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REMEMBERING JAN 6th and NATIONAL LAW APPRECIATION DAY EDITION | |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
January 10, 2023
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
Sports Alert:
Georgia Bulldogs win Second National Championship in a Row!
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Sonia Rao’s article on a Ukranian family.
Read Sonia Rao’s article in News in Observer on a Ukrainian family. I am proud of this young lady, who is going to be doing some great things with her future. Watch out World!:
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-12-31/journey-ukraine-nc-family-reunited-8597605.html
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Sen. Tillis’ immigration bill was a rare display of political courage | Opinion
Read my Op Ed in Raleigh News and Observer
https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article270762997.html
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Breaking News and Updates | |
Congressman Wiley Nickel
Congrats to Wiley Nickel for being sworn into US Congress on Saturday!
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Also congrats to Valerie Foushee, Jeff Jackson, and of course Deb Ross! | |
JAN 9 WAS NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY | |
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My Message to Law Enforcement:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1345332576242807
Jan. 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day to be grateful for the officers who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities..
Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities. They’ve answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated.
From local, state, and federal, their duties command dedication. The jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them.
Often law enforcement are the only paid emergency resource a community has. More often they work in coordination with other local, state, and federal organizations to make communities safer.
As of 2022, there are over 800,000 sworn-in police officers in the United States, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.
We are grateful for their selfless sacrifices and service for all of us, and also, remember how law enforcement came together during national tragedies like 9/11 and the Jan. 6th insurrection.
A special thanks to Our Police Department in Morrisville, the departments of the region and state, and also for their work on community policing and outreach to your communiites.
We appreciate you!
Find ways you can show your appreciation throughout the year at https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-law-enforcement-appreciation-day-january-9/.
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Council Member Rao enjoying
SANTA RUN with Morrisville Police Dept!
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Two years ago, on January 6th, our Capitol, was taken over and sieged by citizens of our nation who did not accept the certified results of a Certified election!
We did not fall, bur came together as Capitol Police, First Responders, Members of Congress and others, came together, and made sure that we showed the world that the foundations and institutions of the American Republic, can never be broken or shattered.
Our nation will continue to endure in the midst of division, turbulence, and uncertain times. Let us draw inspiration from the words of President Lincoln, "This Nation shall have a new Birth of Freedom and that a Government of the People, By the People, and For the People, shall never perish from the Earth.
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SENIOR DEMOCRATS REMEMBER JAN 6th
Senior Democrats on Friday led a large and poignant gathering on the steps of the US Capitol in Washington to commemorate the “solemn day” on the second anniversary of the deadly January 6 insurrection by extremist supporters of Donald Trump.
Hundreds of members of Congress paid tribute to five police officers whose deaths have been tied to the violent insurrection in 2021, as rioters overwhelmed law enforcement and broke into the Capitol at the urging of the then president, intent on stopping the official certification of his election defeat by Joe Biden.
Many were in tears at Friday morning’s event, including Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker who had to flee for safety two years ago as the mob rampaged through the Capitol, calling out for her and invading her office while members of her staff hid in fear for their lives.
Pelosi’s replacement as the most senior Democrat in the House, the new minority leader and New York congressman Hakeem Jeffries, paid tribute to the deceased police officers.
“Many more will forever be scarred by the bloodthirsty violence of the insurrection of this mob,” he said.
Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick died not long after being attacked by the mob. Four other police officers affected by the events that day later took their own lives.
The ceremony included families of the fallen officers reading out their names, with the tolling of a bell, and concluded with 140 seconds of silence, one for each of the 140 law enforcement officers injured during the attack.
Jeffries announced it was a bipartisan gathering of lawmakers, but there was no sign of Republican leadership. Many Republican House members were engaged in a simultaneous conference call with Kevin McCarthy as he pleaded for their support in his epic struggle to become the next speaker of the House.
One Republican Congress member was spotted by CNN as being at the event, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
Jeffries said: “We stand here today with our democracy intact because of those officers. Violent insurrectionists stormed the Capitol and attempted to halt the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of our republic. They failed.
“They failed because of the bravery and valor of the United States Capitol police and the Metropolitan police department officers who fought heroically to defend our democracy. We will never forget their sacrifice and we will never forget this day.”
Pelosi dabbed at tears as she listened to Jeffries’ remarks.
Then she added: “The January 6 insurrection shook our republic to the core.”
She noted that many inside and outside Congress still held the “physical, psychological and emotional scars” of an unprecedented day in modern American democracy.
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MY TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC
I had a great trip to Washington D.C. to be with Wiley’s family and friends as he began his work in the 118th Congress! I am very proud of my friend and I know he will work hard for all of us and for North Carolina!
Highlights of my DC Trip:
Wiley Nickel sworn into Congress! Steny Hoyer drops in to Wiley’s Party! (13th District)
A proud Mom! Wiley’s mother was so proud!
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Proud of Climate Change Advocates! | |
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Congrats to Congressman Jeff Jackson!
(14th District)
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Congrats to Congresswoman Valerie Foushee!
(4th District)
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Congrats to Congressman Don Davis!
(1st District)
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Looking forward to Deb Ross’ Continues Leadership in the US House!
Great to visit with her at her Open House.
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Great to Catch up with two of our Indian American Congressman!
- Raja Krishnamoorthi!
- Ami Bera
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Raja Krishnamoorthi
Ami Bera
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Wonderful appointment with President Lincoln!
(Ended 8 mile run at the Memorial!)
WWII Memorial visit!
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CONSIDER SUPPORTING MS. SHAGUFTA HAKEEM FOR APEX COUNCIL APPOINTMENT | |
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As the longest serving Indian American elected official in North Carolina, I believe it is imperative that we increase our representation in local governments, at the Town and County level.
Participation in elected office, whether it is a city council, school board or County Commission is critically important as we continue to see explosive growth of our Indian American and South Asian Community in Wake County. Based on 2020 Census counts, there are 38,500 Indian Americans in Wake County.
Many are now growing their numbers in the Town of Apex, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the State.
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On January 6th, there was an opportunity to make history once again in Apex, as Ms. SHAGUFTA HAKEEM is a finalist to fill the seat vacated by Cheryl Stallings.
If selected, she will become the first Asian women to serve on the Apex Town Council, and the second one to serve in Wake County history. More importantly, she will join Council Member Satish Garimella, myself, Ya Liu and Maria Cervania (now in General Assembly) to represent the South Asian Community in Apex.
I would never encourage anyone to support any candidate because of his or her race. However, I would encourage you to look up Shagufta’s application, and if you like her background and experience, show your support through a written statement or public comment tomorrow?
Diverse backgrounds are important for any City Council, and I do think we need to see more Asian representation at all levels of government.
This could be a chance and an opportunity, so please consider supporting the idea and this candidate!
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WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR APPOINTMENT?
Apex Town Council is holding final Interviews and Public Hearing for Potential Council Seat Candidates today, Jan 6th!
The Apex Town Council will soon appoint a new member to serve as temporary At-Large Town Councilmember through December 2023.
On Friday, January 6th, the Apex Town Council will hold a special meeting to conduct interviews, and hold a public hearing to receive feedback on four candidates. The meeting will begin at 2:30 pm, held on the 3rd Floor of Apex Town Hall, located at 73 Hunter Street.
The full meeting, including candidate interviews, the public hearing, and Council deliberations, will be open to the public. Members of the public are invited to attend in-person, or view the livestream on the Town’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TownofApexGov.
Two opportunities are available for residents to provide comment:
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Written Statements: Written comments can be submitted to Town Clerk Allen Coleman; P.O. Box 250; Apex, North Carolina, 27502 or by email at public.hearing@apexnc.org. Please use the subject line “Council Candidate Interviews – Written Comments” and include your first and last name, your physical address, and your phone number in your written statements. Written comments will be accepted until noon on Friday, January 6th. All written statements received prior to the deadline will be provided to the Mayor and Town Councilmembers, and made available for public inspection. Please note, written comments will not be read aloud during the public hearing portion of the meeting.
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In-Person: Members of the public may sign up to speak during the public hearing portion of the special meeting on Friday, January 6, 2023. The signup sheet will be posted at 2:00 pm on the 3rd Floor at Apex Town Hall, located at 73 Hunter Street. Individual comments are limited to three minutes. Pursuant to the adopted Public Forum and Public Hearing Participation Policy, the public hearing portion of the meeting may not exceed 36 minutes or 12 individual speakers whichever comes first.
Below is the agenda for the meeting on January 6, 2023. Interview times for each candidate were determined by a random drawing that was conducted on January 3rd.
- Call to Order
- 2:30 pm – Arno Zegerman Interview
- 3:15 pm – John Marshall Barnes III Interview
- 4:00 pm – Shagufta Hakeem Interview
- 4:45 pm – Tayon Dancy Interview
- 5:30 pm – Public Hearing
- Council Deliberations
- Adjournment
Each candidate’s application and resume may be viewed in person in the Town Clerk’s Office located at 73 Hunter Street in Apex between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or online at: https://www.apexnc.org/1727/At-Large-Council-Vacancy
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Background
On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the Apex Town Council voted to accept Councilmember Cheryl Stallings resignation and initiate the selection process. Council unanimously voted to adopted a policy and process timeline for appointing a candidate to fill the unexpired term.
The application period began at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 and ended at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022. The Town Clerk’s Office in partnership with the Town’s Communications’ Department advertised the vacancy using a variety of platforms including the Town’s website, social media, and local news media.
A total of 34 completed applications were received for the temporary seat vacated by Cheryl Stallings, who was recently elected to serve on the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Of the 34 applications, three did not meet the eligibility requirements set by the Apex Town Council.
Each member of the Town Council, including the Mayor, submitted nominations for up to seven candidates to be interviewed. In order for a candidate to move forward to the interview phase, they were required to receive a majority (three or more) nominations.
On Friday, December 16, 2022, the official nomination record was released and four candidates were identified to move forward to the interview phase.
According to North Carolina General Statutes § 160A-63 and the Apex Town Code of Ordinances, the Apex Town Council has the authority to appoint a qualified individual to fill Stallings unexpired term until residents have the opportunity to elect a successor in the 2023 Apex municipal elections.
Questions about the selection process should be directed to the Town Clerk Allen Coleman via email allen.coleman@apexnc.org, by phone at (919) 249-1260, or in-person at 73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502.
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Suicide Prevention Line to 988 |
On Saturday, July 16, the U.S. will transition the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care.
The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need.
Starting tomorrow, simply calling or texting 988 or chatting https://988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline
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Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit. 99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Enjoyed our Radio Nyra Interview with Bob Phillips from Radio Nyra.
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1917301445271106/?t=20
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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Get with the Program with Gary Jones!
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Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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This Week in Morrisville: January 9th -15th | |
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Meetings
Jan. 10 – 6 p.m. – Town Council Meeting
Jan. 11 – 6 p.m. – Performance Measures Advisory Committee
Jan. 12 – 6 p.m. – Senior Advisory Committee
Jan. 12 – 6 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board - Canceled
Jan 16 - 2 p.m - Wake County Commissioners Meeting
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Become a Town Advisory Committee Member
The Town is growing, and your opinion matters! Advisory Committees offer residents a chance to be involved in the Town’s decision-making processes by providing input on important matters to Town Council. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 5 p.m. Apply now on the Town website. Contact Town Clerk Eric Smith with any questions at (919) 463-6168 or esmith@townofmorrisville.org.
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Town Hosting Community Blood Drive on January 13
As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “The time is always right to do what's right!” In partnership with the Blood Connection, and in honor of the 2023 MLK Day of Service, the Town of Morrisville will host a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050B Town Hall Drive. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for donors throughout the drive, and every donor will receive a $70 donor benefit from the Blood Connection after their donation.
To participate in this community blood drive, please schedule an appointment through the Blood Connection's appointment portal. Appointments are strongly recommended to ensure that all donors can be accommodated.
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'Fight the Fall' Balance Workshop Offered at Morrisville Senior Center on January 18
The Morrisville Senior Center (MSC), 4117 Davis Drive, will host a “Fight the Fall” workshop for seniors on Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. The workshop will discuss the importance of balance and provide tips for how to prevent falls. Topics of discussion will include alarming statistics on balance and aging, why balance is so important (including why you need an annual balance assessment), what influences balance, how to improve balance, and how to reduce the risk of falls. To RSVP, please call the MSC at (919) 463-7140.
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Some Greenway Bridges to be Closed for Repairs in January
The Town of Morrisville has contracted with Span Builders to complete maintenance and repairs to pedestrian bridges located on Town greenways. This work will continue through January and may require temporary closures of bridges for short periods of time. The contractor will work with greenway users to ensure safe passage through work zones. For any questions, please contact Public Works at (919) 463-7070.
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Happy Trails Wake County Tree Recycling
Recycle your Christmas tree to mulch trails at Wake County parks. Drop off your undecorated holiday trees at designated locations from Dec. 26-Jan. 22. (All facilities will be closed for New Year’s Day on Jan. 1.) Local residents can drop off their trees at Lake Crabtree, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville. Check out additional locations and hours here.
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Art and Photo Contest Winners Announced
The winners for the Student Art Poster Contest and the Stormwater Photo Contest have been announced. The grand prize winner of “Bees, Seeds, and Butterflies,” hosted by the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee, is Bryce Cao. Check out all the winning entries here. The winner of the “We Are All Upstream” photo contest is Nisarg Mounachar of Panther Creek High School.
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Trees Planted at Cedar Fork District Park
The Public Works Department recently planted 20 new large trees throughout Cedar Fork District Park. A variety of native trees were chosen to continue the Town’s efforts to create more native landscape installations and spread awareness about the benefits to the public. The tree installation was one of many projects meant to provide a more robust and beautiful park for all users.
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Have You Joined Engage Morrisville?
Engage Morrisville is a place for residents and businesses to get involved by sharing ideas and feedback with Town staff on various projects and topics affecting the Morrisville community. Current topics of conversation include the Town Center Project, What's Happening Around Town, and the Morrisville Smart Shuttle. Register and join the conversation today.
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MAFC Hosting Virtual Marathon Starting January 1
Start the new year right with a focus on healthy living! Join the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center for a virtual marathon, from Jan. 1 to Feb. 4. You can choose to run a full marathon (26.2 miles), an ultramarathon (50 miles), or a mega marathon (100 miles). All miles completed can be logged toward fulfillment of the marathon, including those completed at home or at the MAFC, those walked or ran, and those swam or biked. Registration opens on Dec. 12. Click here to sign up.
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Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is currently recruiting for the following positions:
- Senior Aquatics Specialist (FT)
- Marketing & Membership Coordinator
Both positions provide benefits. Learn more and apply here. The Town is offering financial incentives for part-time lifeguards who can work during the day in the off-season. Experienced swim instructors, as well as, day and early evening desk staff are needed. Learn more and apply here.
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Now Hiring: Join the Engineering Team
The Town of Morrisville has exciting career opportunities available now. The Engineering Department is now hiring for a Capital Projects Manager. Please click here for more information about the posting and to apply.
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Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.
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Public Invited to Provide Feedback on Commuter Rail Study, Future Plans
GoTriangle, the region’s transit authority, has released a report with the results of the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail Feasibility Study and information about options for a future commuter rail service in the area. The agency is seeking public feedback through online surveys, community meetings, and public forums in Morrisville, Durham, Cary, Raleigh, and Clayton, areas through which the system would run.
The proposed Greater Triangle Commuter Rail would help provide a congestion-free transportation opportunity and serve a region slated to grow by more than a million people in the next 30 years. The commuter rail project includes passenger service at 15 stations along approximately 43 miles of existing North Carolina Railroad corridor between east Durham and Clayton.
The next step in the project is to get public feedback on which of the three stages of the project would be implemented first. Once an initial phase is selected, planning for the second phase will occur. The second phase is planned to begin operations roughly five years after the initial phase begins service.
Visit readyforrailnc.com/feasibility to read the report and complete the feedback survey. The comment period will be open until Feb. 19.
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Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating! |
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.
Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!
The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers' Market
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.
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NC Bankers Forecast
Great time at NC Bankers Forecast with Creighton Blackwell.
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Raleigh Chamber Launch event
Inspired by Chris Chung, Scott Wingo and others at Raleigh Chamber Launch event!
(More on this event in next newsletter)
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State Line on PBS Carolina
Piloted State Line on PBS Carolina! Stay tuned for a great show this year on NC Issues along with Black Issues Forum!
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Keshav Deo Foundation Ceremony
Attended Keshav Deo Foundation Ceremony with Mayor. Congratulations to the DEO family for solidifying the legacy of their son, promoting peace and social equity.
(More in my next newsletter)
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Swearing in Ceremony
Inspired at Swearing in Ceremony for Ya Liu and Maria Cervania.
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Great Outdoors Trail Day
Great Time at the Jan 1 Great Outdoors Trail Day Walk at Crabtree Hatcher Creek Greenway at Cedar Fork District Park!
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Disc Golf
Disc Golf at Cedar Fork District Park with Mayor TJ and friends!
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY VISITS | |
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On Saturday, November 26th, I visited a number of businesses on Small Business Saturday. This went so well, that I am going to continue this throughout the year, visiting a business or two every Saturday or during the week. I also plan to focus on different markets like Technology, Health Care, Manufacturing, etc.
If you have a business and you want me to visit you and highlight your company, please email me at sr@steverao.com.
Thanks to all the companies who let me drop by.
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Small Business Listening Tour: | |
Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company. | |
Yeet Street Disc Golf
Visit with Yeet Street Disc Golf at Cedar Fork District Park!
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National and North Carolina News | |
Aetna Awarded State Health Care Contract
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina will no longer be the third-party administrator for the State Health Plan come Jan. 1, 2025. According to a press release by North Carolina state Treasurer Dale Folwell, Aetna has been awarded the Third-Party Administrative (TPA) Services Contract for the Health Plan. Aetna beat out BCBSNC and UMR, a health insurance company based in Wisconsin.
The change is significant because BCBSNC has been the TPA for more than 40 years. Blue Cross NC says that it will pursue a formal appeal of the decision.
“It is an honor for Blue Cross NC to serve North Carolina’s teachers, state employees, and their families,” the BCBS statement read. “We are deeply disappointed by the State Health Plan’s decision last month. This is a consequential decision that will impact more than 580,000 State Health Plan members and threatens North Carolina jobs. Blue Cross NC is pursuing a formal appeal and seeking more information through a public records request to ensure the best outcome for North Carolina and all State Health Plan members.”
Folwell told Carolina Journal in a phone interview Wednesday that potential contractors were asked to bid based on the same set of rules, and considerations included cost saving and technical requirements to keep the SHP solvent.
“We have no choice but to drive transparency, higher quality, higher access, and lower cost into our state health plan,” he said.
Folwell said the selection followed a Request for Proposals, a competitive bid process in which the plan solicited and selected industry-leading partners who reported exceptional customer service, technological resources, and professional support. The services under the contract include processing claims and offering a comprehensive network of healthcare providers.
In a press release, the Treasurer’s office characterized the deal with Aetna as a “partnership that focuses on transparency and lower costs.” The press release also said there are potential administrative cost savings of $140 million over the life of the five-year contract.
In August, Folwell shared his concerns about healthcare costs going up, including the possibility that contracts will be renegotiated upward next year.
“I am very concerned that the State Health Plan is going to need $5 billion more incremental dollars over the next several years in order for it to remain solvent,” he said. “This was part of the unfunded healthcare liability (that I have talked about for the past 12 years), and that is what we are facing right now.”
He also said a letter was recently sent to the lawmakers at the General Assembly telling them about the billions of dollars of future financial needs of the SHP.
“We have done all we can,” Folwell said. “We have renegotiated our Medicare Advantage contract at $0 cost to the taxpayer and zero premium to the members. We have renegotiated our pharmacy contract and a savings of $800 million over three years.”
The plan provides health care coverage for nearly 740,000 teachers, state employees, retirees and their dependents. The administrative contract, awarded by the State Health Plan Board of Trustees, oversees healthcare spending of more than $17.5 billion over five years.
In September of 2011, there were already concerns about the health of the State Health Plan, after North Carolina state Auditor Beth Wood commented in a performance audit of the plan. According to the audit obtained by C.J. from Folwell’s office, Wood’s statements said the plan was at risk for overpaying claims.
“It must rely solely on BCBSNC auditors and information from the BCBSNC computer system to identify discount errors,” Wood’s statement read. “Because the Plan does not have access to contracts between BCBSNC and the medical providers, the Plan does not have a method for independently determining if an improper discount rate has been applied to a Plan member’s claims.”
Folwell has made pricing transparency and cost reduction in healthcare a centerpiece of his tenure as treasurer and, in recent months, has indicated his interest in running for governor in 2024. He has continued a battle with N.C. hospitals over profits from Medicare and COVID relief funds, using terms like “healthcare cartel” to describe the N.C. Healthcare Association. He’s also pushed lawmakers to pass a Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act, which would limit interest rates and collections on medical debt.
The three-year initial service period for the contract with Aetna begins Jan. 1, 2025, and continues through Dec. 31, 2027, with the option to renew for two one-year terms.
“Partnering with Aetna, which already employs over 10,000 people in North Carolina, will create a lot of new opportunities for the Plan and the members we serve,” Folwell said in the press release. “A change of this magnitude is a great opportunity for a fresh perspective, and we look forward to working closely with Aetna to create new ways to provide price transparency, increase access and quality while lowering the cost of health care for those who teach, protect and serve, and taxpayers like them.”
Starting Wednesday, nearly 600 Aetna employees have been assigned to work on the transition with State Health Plan director Sam Watts for the next two years.
Plan members will start receiving more information regarding the changes in 2024 before open enrollment for the 2025 benefit year.
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FDA ALLOWS PHARMA TO SELL ABORTION PILL BUT NC LAW IS COMPLICATED
In an effort to make abortion pills more accessible, a new Food and Drug Administration regulation will allow retail pharmacies to dispense the medication for the first time. However, a state “informed consent” abortion law may prevent the change from improving access in North Carolina. Mifepristone, which blocks the hormones needed for pregnancy development, is the first part of a two-pill regimen that ends a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks of gestation.
Until now, mifepristone could only be dispensed by licensed doctors and clinics and a handful of mail-order pharmacies. The FDA’s new guidance gives pharmacies the option to become certified to sell the drug to patients with a valid prescription. But a provision in that state law requires that a doctor be in the room when a patient takes the first abortion pill. And that could complicate how the FDA’s new regulation works in North Carolina.
Jay Campbell, the executive director of the NC Pharmacy board, said the law doesn’t prevent pharmacies from becoming certified to dispense mifepristone. But it’s unclear whether the law would require patients to go back to their doctor’s office to be observed while taking the pill. If that’s the case, the new regulations might not make the drug more accessible for patients in North Carolina, said Dr. Beverly Gray, a Duke OB-GYN. “That would be really tough to navigate,” she said. “It’s just easier to directly administer in clinic rather than have a patient come back to watch them swallow a pill.
The N.C. Medical Board, which regulates the medical profession, has not issued guidance to the state’s physicians on the issue and does not have immediate plans to, a spokesperson for the organization said. The state Attorney General’s Office is not authorized to give guidance to physicians, a spokesperson there said. “I’ve had colleagues that are just very confused about what’s going on,” Gray said. “It’s just unclear whether this is good news for North Carolina.”
Gray said she fears the state’s complicated abortion laws could dissuade retail pharmacies from stocking mifepristone altogether in North Carolina.
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
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Thousands of people stormed Brazil’s government buildings.
• What happened? Rioters breached and vandalized the presidential office, Supreme Court and Congress yesterday in the capital, Brasília. More than 400 were arrested.
• Why? They were supporters of far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. The attack came a week after his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was inaugurated.
• Sound familiar? It’s being compared to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and suggests the spread of far-right disruptions in Western democracies.
Kevin McCarthy was elected House speaker after a historic deadlock.
• What to know: The Republican leader won on the 15th round of voting — the most since before the Civil War — early Saturday after making more concessions to a group of GOP holdouts.
• What this means: The House can get to work. But this is probably a preview of what business will look like with narrow Republican control over the next two years.
A cease-fire didn’t stop fighting in Ukraine.
• What to know: Russia declared a 36-hour truce Friday for Orthodox Christmas, but attacks continued anyway.
• The bigger picture: There is a good chance Ukraine could retake all occupied lands by the end of this year, or at least enough to end Russia’s threat, analysts said.
A new coronavirus variant is spreading quickly across the U.S.
• The details: XBB.1.5 is “the most transmissible” variant yet, which means even people who are vaccinated or have gotten covid before are getting infected. (Track cases here.)
• What else to know: There’s no evidence so far that XBB.1.5 is making people sicker or that it evolved because of vaccines.
• So what now? Vaccination, high-quality masks and avoiding crowds are your best bet at protection. If you do get sick, follow these CDC guidelines.
An ongoing stretch of storms has killed 12 people in California.
• The latest: An atmospheric river brought rain, snow and high-speed winds this weekend, knocking out power to more than a half-million customers yesterday.
• What’s next? More storms are expected this week. An even more intense one started last night, and another may come Thursday.
The NFL playoffs are set.
• What to know: The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are the top seeds. Games begin Saturday and end with Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.
• Yesterday: The Buffalo Bills beat the New England Patriots six days after their teammate Damar Hamlin collapsed during a game.
• Tonight: College football’s national championship game between TCU and Georgia is on ESPN at 7:30 Eastern time. Georgia is the defending champion.
A start-up in California is trying to manipulate the climate.
• How? By sending particles high into the atmosphere, trying to reflect sunlight and cool the Earth. The first experiment was last year, and there are more tests planned this month.
• Why we’re talking about this: The idea of “stratospheric solar geoengineering” has been around for years but is considered a last resort. This company is testing those limits.
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Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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PBS NC
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NC Channel
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Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview | Join me every Sunday at 4pm for a new show. 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! | |
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.
OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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