, highlighting the importance of family in his life.

Law enforcement has not yet identified a suspect, and no arrests have been made. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, employing K-9 units in the search for leads. The case has left a family and community reeling, as they await justice for a man whose life was cut tragically short. Read Full Report 

Don’t Miss These Astronomical Highlights in February 2025

The night skies of February 2025 are packed with extraordinary astronomical events. The month kicks off with a Triple Conjunction on February 1, featuring Venus, Saturn, and the Moon in a brilliant alignment. A few days later, the Centaurid Meteor Shower peaks on February 8, providing a celestial light show.

On February 12, the Full Snow Moon will illuminate the night sky with its wintry glow, followed by Venus reaching its peak brightness on February 16, an unmissable sight for observers.

The month crescendos with the start of a Grand Planetary Alignment on February 20, where multiple planets, including Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, form a breathtaking arc across the heavens. The finale comes on February 25, when Mercury and Saturn meet in a rare conjunction, completing a month filled with cosmic wonders.

Just curious…

February’s night sky is packed with celestial wonders, and we’d love to know which event has you most excited!

Which February Astronomical Event Are You Most Excited For?

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Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (3 Feb 2025)

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.

February 4th, 2025 (Tuesday)

February 5th (Wednesday)

February 6th (Thursday)

February 7th (Friday)

February 8th (Saturday)

February 9th (Sunday)

February 10th (Monday)

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

Dr. Charles Drew was a pioneering African American scientist and surgeon who revolutionized the field of medicine by developing a method for storing and processing blood plasma. His innovations led to the establishment of modern blood banks, which played a crucial role during World War II in saving countless lives. Despite facing racial discrimination, Drew became the first Black person to earn a medical doctorate from Columbia University and later advocated against the segregation of blood donations. His work continues to impact medical science and emergency care today.