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Jan 29th Council Member Steve Rao Update |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
January 29, 2021
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Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes.
Download the Steve Rao App!
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Check out my most recent WRAL Tech Wire blog on Immigrants and the Labor Shortage!
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Winter Advisory Alert:
National Weather Service Raleigh has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for portions of central North Carolina for January 29th.
Testing Alert:
The 5 Wake County testing sites will be closed today due to inclement weather.
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MAFC will operate on inclement weather hours today.
(See MAFC Update)
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In anticipation of inclement weather in our area, MAFC will be operating on a limited schedule from 12 noon – 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 29th. No closure for cleaning for this day. The pool schedule will remain in effect. All fitness classes and tennis are canceled.
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Town of Morrisville N95 Mask Distribution: |
In collaboration with Wake County, the Town of Morrisville is distributing N95 masks to community members through Tuesday, Feb. 1. The N95 masks will be available for pick up (no reservations and while supplies last) at Morrisville Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. No ID is required, but mask recipients are asked to leave their address for evaluation of distribution across our community.
- Sat. Jan 29th: 12 pm- 4 pm
- Sun. Jan 30: 10 am- 2 pm
- Mon. Jan 31: 8 am- 12 pm
- Tues. Feb 1: 12pm- 4 pm (if masks are left)
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Update: |
Phase 1 and Phase 2 are 60% complete.
Morrisville Carpenter Road is projected to be competed by late Summer/Early Fall 2022. We are planning to direct traffic to part of the newly constructed road in February.
We are working to signalize cross walk intersections on Morrisville Carpenter. Stay tuned.
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Pete Acosta Named Morrisville’s Permanent Police Chief |
Morrisville Town Manager Martha Paige has selected Pete Acosta to fill the permanent role as the Town’s police chief following a three-month period as interim chief. Chief Acosta will officially begin his new role on Tuesday, Feb. 1, and will lead and direct all police department operations and continue the Town's strong commitment to maintaining a safe community.
Chief Acosta has been employed by the Morrisville Police Department since October 2018 and has more than 26 years of experience in law enforcement. Formerly a police captain with the department, he has been interim chief since October 22, 2021.
While serving with the Town of Morrisville, Chief Acosta has led the department to a successful transition to Advanced Accreditation which strengthens nationally recognized best practices in law enforcement. As sustainability is very important to Pete, he has developed a sustainability program which includes a Firstline Supervisor Training Program as well as a training program that offers role diversity.
Chief Acosta earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University.
His professional training includes the Administrative Officers Management Program through N.C. State University and the UNC School of Government Fellows Program.
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Breaking News / Important Updates: |
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Free At Home Covid Tests:
Business Alert:
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Apply for your CARES Employee Retention Tax Credits at www.unclaimedcredits.com in 2022!
- (You can receive back up to 70% of the salaries of W2 employees)
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Triangle Restaurant Week! |
It is not too late to get out and support our restaurants for TRW! Every day should be Triangle Restaurant Week! I will be going out next week and visiting some Morrisville restaurants. |
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Black History Starts Feb. 1! |
My Black History Edition Newsletter will be next week!
Please join Tru Access and the Town of Cary, NC for the 5th Annual “Future of Black History” program! This virtual event will be held on Saturday, Feb 5 at 9am EST! Our Keynote Speaker this year will be my brother and good friend Mr. Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversity Officer at US Bank. Click the link below to register. Looking forward to seeing you there!
#BHM #TFOBH #TownOfCary #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #BuildingBridges
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New York mourns the loss of Officer Jason Rivera and Willard Mora.
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Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer |
Justice Stephen Breyer announces retirement. President Biden committed to a Black Female as replacement.
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Good Luck to Rafa Nadal as he goes for the all time record of 21 Major Championships in Australia! Winter Olympics Starts Friday!
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The Steve Rao App is Here: |
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: Jan 31 - Feb 4 |
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project |
Project update for the week of January 31:
- Work will continue on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Old Savannah Drive).
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations on Morrisville Carpenter Road between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The contractor will continue working at the culvert area.
- The contractor will complete stormwater work along Town Hall Drive on Monday, Jan. 31.
- Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.
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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Traffic Alert for Town Hall Drive Feb. 3 |
Town Hall Drive will be temporarily shut down, from Jeremiah Street to Morrisville Carpenter Road, for a short period between 6 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3. Town staff is evaluating the safest possible site to conduct future fireworks displays in Town. Residents in the vicinity of Town Hall Drive may hear loud noises for a few minutes during this time. |
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Based upon current data and trends in COVID-19 cases in our region, the Morrisville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department has current COVID-19 safety measures and protocols in place for the Morrisville Aquatic & Fitness Center, Cedar Fork Community Center, and Morrisville Senior Center. For those facility’s COVID-19 guidelines and for updates from the Town of Morrisville on COVID-19, visit TownOfMorrisville.org/COVID19.
Town leaders are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with Wake County Public Health Division, the lead agency for guidance as it relates to the coronavirus and its variants. If you have specific questions related to your health and COVID-19, COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccinations, or other assistance, please call (919) 250-1500, email at covid19.questions@wakegov.com, or visit their webpage at Wakegov.com/covid-19. |
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MAFC COVID PROTOCOL UPDATE |
As concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the Omicron variant continue to grow in our area, we have made some important updates to our facility's current protocols and procedures to help stop the spread and keep you safe. The changes you need to be aware of and abide by are listed below:
- We will continue to enforce face coverings being worn by those ages three and up throughout the facility at all times. Please remember that face coverings must be worn on the pool deck and in the locker rooms. They are only to be removed for swimming and showering.
- Social distancing will be enforced whenever possible. Please be conscious of others' space and wait six feet apart.
- The weight room capacity will be limited to eight people. Please check the room's capacity when you arrive and be prepared to remain in the waiting area until a spot becomes available. Conversely, if you are in the weight room and notice someone waiting, please limit your exercise to one hour to be courteous to your peers.
- The spin bike room has a capacity of three people, and we ask that you operate under the same principles outlined in the weight room statement above.
- Every other piece of equipment on the cardio floor will be blocked off to allow for social distancing on the machines. If you prefer a particular piece of equipment, and it is blocked off, we ask that you ensure using it does not place you within six feet of another patron before starting your workout.
- Our aquatics supervisory team will impose capacity limits during open rec swim at their discretion. On weekends, the number of people in the combined area between the program pool and the play structure will be 15 people. Please limit your time in the pool to an hour and 30 minutes to allow others the opportunity to swim.
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The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is offering swim classes for children and adults (with some experience in the water) who are looking to refine their abilities.
Classes are offered throughout the month of February.
#LiveConnectedLiveWell
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Join our Racquetball Community Event |
The Racquetball Rumble event will be on Sunday, February 6, at 2:30 p.m. at the Morrisville Aquatic and Fitness Center. The sign-up (Racquetball Community event tab) for this event goes live at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. Participants of all levels will be able to compete in community matches, with the option to register for a month-long, ladder-style tournament! This event is free to members, but non-members must purchase a day pass or a membership to attend. |
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Registration for Winter, Spring Season Programs Starting Soon |
Registration will start soon for the Women on Weights, Teen Fit, and swim classes at Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center. To learn more about these programs, get registration information and sign up, click here. |
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Spring Little League Baseball Registration is Now Open |
Spring Little League Baseball registration is open! Ages 5-12 can register for league play with practices beginning tentatively in late February.
Additionally, we will take information for participants that are interested in participating in softball from ages 9-12. We are looking to begin softball league development this spring and hope to form teams in the coming months. Volunteers for T-ball, baseball, and softball can reach out to Bryan Rhea at brhea@townofmorrisville.org for more information. |
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Winter Basketball League Schedule Paused |
The winter basketball league is currently pausing its league games until the week of Feb. 7 as a safety measure for its volunteers and participants. Practices will continue to take place as information is reviewed. |
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How-To Group Fitness Classes Now Offered |
Nervous to jump into one of our group fitness classes? Build a strong foundation first by taking one of the “how-to” group fitness classes on Saturday mornings in January and February at the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center. The 30-minute instructional sessions are followed by the full one-hour version of the class, allowing participants to sign up for both and apply their skills. Reserve your spot now via SignUp Genius (Fitness Class Sign-Up tab). |
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Sustainability Data Dashboard available on the Open Data Portal |
Thanks to everyone who attended our Virtual Sustainability Town Hall.
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! |
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 |
Starting Dec. 4, the WWFM is shifting to winter market hours, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local! |
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New sites continue to be added in Wake County through partnerships with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and other community testing providers.
All Mako Medical/NCDHHS sites will remain open through March 1. WakeMed Soccer Park hours are changing - they're now 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Monday.
Radeas Labs has partnered with Baptist on Mission to offer drive-thru testing in Wake County AND Radeas has opened back up its Wake Forest drive thru-site. No appointments, no pre-registration, and no out-of-pocket costs. Insurance accepted, but not required.
All Mako Wake County Testing Sites Open Until March 1:
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PNC Arena (home to the Hurricanes): Gate E off 1400 Edwards Mill Rd in Raleigh, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closes at noon on Jan. 31, Feb. 2, 9 & 10)
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Five County Stadium (home to Carolina Mudcats): 1501 NC-39 in Zebulon, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
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WakeMed Soccer Park (Sahlen's Stadium): 101 Soccer Park Dr. in Cary, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
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Word of God Assembly Church: 3000 Rock Quarry Rd. in Raleigh, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
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Highland Baptist Church: 8524 Crowder Rd. in Garner/Raleigh, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
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Apex Community Park: 2200 Laura Duncan Rd. in Apex/Cary, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Starting Tuesday, Springfield Baptist Church: 4309 Auburn Knightdale Rd. in Raleigh, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
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Hindu Society of NC: Drive thru testing in HSNC parking lot. Do not step out of your car . You will be provided with instructions for registration. No prior appointment is required. Testing is being performed by: Ottendorf Laboratories, LLC. Monday thru Friday - 8 to 5 pm Address: 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Registration can be done with the QR code:
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Morrisville Pharmacy and Compounding |
Note that you can get Pfizer and Moderna First, Second and Booster Shots at Morrisville Pharmacy and Compounding (3500 Davis Drive Market Place Shopping Center, Morrisville, NC 27560) (919) 463-7990. |
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Wake County N95 Mask Distribution: |
Wake County Public Health is expanding locations offering free N95 masks to include the Western Health and Human Services Center in Cary (111 James Jackson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513) and Wake County Human Services Center (Departure Drive) in Raleigh.
In addition to these two new sites, the two sites that ran out last week - Public Health Center (Sunnybrook Road) and the Southern Regional Center in Fuquay Varina - now have a new supply for the public.
The Wake County Health and Human Services building on Swinburne/Kidd Road will no longer be a distribution site.
Wake County Public Health will distribute masks at the following locations Monday through Friday while supplies last:
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Wake County Western Health & Human Services Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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Wake County Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
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Wake County Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
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Wake County Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
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Wake County Human Services Center (vaccine clinic location), 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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North Carolinians can go to MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location near them. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at (888) 675-4567 can also help residents make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Total Doses Administered: 12,122,466
Boosters: 2,931,032
Completed Tests: 24,331,885
74% in NC Partially Vaccinated and 70% Fully Vaccinated.
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- For Covid 19 Vaccine Appointments and Free Testing, visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information
- Appointments must be made at for free Covid 19 Testing in Wake County.
- Find your County Vaccination sites, visit https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/where-can-I-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-in-my-county/19466004/
- All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States.
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Indian Author and Political Analyst Shantanu Gupta |
I was honored to welcome Indian Author and Political Analyst Shantanu Gupta at the Hindu Society of NC for the Hindus American Book Lecture: How a Monk Transformed Uttar Pradesh.
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Black Issues Forum After Show |
Black Issues Forum After Show:
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FedInsider Ransomware event |
Attended the FedInsider Ransomware event:
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Watch Sunday at 4pm for a new Forum.
It was great to be at Black Issues Forum on Friday. Join us on Sunday at 4pm for our discussion on Biden first year, Voting Rights, other issues.
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
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Feb 5 9am - 5th Annual “Future of Black History” program |
Please join Tru Access and the Town of Cary, NC for the 5th Annual “Future of Black History” program! This virtual event will be held on Saturday, Feb 5 at 9am EST! Our Keynote Speaker this year will be my brother and good friend Mr. Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversity Officer at US Bank. Click the link below to register. Looking forward to seeing you there!
#BHM #TFOBH #TownOfCary #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #BuildingBridges
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Day at the Hamilton Farm in Apex — one day only Feb 5 |
Brian Hamilton Farm, a 32-acre private farm in Apex, is opening up for visitors for one day only. On Saturday, February 5th, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m., you can come out and enjoy the farm.
This is a free event.
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Feb 7th 5pm meeting Wake Commissioners. |
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Feb 8th NC Vet Biz Virtual Annual Meeting |
Feb 8th NC Vet Biz Virtual Annual Meeting from 10 am to noon.
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Feb. 8th- Feb. 10th: Emerging Issues Forum |
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COVID-19 Q&A Session: February 22, 2022, from 2-3 p.m. |
COVID-19 Q&A Session: Join the Town of Morrisville for a live COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Nicholas Turner on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 2-3 p.m.
Dr. Nicholas Turner, a Duke University infectious disease specialist, will engage with Morrisville community members and answer all questions about the COVID-19 virus.
The live Q&A session will be streamed exclusively on Engage Morrisville. Submit your questions now. Register today and submit your questions at https://bit.ly/engagemorrisville
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Mar 4th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech |
March 4th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech.
Register at
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May 5 Morrisville Chamber Annual Meeting |
May 5 Morrisville Chamber Annual Meeting at Prestonwood Country Club from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Award Applications are open!
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North Carolina has been selected to be America’s host bidding for 2027 World University Games!
Visit ncwug2027bid.com for more information or to make a secure donation through PayPal.
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Join us on 4 pm Sunday for our India Republic Radio Nyra and State of Democracy Interview with Senator Jay Chaudhuri. 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! |
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Thank you for joining us on Friday, Jan 28th at 7 pm and Sunday at 4pm for our discussion on Biden first year, Voting Rights, Infrastructure and other issues. |
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Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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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NC Covid Dashboard:
North Carolinians can go to MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location near them. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at (888) 675-4567 can also help residents make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Vaccinations:
- Total Doses Administered: 12,000,897
- Boosters: 2,884,536
- Completed Tests: 24,070,459
- 74% in NC Partially Vaccinated
- 70% Fully Vaccinated.
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The number of hospitalizations has risen to 5,158 after 60 more people were admitted Thursday with the virus.
Thursday numbers set a new record across NC, being the third day in a row the numbers remained above 5,000.
The total number of new COVID-19 cases across the state also increased Thursday to 28,753 from Wednesday's total of 20,286.
CASES:
Newly Reported Cases: 28,753
+ N.C. = 2,374,866 Cases (Deaths= 20,595)
+ 30.4% Positive Rate
+ 5,084 Hospitalized.
+ Wake County = 252,000 Cases (Deaths = 956)
+ Mecklenburg County = 250,000 Cases (Deaths = 1,042)
+ US = 74 million cases / 869,000 deaths
+ India = 40.9 million cases / 493,000 Deaths.
+ Worldwide = 370 million cases / 5.7 million deaths
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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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