Sonia Rao is a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has previously written for the Virginian-Pilot and the Charlotte Observer.

On Thursday, I was honored to attend the Unity Forum Event at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Morrisville, hosted by the BAPS Raleigh/Morrisville Chapter. The Unity Forum brought together all Hindu Faith based Organizations in the RDU area. Over 25 organizations participated in this event to have an open dialogue with Law Enforcement, Durham and Wake County District Attorneys and the FBI on how to increase safety and better secure our temples in the midst of increasing gun violence and crime. 

A special thanks to the Wake County DA, Lorrin Freeman, Durham County DA, Satana De Berry, Morrisville Police Chief Pete Acosta, Morrisville Fire Chief Scott Criddle and Earl Sam, NC State Bureau of Investigation for taking time out of their busy schedules for an informative and engaging discussion. 

Thanks to BAPS for hosting and all of the RDU area organizations for joining this Forum. 

Join us this evening at 5:30 pm for a reception at Swagat and discussion with Vice Chair Heagarty as he kicks off his campaign!  He has been an effective advocate for schools in Morrisville, most recently the newly Public High School High School at Wake RTP and the Early STEM High School Wake Tech RTP!  And, let's not forget Parkside Elementary!  

Keep up the great work Chris!   

RSVP to sr@steverao.com 

I want to remind you that there is a primary runoff for Wake County sheriff and Cary Municipal Elections. Tuesday, July 26.  

Wake County Sheriff is a run off between Gerald Baker and Willie Rowe.   

District C Cary: Cary Council Run Off is between Jack Smith and Renee Miller.  

At Large Cary: Ken George vs. Carisa Johnson. 

 

For its convenience, I recommend voting by mail-in ballot. Voting Facts:

Find All Details for July 26th Primary Election at https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/board-elections/election-information/upcoming-election-information. 

“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, “ Alito wrote. “This Court cannot bring about the permanent resolution of a rancorous national controversy simply by dictating a settlement and telling the people to move on.”   

The Supreme Court on Friday revoked the constitutional right to an abortion that has been in place for half a century — overturning Roe v. Wade on a 5-4 vote, clearing the way for dozens of states to swiftly ban the procedure and throwing the country into uncharted political, legal, social and medical territory.

The bombshell decision is set to upend elections across the country as governors, attorneys general and other state and local leaders gain new powers to determine when abortion will be permitted, if at all, and who should be prosecuted and potentially incarcerated when bans take effect.

Abortion illegal, or soon to be, in 16 states post-Roe. States where trigger laws and pre-Roe bans could be used to prosecute abortions now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the landmark abortion case

In its official opinion, the court’s conservative majority went beyond simply resolving the case before them — Mississippi’s near-ban on abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy — and instead overturned both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, long-standing precedents that barred states from banning abortion before the point of fetal viability.

Alito also argued that history demonstrates no tradition in the United States of a right to abortion, and the absence of such protections undermines the Supreme Court’s conclusion 49 years ago that abortion rights were implicit in a constitutional right to privacy.

The ruling is also a stark measure of the impact a single president can have on the nation’s highest court. Three of the five justices who joined in the decision overturning Roe — Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — were appointed by Trump. Kavanaugh and Barrett both replaced justices who had backed abortion rights.

The political consequences of the decision are likely to be significant, with the nation receiving a very concrete lesson in how elections — particularly for the Senate and the White House — can lead to major shifts in the judiciary, resulting in justices who can not only expand rights, but contract them, as well.

However, the court’s five-justice majority also cautioned that their momentous decision to retreat from Roe does not mean that other court decisions grounded in privacy rights are in jeopardy.  

However, Justice Clarence Thomas’ view of what that assurance meant seemed certain to fuel fears that rulings many Americans rely on could be next on the chopping block.

“In future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell,” Thomas wrote in a solo concurrence — referring to a 1965 decision finding a right to contraception for married couples, a 2003 decision that overturned criminal sodomy laws and a 2015 decision requiring states to recognize same-sex marriages. “We have a duty to ‘correct the error’ established in those precedents.”- Justice Clarence Thomas

President Biden went on to urge voters “to make their voices heard” in the midterm elections by sending more lawmakers to Congress who will codify Roe’s protections into federal law. Such legislation, he said, is “the only way we can secure a woman’s right to choose.”

Twenty-two states are poised to immediately ban the procedure in most or all circumstances, either because they have abortion bans still on their books from before Roe was decided in 1973 or because they have passed so-called trigger laws since then mandating that abortion be outlawed if and when Roe is overturned.

Many of those state bans include criminal penalties that — depending on how state officials choose to enforce them — mean abortion providers and even patients could face incarceration.

Other states are poised to enact or expand restrictions that fall short of full prohibitions on abortion but could still put it out of reach for many people — including bans on the procedure after a certain point in pregnancy, bans based on the patient’s reason for the procedure, curbs on the distribution of abortion pills, mandatory waiting periods and more.

Conservative states are likely to pass more of these laws in the months ahead, and several have already raised the prospect of calling a special session to do so as early as this summer. Lawsuits are also playing out in several states, including Michigan and Montana, that will determine whether or not abortion remains accessible there.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to upend reproductive protections that had been in place for almost 50 years could soon limit access to the medical procedure for North Carolina women.

The decision shifts the spotlight to the state legislature and the upcoming general election, where Republicans need to win the vast majority of competitive races to likely impose new restrictions. And it raises the profile of upcoming state supreme court races, which could prove pivotal should challenges arise over state abortion laws.

For now, women in North Carolina still have rights under state law to get an abortion.

But a ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy could soon be on the table if GOP lawmakers successfully relitigate a case that was addressed last year when a federal appeals court ruled the state’s ban on abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s decision to end Constitutional abortion protections bolsters the prospects of the ban’s implementation

Senate leader Phil Berger has said he doesn’t anticipate taking up any abortion-related measures “regardless of what the Supreme Court does this year.” On Friday, he said he’d seek reinstatement of the law banning abortion after 20 weeks but added that he doesn’t expect “legislative action prior to adjournment.”

House Speaker Tim Moore said abortion will be a top priority for lawmakers next year.

Governor Cooper can veto anti-abortion bills that come to his desk. Overiding his veto requires the votes of three-fifths of the members in each Chamber: 72 of the 120 Members and in the Senate, 30 of the 50 Members.  Currently, Republicans hold 60 seats in the House and 28 Seats in the Senate.  

Great Interview with Jorge Lowery from American Immigration Council! 

Great Interview with Dreamer Shrishti Sharma! 

Tune in Sunday at 4 pm to Radio Nyra for our Interview with Dreamer Shrishti Sharma!  99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  

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.

On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!

Get with the Program with Gary Jones!

Mar. 25th Black Issues Forum Discussion!

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.

Morrisville’s Family Fun Festival will be held on July 3 from 4-9 p.m. on Town Hall Drive. The celebration will include live entertainment, family friendly games, food trucks, face painters, and displays from town local businesses, including arts and craft vendors. The evening will conclude with a festive fireworks display. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring money for the food, games, and vendors. Learn more about the festival here. 

Yard waste is not picked up by GFL on months that have a fifth Wednesday. June 29 is the fifth week of the month, so no yard waste will be collected that day.

 

There are two additional fifth Wednesdays in 2022: Aug. 31 and Nov. 30. More information can be found on the Public Works website. 

Big Chief will play at the second Music in the Park concert of the season. Big Chief is known for playing music for all ages, and their set list ranges from authentic New Orleans music to older country and rock, classic music from the 1950s, and children's songs. 

 

Bring a chair or blanket for this free concert at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive, and enjoy a meal at local food truck Baton Rouge Cuisine, which will be on site for the evening. 

 

Check the Music in the Park page for additional dates.  

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 Monday, July 18, 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.

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.

For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1

As work continues on Morrisville Community Park and restroom building by the future tennis courts, additional space is needed by the contractor for materials. Beginning on Wednesday, June 22, until October (estimated), an additional section of the Kudrow Lane parking lot will be fenced off and unavailable to the public. 

The contractor will be working on establishing the retaining wall and stormwater pipes in the northwest corner of the project throughout June. This work required a temporary demolition of the greenway connector within the fenced-in area of the project. Once work is completed in this area, contractors will adjust the fencing and reopen the trail connector for use by the public.

Additionally, the crew will be working on finishing grading the pad for the tennis courts and pickleball courts and establishing the foundation for the restroom building. The paving of walking trails and the establishment of the boardwalk will occur over the coming months.

Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.

Morrisville Public Works has temporarily closed the Dinosaur Stairs portion of the Morrisville Community Park Playground due to wear and tear to ensure visitor safety. The stairs will remain closed until Public Works obtains a replacement equipment piece and gets it installed. The rest of the playground structure will remain open for use.

North State Resurfacing has been contracted to repair and resurface the tennis courts at Church Street Park, 5817 Cricket Pitch Way. The painted surface of the tennis courts has faded over time, and cracks and other imperfections have also formed. This project will make repairs to the asphalt and then repaint the surface. The work will require that the courts be closed for approximately two weeks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Morrisville Smart Shuttle node at the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is now open and available for rides.

With the new MAFC node, the service will connect residents with 15 locations in Morrisville. An additional node is located at the Regional Transit Center near RTP. A Morrisville Smart Shuttle rider can arrange their pick-up and drop-off from their computer or smartphone. Learn more and download the app here.

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!

Black Issues Forum | PBS North Carolina (formerly UNC-TV) (pbsnc.org)

Very Informative IOT Slam at SAS! 

Handels Ice Cream opens at Schools Village! Thanks to Arvind Mahajan for making his Dream Come true in Morrisville!

Caught up with Ashley Christensen at the Williams and Sonoma opening at the Fenton!

Guest at the Goddard School Summer Celebration! Thanks to Monica and Anoop Khorana and their team for running such a wonderful school!  

Thanks to the Morrisville Chamber and Farmers Market for Hosting a Blood Drive!

Enjoyed Eid Bazaar!  Inspired by the many refugees from Syria, Morocco, Algeria and other nations who are running thriving businesses in NC!

Enjoyed the Youth Arts Council Meeting at HSNC! 

Inspired At We Strive Summer Bash at Morrisville Community Park!

Russian forces rained missiles on Kyiv for the first time in weeks, shattering the Ukrainian capital’s sense of security.

Leaders of G7 nations are close to an agreement to impose price caps on Russian oil, among other new economic penalties, Biden administration officials said today.

The war has hampered the fight against climate change as countries focus on finding fossil fuels to make up for lost Russian oil

In New York, the Democratic candidates for governor are focusing on two Supreme Court rulings — on abortion and guns — ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

A far-right candidate could win the Republican primary for Illinois governor, thanks to a Trump-loving base — and Democrats’ cash.

In China, police technology uses vast surveillance data to predict crime before it happens, targeting people whose behavior an algorithm deems suspicious.

At a meeting of the Proud Boys before Jan. 6, the far-right group’s leaders stressed obeying police lines and keeping away from ordinary protesters. Those instructions were later ignored.

Fifty years ago, girls’ soccer became an easy way to comply with the new Title IX law. Now the U.S. is a women’s soccer powerhouse.

The Colorado Avalanche won their first Stanley Cup since 2001, ending the Tampa Bay Lightning’s bid for a third consecutive title.

Sports betting will remain prohibited in North Carolina — at least for the time being — following a dramatic series of votes at the legislature Wednesday night.

By a single vote, the North Carolina House approved a bill to legalize sports betting Wednesday night but then shot down a separate bill. The bill that passed was contingent on the other bill’s passage to become law. With the second bill failing, sports betting is a no-go.

The reason for the confusion is that there are two sports betting bills advancing at the legislature: SB 688, the original bill, and SB 38, the new bill that’s a vehicle for making amendments to the original bill.

SB 688 already passed the Senate, but on Wednesday it failed to pass the House in a vote of 50-51.

However, the Senate has not yet passed SB 38. That’s the one that passed the House Wednesday, by a vote of 51-50.

The new bill contains a number of changes that the House proposed in the last few days — including new rules that betting would remain banned on college and amateur sports, plus higher taxes and fees on gambling companies so that the state would make more money if it did legalize sports betting.

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!

Website: https://video.pbsnc.org/search/?q=black+issues+forum

Tune in Sunday at 4 pm to Radio Nyra for our Interview with Dreamer Shrishti Sharma!  

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.

Join us July 7th to the exclusive VIP meet & greet with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at 6:15 PM and the public event "I Stand for Peace" at in Raleigh with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Global humanitarian, ambassador of peace and the founder of the Art of Living Foundation.  McKimmon Center, NCSU, 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606

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.

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!

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.

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.