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MID TERM ELECTION RESULTS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

November 14, 2022

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. 

My Weekly Update and Election Insights:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/611709874064144

Morrisville Alert: 

Remember to apply for Town of Morrisville Advisory Committees by Nov 14th! At 5 pm! 

https://www.townofmorrisville.org/government/resident-advisory-committees


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, Nov. 14, 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.


ADVISORY COMMITTEES WITH VACANCIES/OPEN TERMS

The Town is growing, and your opinion matters! Here’s an overview of advisory boards with vacancies/expiring terms:

  • Environmental and Stormwater promotes local recycling, stormwater, and other environmental programs and education to residents and in local schools. 
  • Smart City Steering works with and through the Information Technology (IT) Department to assist and support the town in innovation and development of smart city initiatives.
  • Performance Measures Advisory makes suggestions and recommendations to staff on Town performance measures, process improvement projects and benchmarks; and reviews and publicly discusses the comprehensive annual financial report to enrich transparency and accountability.
  • Planning and Zoning Board deals with land use, zoning, and development issues.
  • Public Education Advisory informs and advises Town Council on specific public school needs in Morrisville.
  • Senior Advisory investigates, implements, or assists with methods and concepts to improve quality of life for the seniors’ population of the town. 


Learn more about committees and apply by Monday, November 14 at https://bit.ly/3OK7lRh

Wake County Votes for $1Billion in Bonds!   


https://abc11.com/wake-county-election-results-bonds-parks/12434777/


Durham County Votes for $112 million Bonds for Durham Tech!


https://www.durhamtech.edu/news/durham-county-voters-approve-112-million-bond-referendum-fund-new-training-centers-healthcare

National Alert:


Student Loan Forgiveness on Hold and in Jeopardy.


https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/11/biden-administration-stops-taking-applications-for-student-loan-forgiveness.html

SAVE THE DATE: 

Nov 17th Testosterone Therapy Symposium! 


We are excited to share an invitation to the Recognizing the Value of Testosterone Therapy in Healthcare Symposium 2022. During the symposium, global experts will share their research on important topics surrounding testosterone, as well as the future of testosterone therapy. As there is a tremendous patient population that could benefit, please share with your network/anyone else who will find it valuable/relevant.


Registration link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R1l9UK6aSRqo9jWvKQ2nhA

Raleigh Christmas Parade is Saturday!  

Breaking News: 

Democrats retain control of US Senate! 


Democrats retain control of United States Senate with win in Nevada!  Cortez Masto seals the deal. House still a tossup. 

NC General Assembly will most likely redraw Maps! 

(See NC News Section) 

Wiley Nickel wins the 13th Congressional District! 

Raleigh Mayor Mary Anne Baldwin Re Elected! 

ANOTHER GREAT VETERANS DAY IN MORRISVILLE!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Town of Morrisville Veterans Day celebration and our first annual Veteran Memorial 5K Walk!  We also recognized all Staff Members who served as Veterans and we thank them for their continued public service.  


A special thanks to all Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and for setting an example of how we can serve our communities, united in our diversity.  

Remarks from Bob Butler, Vet. Memorial Chair:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/3249749028622574

Mayor Cawley remarks:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/5312064842256427

Council Member Fender and Rao: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1283906902399599

Mayor Pro Tem Liz Johnson remarks:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/514724937377079

Retired Brigadier General Johnny Clinton Remarks:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1294458961398357




FIRST ANNUAL VETERAN MEMORIAL 5K WALK A SUCCESS:

My Insights on Veteran Memorial:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/635681774971175


A special thanks to everyone who came out to our Veteran Memorial 5K Walk.  I want to thank our Parks and Recreation Vice Chair, Jashi Abhirajan for spearheading the walk.  


Please send us your ideas and also, contribute to our Veteran Memorial!  

Radio Nyra Interview with Bob Butler, Chair Veteran Memorial:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1180579262551637

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ

My Message to BAPS Community:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1302345403834332


On Sunday, I was honored to attend the Centennial Celebration of PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ.  I cannot think of a better time than now to remember how humility, faith, and love, embodied the life and legacy of Pramukh Swami and continues to inspire all of us.  He served as a role model for millions across the globe and dedicated his entire life to the well being of others, visiting more than 250,000 homes in 17,000 villages and cities.  He counseled and comforted more than 810,000 people.  


The theme of the celebrations was Param Shanti, translated to mean Eternal Peace in English.  We can only bring more peace to our world if we have faith in god, love our neighbors, and serve others selflessly.  We pray for peace in our time and for all time.   Jay Swaminarayan

TWO OF MY BEST FRIENDS WIN!

I would be remiss if I did not congratulate two of my closest friends, Wiley Nickel and Chris Heagarty for winning their races. 


Wiley proved the pundits wrong, and just outworked his opponent as always.  He is such a graceful, nice person, and will be a great new voice for North Carolina in the US Congress. He also has the best wife in the world, (except me) and wonderful family. (Prescott and Adeline)  The force is Strong in this One!  


Chris’s leadership and passion for new schools brought us Parkside Elementary, Wake College Early Stem High School and a new Public High School at Wake Tech!  I cannot wait to see what his leadership brings us in his new term!  Chris’s wife, Tivey and family, are wonderful (Stephen and Sydney) and just like me, both these guys married up!


Congrats to both of you!  I am very proud of both of you and am grateful for our friendships and enjoyed working on both of your campaigns!   

ELECTION RESULTS 

Please visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/results-data/election-results for all Election Results. 


US Senate

Ted Budd, United States Senate 


NC Supreme Court

 Trey Allen, North Carolina Supreme Court- 

 Richard Deitz North Carolina Supreme Court- 


US Congress

Don Davis, District 1

Deborah Ross, District 2

Valerie Foushee, District 4

Kathy Manning, District 6

Alma Adams, 12th District 

Wiley Nickel, 13th District 

Jeff Jackson, 14th District 


NC HOUSE (Wake Delegation)  

Sarah Crawford, District 18

Joe John, District 40

Maria Cervania, District 41  

Cynthia Ball, District 49  

Julie Von Haffen, District 36 

Sarah Crawford 


NC Senate (Wake Delegation) 

Jay Chaudhuri, Senate 15 

Gale Adcock, Senate 16 

Sydney Batch, Senate 17  

Mary Willis Bode, Senate 18  


WAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Lindsay Mahaffey, District 8

Chris Heagarty, District 7 

Tyler Swanson, District 9 

Monika Johnson Hostler


WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF

Willie Rowe 


WAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY 

Lorrin Freeman 


WAKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Donald Mial, District 1 

Matt Calabria, District 2 

Cheryl Stallings, District 3 

Vickie Adamson, District 7 


Raleigh City Council

Mary Anne Baldwin, Mayor  

Corey Branch, District C 

Storme Forte, At Large 

Jonathan Melton, At Large 

Mary Black, District A

Megan Patton, District B

Jane Harrison, District D

Christina Jones, District E

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

Learn more at https://www.samhsa.gov/
Media Appearances

Indian Community thriving! 

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/new-tower-unveiled-at-cary-sri-venkateswara-temple-in-time-for-hindu-festival-of-lights/

Radio Nyra

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!



Great Radio Nyra interview with North Carolina Asian Americans Together on elections!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/692128012047450/?t=21

ROKU and POD TV

Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!


https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79

ROKU TV HINDU HERITAGE INTERVIEW:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIkw4q3VJMQ

Critical Conversations Podcast


Made by Debut on the Podcast Critical Conversations with Kenia Thompson.


https://www.facebook.com/kenia.c.thompson/videos/2135504183293818

88.1 FM Geet Bazaar


Wonderful interview with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on 88.1 FM Geet Bazaar!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/454623026620604

On the Porch
On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch



WPTF

September 20 - Steve Rao on WPTF Talking Direct Flight To India.  

http://steverao.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Steve-Rao-9-20-2022.mp3

WPTF Steve O'Bryan show
Get with the Program
Get with the Program with Gary Jones!

Black Issues Forum

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

Read my recent WRAL Tech Wire Post on the latest DACA crisis!

https://wraltechwire.com/2022/11/08/guest-opinion-for-dreamers-the-latest-daca-crisis-is-deja-vu-all-over-again/


Read my recent WRAL Tech Wire Post on NC Vet Biz!  

https://wraltechwire.com/2022/10/13/guest-opinion-supporting-veteran-owned-companies-is-good-business-for-nc/


Read my WRAL Tech Wire Post on Hum Sub Diwali!

https://wraltechwire.com/2022/10/07/guest-column-festival-of-lights-non-profit-group-hum-sub-seek-to-share-india-culture-in-triangle/

Join Our Mailing List

This Week in Morrisville: November 14th - 18th

Upcoming Meetings

Meetings

Nov. 16 – 6:00 p.m. – Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee



Nov. 17 – 6:30 p.m. – Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee

Deadline Approaching to 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 Monday, Nov. 14, 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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics to be Offered November 16 and 30


Wake County Public Health is sponsoring free COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the region. On Nov. 16 and 30, vaccine clinics will be offered at the Western Health and Human Services Center (Wake County), 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is required. Vaccines are available to adults and children, free of charge. No identification or insurance is needed. Click here to get details about the vaccines offered or to find other free vaccine clinics.

Morrisville Police vs. Fire Turkey Bowl II to be November 19


Come watch the Morrisville Police and Fire departments face off in a game of kickball on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. To attend, you only need to bring one non-perishable Thanksgiving food item. Enjoy a great game while supporting those in need!

Solarize the Triangle Campaign Nominated for 2022 Cleantech Innovation Award


The Solarize the Triangle campaign was nominated for a 2022 Cleantech Innovation Award in the local government category. The awards are sponsored by the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster. The Town, which is one of 11 communities that are part of the Triangle Sustainability Partnership, will be represented by Town staff and a member of the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC) at the awards ceremony on Nov. 9 at SAS.

Learn More about Solar Opportunities at Social Events November 11 and 12


Solarize the Triangle is hosting two “solar socials” today and tomorrow for local residents to learn more about opportunities to save on solar power. On Friday, Nov. 11, a social will be held at Bond Brothers Beer Company at 202 E. Cedar St., Cary, from 5-7 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 12, a social will be held at Trophy Brewing Co. at 656 Maywood Ave., Raleigh, from 2-5 p.m. No registration is necessary. Click here for more information about the Solarize the Triangle campaign in Morrisville.

Registration Now Open for Winter Athletics


Registration for youth winter athletics, including boys’ and girls’ basketball, is now open. Browse class offerings, which are separated by age, on ActiveNet

Morrisville Youth Invited to Enter Stormwater Photo Contest


Calling all amateur high school-age photographers! Help us achieve our goal of increasing public education regarding stormwater, showcase your talents, and win a gift card by entering the 2022 Town of Morrisville Stormwater Photo Contest. This year’s theme is “We are all downstream.” The deadline for entries is Wednesday, Nov. 30. Click here for more information, official rules, and an entry form.

Residents Invited to Complete Survey on Morrisville Parks before November 30


The Town of Morrisville Community Enhancement team wants your input on which parks and amenities are the most important to you. Your feedback may be used to influence maintenance practices at various parks and greenways across Morrisville this winter. We appreciate any time you can provide in answering this survey, which can be found here. The survey will close on Nov. 30.

Morrisville Senior Center to Host Workshop on Independent Living Options November 16


Freda Hamlett of the Milestone Moves Realty Group will present a workshop on independent living options for seniors at the Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, on Nov. 16, from 10-11 a.m. The workshop will provide information on how to search for independent living options, discuss typical costs and how to manage them, review the benefits of these communities, and more. The workshop is free, but advanced registration is required. Click here to sign up for the workshop.

Morrisville Senior Center to Host Holiday Luncheon November 19


Join fellow seniors for a holiday luncheon at the Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, on Nov. 19, from 12-3 p.m. Lunch will include sub sandwiches, chips, drinks, and a dessert. The cost is $8 for residents and $9 for non-residents. For more information and to register, click here or call (919) 463-7140.

Morrisville to Host Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2


Join us as we kick off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive. Santa Claus and the Town Council will count down the lighting of the tree, followed by more fun and entertainment. Trader Joe’s will also be sharing seasonal beverages. Limited parking will be available in the Town Hall parking lot, and a shuttle will be running from Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 Town Hall Drive. Shuttle service is encouraged.

Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center Hosting 'Maintain, Don't Gain' Program for Holidays


The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC) is hosting its annual community challenge to help participants maintain their weight and stay healthy through the holiday season. “Maintain, Don’t Gain” will run through Jan. 6, and it will include fitness classes, fitness challenges, and regular weigh-ins. Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a drawing for prizes, which include personal training sessions, a one-month membership, special entry into classes, and swag. Those who wish to participate must register at the front desk at the MAFC, 1301 Morrisville Parkway, by Nov. 21.

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. 


Free Lending Library Installed at Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center


The Town of Morrisville has a new lending library! The Dedicated to Our Community North Carolina (DOC NC) volunteer group created and installed a wooden lending library at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center over this past weekend. The DOC NC team has pledged to build, paint and install several little libraries on different locations within Morrisville. Stop by the new library and pick up a book on your way to getting your exercise in! 

Residents Invited to Complete Survey on Morrisville Parks before November 30


The Town of Morrisville Community Enhancement team wants your input on which parks and amenities are the most important to you. Your feedback may be used to influence maintenance practices at various parks and greenways across Morrisville this winter. We appreciate any time you can provide in answering this survey, which can be found here. The survey will close on Nov. 30.

Small Businesses Invited to Complete Town Outreach Survey


The Town of Morrisville is developing a small business outreach and engagement program. The goals of the program are to:


  1. Develop a pathyway for ongoing and open communication between the Town and small businesses.
  2. Understand the needs and barriers to small business success in Morrisville.
  3. Provide programs and services that support small businesses in Morrisville.


This survey was developed as the first piece of the engagement process. It will be open until Nov. 23. The data collected will be analyzed by Town staff to build program tools that support small businesses in the community. All answers will remain confidential. Click here to complete the survey.

Now Hiring: Join the Public Works Team


The Town of Morrisville Public Works Department has three exciting career opportunities open now. Join one of only three North Carolina municipalities with an American Public Works Association (APWA) accredited Public Works Department. We are looking for individuals to serve in our Streets Maintenance, Athletics Maintenance, and Grounds Maintenance divisions. For more information click on the following links:

 

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
MAFC Smart Shuttle Node Now Available
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.

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 8 a.m.-12 p.m. every Saturday.  Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local. A Fall Harvest Festival and Craft Fair will be offered at the Nov. 19 market. There will be arts and crafts vendors in addition to the farmer line-up. The market will be closed on Nov. 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The market will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22 that week.

Around the Region

Panther Creek DECA


Panther Creek DECA Networking Night!

Brierpoint Senior Living


Brierpoint Senior Living Opens in Morrisville! 

Solarize Triangle


Solarize Triangle Networking Social at Bond Brothers in Cary! 

Insights from Triangle J Council on Solarize Triangle:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/525332445844623

Insights from Don Moreland on Crowd Sourcing: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1356899168385665

Global Peace Day


Celebrating Vishwanathan Mahotsav Global Peace Day at HSNC!  


My Insights on Peace:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/807587927203008

Hoppy House


Hoppy House Opens in Morrisville!  


Insights from Hoppy House:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/498243588914090

NC Executive Roundtable


Inspired by Brigadier General Stephen Iacovelli at NC Executive Roundtable. 

Ted X


I would like to thank Bearta Alachar for speaking and I will dedicate another newsletter highlighting, the other speakers.  

Sig Hutchison


Celebrated and roasted Sig Hutchison! We will miss his leadership.

NC Vet Biz Gala!

Black Issues Forum


Sharing my insights on the Midterm Elections

Black Issues Forum | PBS NC

Small Business Listening Tour: 

This week I continued by Small Business Listening Tour with visits to a few Small Businesses.  Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company.

SAM IT Solutions


Visit with SAM IT Solutions!  

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/688649989120208

Splash Schools


Visit with Arvind at Splash Schools at Morrisville Diwali!


Visit with Arvind at Splash Schools

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/440983728145467

Bombay Central


Drop in at Bombay Central!  Come get Diwali sweets at Bombay Central


Insights from Bombay Central! 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1256765408453437

Lemon Lime


Great visit with Lemon Lime in Chapel Hill!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/639837417809069

Social Equity


Wonderful visit with Brian Lora, CEO and Founder of Social Equity!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1527625694328424

Happy Mug Coffee


Thanks to the Barbara Kreitzer and Happy Mug Coffee Truck for being at Kiran! @happymugcafe


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/659750855494655

Arpam Mart


Caught up with Arpam Mart at Battakuma!

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/826696298358704

Rush Hour Karting


Visit with Adam and Tamer Saad Rush Hour Karting! Opening this year near Wake Competition Center!


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1403043800177000

Chutney’s


Thanks to Chutney’s for hosting India Pakistan Cricket Match!  Great Match!


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/808974113609759

Acme Pizza is Open!

Deep Dish Chicago Pizza, New York Pizza and Wings!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/639303881057643

Royal Cheesecake Factory:
Shy’s Lemonade: 
GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD

Democrats will keep control of the Senate.

· The latest: Close races in Arizona and Nevada were called for Democrats this weekend. It gives the party at least 50 seats — a majority, with Vice President Harris’s tiebreaking vote — for the next two years.


· What’s next? The Senate seat in Georgia is headed for a runoff election on Dec. 6.


· What else to know: Control of the House remains up in the air. Many districts where votes are still being counted expected delays because of mail-in ballots.


Ukraine said it found evidence of Russian war crimes in a newly liberated city.

· Where? Kherson, in the country’s south. Ukraine retook the city — the only regional capital seized by Russia since its invasion — on Friday, marking another major victory.


· What Russia left behind: Evidence of atrocities and widespread damage to infrastructure, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who made a surprise visit to the city today.


President Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this morning.

· What to know: This was their first face-to-face meeting as presidents. It took place in Bali, Indonesia, a day before a G-20 summit, a global forum of the world’s most powerful governments.


· Why this matters: The relationship between the U.S. and China is at its lowest point in decades, which has huge economic ripple effects worldwide.


At least three people were killed in a shooting at the University of Virginia.

· What we know: A gunman opened fire on the Charlottesville campus late last night, officials said. At least two other people were injured. None of the victims have been named.


· The latest: The university identified a 22-year-old student as the suspect. Police were still searching for him as of this morning.


An explosion in one of Turkey’s busiest shopping districts killed six people.

· What we know: The attack took place in one of Istanbul’s main pedestrian thoroughfares yesterday and injured at least 81 other people, authorities said.


· The investigation: Police detained 46 suspects in connection with the attack, including a woman who they said had planted the explosives.


Your phone can now warn you before an earthquake hits.

· How? It’s a new early-warning system called ShakeAlert. It can give you a few crucial seconds to drop, cover and hold on before an earthquake reaches your location.


· How to get it: It’s active in California, Oregon and Washington state, and Alaska could be next. Find out how to turn on the alerts on Android and iPhones here.


Dolly Parton received $100 million from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

· What to know: She’s the second winner of the Courage and Civility Award. The Queen of Country can give the money to any charity she wants. (Bezos owns The Post.)


· Why this matters: Parton has spent years giving back. Her best-known program has gifted nearly 200 million books to children since 1995.

NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

NC Supreme Court is now Republican Majority 


Republicans have reclaimed a majority of the North Carolina Supreme Court with the election of Judge Richard Dietz to Seat 3 and Trey Allen to Seat 5.


Both seats were previously held by Democrats, allowing Republicans to take a 5-2 majority.


Seat 3

Dietz narrowly beat Democratic candidate Lucy Inman for the open Seat 3 with just over 52 percent of votes statewide.


Inman won Orange County by collecting over 77 percent of the votes cast.


Dietz said in an email statement to The Daily Tar Heel that he centered his campaign on being a leader in the court system, basing his definition on skill, character and improvement of the justice system beyond the courtroom.


“I’ve made the theme of my campaign ‘leadership, not politics,’" he said. "I don’t bring any political mission to my job. My only mission — from the moment I took the oath as a judge--is to defend our rights, protect the rule of law, and help people resolve their legal disputes fairly."


Seat 5

Incumbent Justice Sam Ervin IV lost his reelection bid against Republican Trey Allen. Ervin earned about 47.6 percent of the vote, while Allen gained 52.4 percent.


Allen is currently general counsel for the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts, and was formerly on the faculty of the UNC School of Government as an associate professor. He has worked as a clerk for the court’s Chief Justice Paul Newby and is a Marine Corps veteran. 


I hope he enjoys doing the work of the court as much as I have,” Ervin said.


Allen’s judicial philosophy, according to his website, is based on the idea that “judges must follow the Constitution as originally understood and the laws as written.”


He says on his website that judges should remain non-partisan, and that judges who issue rulings based on their political views, “they exceed their authority and abuse the public’s trust.”


Allen’s term will last until 2030.


Republican majority

Having a Republican majority in the N.C. Supreme Court opens the opportunity for the overturning of various decisions made along party lines, such as the N.C. Supreme Court’s order to allocate of hundreds of millions of dollars for public education in the Hoke County Board of Education v. North Carolina case.


Some N.C. voters are concerned that the Republican majority will impact reproductive rights in the state.


“The Supreme Court races for North Carolina are very important to me specifically due to the ongoing legislation on abortion rights and health care for pregnancy,” said Anne Stuart Freemon, a 19-year-old nursing major at UNC.


Currently, abortion access is legal in North Carolina through 20 weeks of pregnancy, but the shift in majority could allow for harsher abortion restrictions.


The state Supreme Court has also been involved in gerrymandering cases, including a recent case which determined that a racially gerrymandered legislature cannot propose amendments to the state’s constitution.


The Court also ordered districts to be redrawn in February. Leaders in the Republican-led General Assembly appealed this intervention to the Supreme Court. The case, Moore v. Harper, will be argued in the U.S. Supreme Court in December.


“With the U.S. Supreme Court decision coming out soon about whether or not they have the right to gerrymander without the NC court being able to say anything makes me really nervous for our voting rights in the future,” Kailey Murray, a fifth-year senior at UNC and resident of Chapel Hill, said.

NC WILL REDRAW MAPS IN 2024


North Carolina evenly split its U.S. House delegation in Tuesday’s midterm election, with Democrats and Republicans each winning seven of the 14 seats up for grabs.


But with Republicans flipping control of the state Supreme Court on Tuesday, it’s highly likely state lawmakers will be allowed to redraw the maps next year in a way that more aggressively favors Republican candidates for elections throughout the rest of the decade.


“The Republican Party has made a significant investment in judicial elections the last two cycles, and it has paid off,” said Bob Orr, a former Republican justice on the N.C. Supreme Court who has become a critic of his former party in the last few years. “For better or worse, whether you like it or not, they have put together a strong slate of candidates, with a lot of funding, and they have won.”

icans swept every statewide judicial race in both 2020 and 2022. Those wins gave the N.C. Court of Appeals a stronger GOP majority and flipped the Supreme Court from a 6-1 Democratic majority in 2019 to, starting in 2023, a 5-2 Republican majority.


On Tuesday Trey Allen defeated incumbent Justice Sam Ervin IV for one seat, and Richard Dietz defeated Lucy Inman in the other seat up for grabs.


Elections for the court are staggered, and all three Republicans currently on the court won in 2020. Since justices serve eight year terms, that means that unless two or more Republican justices leave the court early, Democrats won’t have another chance to take back control until the 2028 elections.


Republican politicians have not tried hiding their anger at the Democrats on the court for handing them a number of high-profile losses in political cases recently. After the election they reveled in taking back control — and the implications that will have for elections throughout most of the rest of the decade.

NC Senate Wins Supermajority/Falls 1 Short in House


Democrats appear to have prevented Republicans from winning a supermajority in the state House, which would help preserve the strength of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto.


Republicans had been shooting for veto-proof majorities in both chambers, but appeared to have achieved that goal only in the Senate.


“We stopped a GOP supermajority tonight when North Carolinians voted for balance and progress,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a tweet early Wednesday. “I’ll continue to work with this legislature to support a growing economy, more clean energy, better health care and strong public schools.”


Three-fifths majorities are needed to override vetoes. That’s 30 votes in the 50-member Senate and 72 votes in the 120-member House. Republicans needed to pick up only two seats in the Senate and three in the House to win supermajorities that able override Cooper’s vetoes without Democratic lawmakers’ help.


Black Democratic incumbents in the eastern part of state, Reps. Howard Hunter III, Linda Cooper-Suggs, and James Galliard were defeated, as was Sen. Toby Fitch.


Rep. Ricky Hurtado, the only Latino legislator currently serving, appears to have lost to Republican Stephen Ross. Hurtado defeated Ross two years ago to win the seat, but Republicans redrew the boundaries of the district to give Ross a better chance to win.


Results will not be final until absentee ballots are counted and provision ballots reviewed. The State Board of Elections is set to certify results on Nov. 29.

LEANDRO FUNDING OF PUBLIC EDUCATION COULD BE REVERSED


The election of two new Republican judges to the North Carolina Supreme Court has people on both sides of a long-running lawsuit wondering what will happen next.


In January 2023, Republicans Trey Allen and Richard Dietz are set to join the state’s highest court. On Tuesday, Allen defeated Democratic incumbent state Supreme Court Associate Justice Sam Ervin IV, and Dietz defeated Democratic Appeals Court Judge Lucy Inman.


Critics of the Nov. 4 Leandro ruling are speculating the new state Supreme Court might reverse it. In the ruling, the court ruled the state has not adequately funded education. It directed a lower court to order the transfer of up to $500 million to various agencies.

House Speaker Tim Moore, a Republican, called the ruling ridiculous.


“To think that they can appropriate that, I think we're unified in a message that that's not something this General Assembly supports at all,” Moore

“And [it’s] something that we're going to revisit.

“I feel confident on that on a number of fronts.”


Years ago, Rick Glazier was an attorney on the Leandro case. He said there’s no precedent to overturn it.


“It cannot be that the Constitution lives or dies based on a change of election, or it would render, effectively, any decisions of the court temporary, and that's not what can happen here or what should happen here,” Glazier said.


Raleigh-based Parker Poe partner and lawyer Melanie Black Dubis echoed Glazier's sentiments.


There is no procedural mechanism by which a newly-constituted Supreme Court could revisit and overturn the issues that have already been decided," she wrote in an email to WRAL News. "If the court attempts to overturn the ruling based on the election results, it will lose any semblance of independence and integrity it [ever] had."


However, an attorney for Senate Leader Phil Berger, Brent Woodcox, predicted on Twitter that the ruling would be overturned next year by the Supreme Court’s new Republican majority.

Wake County Leaders Change Gun Ordinance RULES 


Wake County approved updates to decades-old shooting rules for unincorporated areas on Wednesday.


Homeowners had recently raised concerns about bullets coming too close to their homes.


The board of commissioners approved several changes:

  • You now have to be 300 yards away from a home, building or livestock before discharging a firearm. That's an increase from 100 yards.
  • A backstop is now required to block bullets.
  • And it is prohibited to discharge a firearm between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m
  • Increasing the maximum fine for violation from $50 to the statutory limit of $500.


There is an exception for the distance requirement. Residents will be able to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of someone else's home if the person first gets written permission from the owner or current resident. The permission form can be downloaded from the county's website and must be signed and dated.


The permission is valid for one year, and anyone shooting must have the form with them.

"For the safety of all our residents in Wake County, we needed to make these improvements," said Sig Hutchinson, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. "We are thankful for the thoughtful input from gun owners and others, including the Wake County Sheriff's Office whose deputies will enforce this ordinance. Our community has grown so much since this ordinance was last updated in 2001, and these changes better reflect that growth."


The ordinance only applies in unincorporated areas of Wake County, meaning outside of any city or town limits where firearms activity, like target practice, is allowed.

The areas inside the boundaries of Wake County's 12 municipalities prohibit shooting at any time of the day or night.


Hunting animals or birds would not be affected by changes to this county ordinance, as they are regulated by state and federal law.

New Rules go into effect on Dec. 9th.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Issues Forum

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

PBS NC

  • Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
  • Sundays at 4 p.m.
  • Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.

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.

Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview

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 me every Sunday at 4pm for a new show. 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

Nov 17th Testosterone Therapy Symposium! 


We are excited to share an invitation to the Recognizing the Value of Testosterone Therapy in Healthcare Symposium 2022. During the symposium, global experts will share their research on important topics surrounding testosterone, as well as the future of testosterone therapy. As there is a tremendous patient population that could benefit, please share with your network/anyone else who will find it valuable/relevant.


Registration link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R1l9UK6aSRqo9jWvKQ2nhA

NC Tech Association AWARDS  Nov 29th 6 pm Raleigh Convention Center!

Radio / TV
Radio NYRA

Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.



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


99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 

ROKU and POD TV
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.
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com
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