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D-DAY AND PRIDE MONTH EDITION
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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
June 6, 2022
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.
Download the Steve Rao App!
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NC Senate passes Medicaid expansion.
(See NC News Section)
NC Senate expected to pass Medical Marijuana.
(See NC News Section)
Wake County Commission Considers Tax Increase this evening! 5 pm!
(See NC News Section)
Wake County plans to end free drive thru testing by July 29th.
- (Testing will only be on M, W and F and Testing will end at Vision and Departure Drive locations)
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Thanks for Celebrating National Cancer Survivor Day!
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CONGRATS TO DON WADDELL, COACH BRIND’AMOUR and CANES FOR A GREAT SEASON!
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Queen celebrates 70 years on Throne at Jubilee!
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GOLF CART CROSSING UPDATE:
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Prestonwood Country Club and NCDOT have reached agreement on a project to install a HAWK signal with corresponding signage and markings at the golf cart crossing on Morrisville Parkway. The design and installation schedule is not yet established.
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D DAY: REMEMBERING THE GREATEST GENERATION
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My D DAY Message:
On June 6th 1944, the greatest generation stormed the beaches of Normandy to win World War II.
4,300 Allied personnel lost their lives serving their country in what would be the largest amphibious invasion ever launched.
We do not need to go to Marvel Movies or read Marvel Comics to know that the Avengers, our American Soldiers, have always made us a Superhero nation.
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On a personal note, One of the reasons, D-Day and WW II, means so much to the Rao family, is that we also honor one of our family heroes, my late Grandfather, Major S.V. Rao (Venky) who served in world War II for the British Army and then the Indian Army after partition. He fought the Japanese in Burma.
I visited Normandy in 2019, and was so moved to visit the museums, to read about the soldiers, who faced gunshots when they landed on the beach, many of them would see dismembered bodies in the water. Men, as young as eighteen years of age, from all walks of life, dying within minutes of landing at Normandy. It was so emotional to see the graves of many of these soldiers, and to see with my own eyes, the true sacrifices made by the greatest generation our nation has ever produced, our World War II Veterans.
The best way we can honor those who sacrificed and died for this country is to never take our Freedom for granted. We must always respect our differences and never cease our commitment to equality and justice for all Americans.
At the end of the day, we must always remember our fallen soldiers not only by how they died, but more importantly how they lived: as truly courageous heroes who are everlasting reminders that we truly are the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
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Check out my Tech Wire Blog:
10 Years of DACA is enough – it’s time to pass the Dream Act
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My Pride Month Message:
June is Pride month, the time of year when we celebrate the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. It’s a great time to recognize the contributions of your LGBT+ peers, learn a little bit more about LGBT+ history, celebrate diversity, and consider the ways that you can contribute to creating a more inclusive society.
This month, we will be highlighting Trailblazers in the LGBTQ Community.
10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH
(From Thomson Reuters)
1. Attend a Pride parade or Event
From Singapore to Toronto, and everywhere in between, there are many popular festivals and parades to attend throughout the months of June and July. To find pride events in your city, check out this useful guide: http://www.gaypridecalendar.com/world
2. Be an Ally
When someone in your life tells you that they are LGBT+, it can be difficult to know how to respond. Your initial reaction may be one of surprise, excitement, confusion, discomfort, or none of the above. Be honest in your response, but you should also recognize the importance of your response and the impact it may have.
3. Organize a T-Shirt Design Contest
Encourage your employer to get involved by holding a t-shirt design contest. The winner of the contest will then have their design printed on shirts and handed out to employees throughout the month. Thomson Reuters recently held an internal contest for our own t-shirts – check out our design here.
4. Volunteer or Donate
Give back to the community through a volunteer initiative such as supporting a local LGBT+ youth or community center or raising money for a charity/foundation such as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. To find a great charity, try using Charity Navigator.
5. Become an Advocate
If your company doesn’t already have a Pride Employee Network, then start one! The Thomson Reuters Pride at Work Employee Network was created to create a safe and inclusive workplace, while remaining aligned with our business objects, those of our customers and external partners and the wider LGBT+ community. Local chapters of our Pride at Work network are run by employees all over the world.
6. Educate Yourself
Do you know why we celebrate LGBT Pride month in June? Spend some time learning about the history of Pride, a movement precipitated by the Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New York.
7. Support LGBT art and culture
The LGBT+ art community is vibrant, influential and pervasive. Go see a LGBT+-themed show or movie, visit an LGBT+ art gallery, or buy an album from an LGBT+ artist.
8. Consider Your Company’s LGBT+ Inclusivity
Does your company have a culture and resources that promote LGBT+ inclusivity? Is there something you can do to make LGBT+ coworkers feel more comfortable in your office? Is there a benefit that excludes LGBT+ employees? Start a dialogue and make resources available to try to create a workplace where LGBT+ employees will feel valued and accepted.
9. Thomson Reuters Foundation and Openly
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is doing some amazing work to tell impartial news about the LGBT community and bring to life the stories of on the ground experience of those who are LGBT through its Openly news site. Learn about Openly here.
10. OutLaws 2019
As one of the world’s most ethical companies, Thomson Reuters considers this event an honor and ethical obligation to connect passionate advocates for LGBTQ rights and representation with key power brokers and influencers from across professional services. Our program pivots upon actionable opportunities for engaged individuals to help effect meaningful change at a moment of great unrest for the LGBTQ community.
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Thanks for listening to our Radio Nyra Interview with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall! We look forward to our interview with her on POD TV on ROKU tomorrow at 10 am, live on Facebook.
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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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Get with the Program with Gary Jones!
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Mar. 25th Black Issues Forum Discussion!
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The Steve Rao App is Here:
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Download the Steve Rao App!
Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.
Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.
Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
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Google Play Store Scan code Link
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This Week in Morrisville: June 6 - June 12
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
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Project update for the week of June 6:
- Contractor will continue with road grading work in the culvert area. Dominion Energy will complete their gas line tie-in work on Tuesday and Wednesday. AT&T has completed its work.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in this area between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- There are no changes to traffic patterns. Southbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the northbound side of the median (between Fire Station No. 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).
- Contractor has shifted traffic to the Phase 3 pattern (to the outside lanes) on Morrisville Carpenter Road between Orianna Drive and Leafycreek Drive.
The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.
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Asphalt Restoration Work Ongoing
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The Town of Morrisville has contracted with Pavement Technology Inc. to provide asphalt restoration services to streets in Town. Restoration will begin on June 1 and is anticipated to last two and a half weeks. Door hangers regarding specific dates of services will be placed at homes and are subject to change based on weather conditions.
A project overview and streets receiving the services is available here.
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Music in the Park Series Returns
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Music in the Park is coming back to Morrisville! Join us for this free and fun outdoor concert series featuring live music and food trucks. All shows are from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
- Friday, June 3: Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band
- (Food truck: Empanadas RD North Carolina)
- Friday, July 8: Big Chief
- Friday, August 5: GrassStreet
- Friday, September 9: Revolution
Check out more about Music in the Park here.
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The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring lifeguards for $13/hour, and has openings for front desk staff. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings, and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.
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Summer White Goods Collection is June 9
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The Spring White Goods Collection is Thursday, June 9. Items to be collected include washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves/ovens, and dehumidifiers. Microwaves should be dropped off at the South Wake Landfill, 6130 Old Smithfield Road, Apex.
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Spring Bulk Item Pickup June 13-17
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The Town's Spring Bulk Item Pickup will be June 13-17. During this specially designated week, residents receiving residential curbside solid waste services from GFL may leave a total of five acceptable bulk items curbside on their regular trash/recycling curbside pickup day. All items must be ready for pickup no later than 7 a.m.
Please visit the Public Works website for a list of acceptable and unacceptable bulk items.
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Juneteenth Celebration Set for June 11
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The Town of Morrisville will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 B Town Hall Drive. Join us as we celebrate the emancipation and achievements of Morrisville’s African-American community. Three distinguished speakers will give presentations, including a historical reenactment. There will also be an exhibition of the history of stepping (accompanied by a step performance), musical performances, food, vendors, and other fun activities.
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Morrisville Bike Rodeo June 11
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Did you know that more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport? The Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department will be hosting its Bike Rodeo to teach children toddler-age and up about bike safety to try to reduce these injuries. The Bike Rodeo will take place June 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Morrisville Fire and Rescue Station No. 1 at 200 Town Hall Drive. Residents are encouraged to bring in bicycles for a free inspection and then test their safety knowledge and riding ability on the skills course.
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Western Wake Farmer's Market Blood Drive June 25
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The Western Wake Farmer’s Market will partner with the American Red Cross to conduct a blood drive June 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Red Cross mobile blood donation unit will be parked at the farmer’s market at 280 Town Hall Drive. The Red Cross will also be giving donors a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. For more information, contact debbie@wwfm.ag or call 800-RED-CROSS.
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Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates
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Work continues on the Morrisville Community Park Phase III construction project. The contractor has finished installing the water, sewer, and utility lines for the restroom shelter at the tennis courts. Additionally, the contractor has finished laying the stormwater pipes across the greenway. Workers will be repaving the Hatcher Creek Greenway section and plan to have it reopened by May 31 or later next week. Additional temporary closures may be required in the future to allow for construction equipment access across the greenway.
The contractor anticipates beginning work on the foundation pad for the restroom shelter building over the coming weeks, as well as preparing for installing the retaining wall onsite at the tennis courts.
Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.
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Lending Library Installed at Indian Creek Trailhead
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The Town of Morrisville has a new Lending Library! The Crossroads FLEX Student Council worked to build and install a new lending library next to the playground at Indian Creek Trailhead at 101 Town Hall Drive. Books are available for the whole family.
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Morrisville Police Department Teen Citizen Police Academy
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Registration is now open for the Morrisville Police Department’s Teen Citizen Police Academy.
The academy is a five-week program, held June 15-July 23, and is designed to give participants a working knowledge of the department. It is intended to increase transparency and enhance understanding between the community and the police. Learn more and register here.
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Puttin Around Town at Church Street Park until June 30
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Puttin Around Town is a program that places a temporary disc golf basket at a different park on a rotating basis to give people the opportunity to practice throwing discs so they can work on their mid-range game or putting. The schedule has been adjusted, and the basket will be at Church Street Park from May 31 to June 30. Plans are being finalized for a temporary course to return to Cedar Fork District Park in July.
The Town is continuing to explore effective uses of temporary baskets in open to encourage outdoor recreation.
Read more about Puttin’ Around Town here.
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Vendors Sought for Town of Morrisville July 3 Family Fun Festival
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Calling all makers! We are looking for arts and craft vendors for our Family Fun Festival. The Festival will be held on Sunday, July 3, from 4-9 p.m., on Town Hall Drive. Vendor spaces are free and sized 10' x 10'.
For details and to submit an application, click here.
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Pop-up Dog Park at Morrisville Community Park
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The Morrisville Pop-up Dog Park is back! Bring your dogs out to enjoy the sunshine at Morrisville Community Park. The dog park will be open May 8 - September 18 on select days. Click here for more information and to register.
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Summer and Fall Athletic Program Information Available
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Registration for summer camp opportunities is now open.
Baseball camps will be offered in partnership with Diamond and Aces. Run by professional coaches, this camp provides young players a unique opportunity to take their game to the next level. Players of all ability levels will be challenged with specific skill instruction and drill work. Drill progressions will be focused on developing good habits while improving overall game skills. Each camp will cover the skills of pitching, hitting, catching, fielding, baserunning, position work, and mental preparation. The camp will be held at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway.
Developmental sports camps will also be offered in partnership with Skyhawks, the country's leader in providing a safe, fun, and skill-based sports experience for kids between the ages of 4 and 14.
Registration for fall leagues will also start on June 6. Fall leagues will include tee-ball, coach pitch, minor and major baseball, and junior volleyball.
Visit the Parks and Recreation website for additional information and updates.
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Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center
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Beginning the week of April 11, the MAFC program pool will be unavailable for public use on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open rec swim and water aerobics participants will be accommodated in lanes 5 and 6 of the lap pool. Additionally, the Friday morning water aerobics class has been cancelled.
Now Hiring: MAFC Lifeguards
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring for part-time lifeguards. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.
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Sustainability Data Dashboard available on the Open Data Portal
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The Town of Morrisville has launched the Sustainability Dashboard on Morrisville's Open Data Portal. The dashboard provides residents with tracking data showing the Town's progress in implementing sustainability practices. Data for the solar panel array on Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 and recycling participation rates for each of Morrisville's five GFL Environmental service routes are currently available. For details, click here.
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Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
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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
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The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (summer hours) every Saturday.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
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Thanks for joining us on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum!
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Black Issues Forum | PBS North Carolina (formerly UNC-TV) (pbsnc.org)
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Welcomed Telengana MP, Aravind Dharmapuri to Church Street Park.
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Great time at Senior Center Open House with Barbara Blair from Exercise Coach!
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Welcomed Congressman Adam Schiff to Chapel Hill
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Welcomed Congressman Adam Schiff to Chapel Hill with soon to be Congress Members Valerie Foushee, Wiley Nickel and Veteran David Price!
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Great to be at the Rex Open
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GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
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THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD
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War in Ukraine
A Ukrainian official angrily rejected a plea from French President Emmanuel Macron not to “humiliate” Russia.
One farmer in eastern Ukraine keeps working, despite the danger: “I can’t leave the people.”
A U.S. warship arrived in Stockholm, a sign of the protection that joining NATO would bring Sweden.
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Gun Violence
Gun-control measures could have prevented nearly one-third of mass shootings since 1999.
A 911 dispatcher was fired for hanging up on a supermarket employee calling for help during the Buffalo shooting last month.
Other Big Stories
President Biden was briefly evacuated from his beach home after a plane accidentally entered restricted airspace.
Connecticut’s move to expand school mental health services prompted unexpected opposition.
Heavy storms flooded Miami streets, the first tropical threat of the hurricane season.
Queen Elizabeth’s absence from parts of her Platinum Jubilee celebration highlighted the awkward limbo atop the British monarchy.
The top seed, Iga Swiatek, won the women’s French Open over the American teenager Coco Gauff.
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Senate Passes Medicaid Expansion, On to NC House!
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Medicaid expansion can not only provide health care to the backbone of our economy, but can add over $5.9 billion of federal dollars to our budget, help rural hospitals and provide for more preventive health care spending which can reduce chronic diseases and chronic disease spending. Even a simple Testosterone test for men between the ages of 40 and 60 can significantly reduce chronic disease spending!
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Senate expected to Consider Medical Marijuana
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The state of North Carolina is one step closer to legalizing medical marijuana after clearing a key committee in the legislature.
Seventeen of the 25 Republicans and all but two Democrats present Thursday cast votes for the bill, which passed 35-10 and needs one more affirmative vote next week before it heads to the House.
However, the contents of the legislation are very specific. There are 15 conditions covered by the bill, including major illnesses like cancer, PTSD, and anyone in hospice or with a terminal illness.
More than half of the states in the US have already approved medical marijuana bills. Conditions like anxiety, chronic pain and opioid addiction are included in other states laws, but not in North Carolina's.
According to a SurveyUSA poll, out of 2,500 North Carolinians, 72% think medical marijuana should be legal.
A new Medical Cannabis Production Commission would award licenses to 10 entities that would grow cannabis, process it and sell it.
Each licensee could open eight medical cannabis centers across the state. They could sell up to 30-day supplies of marijuana or cannabis-infused products to patients or their caregivers, who would have to obtain registration cards from the state Department of Health and Human Services. The licensees would have to send 10% of their monthly revenues to the state.
It is not known if Governor Cooper would sign bill but it is on to the House, where Speaker Moore says it will be taken up next year.
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Wake County Considers Tax Hike this evening.
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An increase in property taxes in Wake County is just one vote away from becoming a reality.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the fiscal year 2023 budget on Monday evening, and if the budget proposal moves forward, Wake County residents would see their first property tax increase in three years.
If approved, the budget would include a 1.5 cent increase to property taxes. For a house worth $300,000, that adds up to an extra $45 a year in taxes.
The tax increase would be used for general funds and create an additional $29 million to help pay for things like staffing as the county deals with a staffing shortage and aims to increase pay and add more jobs
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Watch Sunday at 4pm for a new Forum.
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
Engaging discussion at BLACK ISSUES FORUM!
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PBS NC
- Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
- Sundays at 4 p.m.
- Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.
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NC Channel
- Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays at 1:30 a.m.
- Sundays at 6 p.m.
- Mondays at 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
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Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview
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Thanks for joining us for our Nyra Interview with Manisha Dass on the NCAAT AAPI Heritage Event on May 21st!
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Join me on June 28th at the Frontier 800 North Carolina Now Results 9 am to 10:30 am with Brian Hamilton and WRAL anchor and Interim PBS Carolina CEO, David Crabtree.
(more on my involvement in this event in next newsletter)
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June 6th Majestic Support the Troops Golf Tournament
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June 6th Majestic Support the Troops Golf Tournament at Northridge County Club!
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June 9th Morrisville Chamber Coffee and Connections
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June 9th Morrisville Chamber Coffee and Connections at Hindu Society of NC (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC) 7:30 am!
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June 11th Juneteenth Celebration
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The Town of Morrisville will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 B Town Hall Drive. Join us as we celebrate the emancipation and achievements of Morrisville’s African-American community. Three distinguished speakers will give presentations, including a historical reenactment. There will also be an exhibition of the history of stepping (accompanied by a step performance), musical performances, food, vendors, and other fun activities.
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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Join us this Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra program with Democratic Sheriff Candidate Roy Taylor followed by a Sustainability interview with Shanthanu Agarwal, CEO Susteon.
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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See what's happening on our social sites:
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