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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
November 11, 2022
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
Next week will be our Post Election edition featuring all of the race outcomes from the Midterms. | |
National Military Family Appreciation Month
Thanks to President Biden for declaring November National Military Appreciation Month!
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Pancreatic Cancer and Lung Cancer Awareness Month
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Breaking News and Important Town Updates: | |
Wiley Nickel wins the 13th Congressional District! | |
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Raleigh Mayor Mary Anne Baldwin Re Elected! | |
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Tune into PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum at 7 pm on Friday and 4 pm on Sunday for my Analysis of the Election. | |
Nov 11 10-11am - Morrisville Veterans Day Celebration
Changes Due to Weather: Check the Town of Morrisville Facebook and Twitter pages for changes due to weather.
The Morrisville Veterans Day Celebration will be Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive. The event will honor veterans who live in Morrisville and those who work for the Town of Morrisville. Brigadier General (Ret.) Johnny Clinton, the commander of the Lowe’s Grove American Legion Post 416, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.
Parking will be available at Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive.
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Nov 11-12 Veterans Gala
Let's come together to celebrate Veterans, achievements, and businesses at this year's magical gala // https://lnkd.in/gjvq7HtC
November 11: GALA MAKERS MARKET
Where: Olde Raleigh Distillery
When: 4pm-7pm
Cost: Free entry / $25 vendor fee (Apply now)
Come support, sip, and shop as we kick off the gala weekend with pop-ups and distillery tours.
November 12: VETERANS GALA
Where: Olde Raleigh Distillery
When: 6pm-10pm
Attire: Ball gown/Black tie
Cost: $60 singles tickets / $100 pair tickets
We invite you to join us for a night of elegance as we celebrate Veterans, achievements, and businesses at this year's gala. Memories will be made as it is hosted inside of the beautiful Olde Raleigh Distillery with dim lighting and bold charm. This is a formal dress-to-impress event (black tie optional) with a catered dinner, auction and a DJ, so dust off those dancing shoes as we end the night with music!
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Remember to apply for Town of Morrisville Advisory Committees by Nov 14th!
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.
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We come together to express our profound gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions you and your family made on the battlefield, at home, and at outposts around the world.
This Veterans Day follows a hard-fought political campaign.
We pray that we find unity from our great diversity, to sustain that strength and unity even when we are experiencing hard and difficult times.
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We remember that our military is one of the single-most diverse institution in our country – comprised of model citizens from who represent every corner of our country, every shade of humanity, immigrant and native-born, folks from all walks of life, all forged into common service. I can speak from personal experience on this issue as my late Father in Law, Col. Hasmukh Parekh served as a Col. in the US Airforce alongside his wife, my mother in law, Col. Ranjan Parekh, both immigrants from Gujarat, India.
Now that the when the election is over, we pray that you give us the strength to come together as one nation.
Our best examples of this type of unity come are demonstrated by the the men and women we salute on Veterans Day.
Today, we remember:
WE REMEMBER: young Americans -- our 9/11 Generation -- who, as first responders ran into smoldering towers, then ran to a recruiting center and signed up to serve.
WE REMEMBER a military that meets every mission, one united team, all looking out for one another, all getting each other’s backs.
WE REMEMBER: that Our Veterans are our business partners and bosses, our teachers and our coaches, our first responders, city council members, community leaders, role models -- all still serving this country we love with the same sense of duty and with valor.
On Veterans Day, we understand that we can never serve our veterans in quite the same that they served us.
We can practice kindness.
We can volunteer.
We can serve.
We can respect one another.
We can always get each other’s backs.
That is what Veterans Day asks all of us to think about.
President Barack Obama ended remarks as follows:
The person you pass as you walk down the street might not be wearing our nation’s uniform today.
But consider for a moment that a year or a decade or a generation ago, he or she might have been one of our fellow citizens who was willing to lay down their life for strangers like us.
And we can show how much we love our country by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Let the Veterans, our superheroes, be an everlasting reminder of the light of love and hope that lives in each of us, and of what our nation can be and should be.
God Keep our Troops safe wherever they may be.
(Steve Rao Invocation on 11/09/22)
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Town of Morrisville Veteran Memorial Foundation
The Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. was chartered as a non-profit corporation by the State of North Carolina on March 2, 2016. Its mission is to raise funds for the construction of a memorial that will recognize and commemorate veterans of the United States armed forces for their service to the nation and its citizens.
The purpose of the memorial is to serve as a site for reverent reflection on the service and sacrifices made by veterans.
The Town provided land next to the Indian Creek Greenway on which the memorial will be built. This centrally-located site has high visibility, easy accessibility, clean restrooms, and free parking.
I am working with the Council to invest more Town of Morrisville funding for the design of the Park. We need as much support as we can to make this Memorial a reality so we can honor our Veterans and also celebrate other evens.
For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/morrisvilleveteranspark/.
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NC Vet Biz
NC VetBiz assists veterans, veteran professionals, and veteran business owners. As a member–operated association of veteran professionals and business owners, our intent is to develop and strengthen a veterans’ business network in North Carolina.
The Association is the voice in North Carolina for businesses owned by veterans and service–disabled veterans. By leveraging our collective, we are able to address business issues affecting our membership and work to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for the business community and North Carolina. Strengthening veteran owned businesses enables them to contribute to North Carolina’s economic vibrancy and empowers them to hire other veterans.
The North Carolina Veteran's Business Association, doing business as NC VetBiz, is a 501 (c)(3) association headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Thanks to Kyle Winder, Annette Stevenson and all of colleagues on the Board for their hard work and commitment.
https://www.ncvetbiz.org/
I am proud to serve on the Board of NC Vet Biz Association.
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NC4 MILITARY EMPLOYMENT (NC4ME)
Between 2015 and 2018, 78,000 service members will transition out of the military through NC’s DoD installations, adding strength to the 778,000 veterans already living in North Carolina. North Carolina’s businesses strive to support these veterans and service members by leveraging their skills to fill critical talent requirements, but often lack the resources needed to identify and hire qualified military candidates.
North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME) is a comprehensive public-private partnership designed to make NC the number one state for military employment. Established by the Governor in 2015, NC4ME leverages existing workforce development resources and technology to implement an employer-centric strategy. NC$ME Educates NC’s business leaders on the value of hiring a military workforce, shows small businesses and human resource professionals how to hire military personnel, and Connects military talent to open jobs, education, and training opportunities in North Carolina.
Please join us as we help NC businesses to better utilize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our veterans and service members. Together we will make North Carolina the #1 state for military employment.
Thanks to Kimberly Williams, Executive Director, Secretary Larry Hall, and all of the companies, whose hard work makes this organization thrive in North Carolina.
Please visit www.nc4me.org.
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Enable America
Enable America’s objective is to increase employment among people with disabilities in the United States. To accomplish this goal, we are taking a two-pronged approach that reaches out to all members of the disability community and the business community.
For more information or to donate, please visit https://www.enableamerica.org/.
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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
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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
Joe John, District 40
Maria Cervania, District 41
Cynthia Ball, District 49
Julie Von Haffen, District 36
NC Senate
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 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
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Suicide Prevention Line to 988 |
On Saturday, July 16, the U.S. will transition the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care.
The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need.
Starting tomorrow, simply calling or texting 988 or chatting https://988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline
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Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit. 99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders
99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
Great Radio Nyra interview with North Carolina Asian Americans Together on elections!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/692128012047450/?t=21
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Wonderful Interview on Radio Nyra with Leslie Haney from Town of Morrisville on International Festival!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/980128513381807/?t=15
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Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!
https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79
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On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!
https://chapelboro.com/?s=on+the+porch
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WPTF Steve O'Bryan show on the Dream Act and DACA!
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Get with the Program with Gary Jones!
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Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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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 | |
This Week in Morrisville: November 7th - 11th | |
Meetings
Nov. 9 – 6:00 p.m. – Town Council Meeting
Nov. 10 – 6:00 p.m. – Senior Advisory Committee
Nov. 10 – 6:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board
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Become a Town Advisory Committee Member
The Town is growing, and your opinion matters! Advisory Committees offer residents a chance to be involved in the Town’s decision-making processes by providing input on important matters to Town Council. The deadline to apply is 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.
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Veterans Day is November 11
The Town of Morrisville administrative offices, Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, Cedar Fork Community Center, and Morrisville Senior Center will be closed Friday, November 11, for Veterans Day.
Police, fire, and rescue services will remain available. For life-threatening or in-progress emergencies, call 911. There are no changes to the curbside garbage and recycling collection schedule for the Veterans Day Holiday.
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Morrisville Veterans Day Celebration to be at Indian Creek Trailhead
The Town of Morrisville will host a Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive. The event will honor veterans who live in Morrisville and those who work for the Town of Morrisville.
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Veterans Day 5k Walk to be November 12
The Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation will also be hosting a 5k walk on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m., at the Indian Creek Trailhead. Proceeds will benefit the creation of a veterans memorial in Morrisville. Click here to learn more and register.
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Residents Encouraged to Participate in Operation Greenlight to Support Veterans
The Town of Morrisville will be joining Wake County Government in shining a light on the service of veterans for Operation Greenlight! Several Town buildings and facilities will be illuminated with a green light Nov. 7-13 to support military veterans and raise awareness of the challenges they may face. Residents are encouraged to also shine a green light on their properties during this time to show their support for veterans. Property owners can put a single green bulb in an outdoor or indoor light as a way of sparking conversation. Those who participate are encouraged to share photos on social media, to tag the Town of Morrisville, and to use the hashtag #OperationGreenlight. Click here to learn more.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Added at Church Street Park
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve sustainability, the Town has activated two more ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations at Church Street Park. The Town now offers eight of these ports, which are part of an effort to increase the EV charging infrastructure.
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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.
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Now Hiring: Join the Public Works Team
The Town of Morrisville Public Works Department has three exciting career opportunities open now. Join one of the 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 Parks & Grounds Maintenance Divisions. For more information click on the following links:
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Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center UPDATES
MAFC Offering "Next Level Physio" Classes October 22
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC) is offering two classes on Oct. 22 as part of its “Next Level Physio” series. “Defeating Back Pain” will be offered from noon-12:45 p.m., and “How to Run Easier and Faster” will be offered from 1-2 p.m. Both classes will be held in the Aerobics Room at the MAFC, 1301 Morrisville Parkway.
To access the sign-ups, find the correct tab under MAFC’s SignUpGenius Page at http://www.tinyurl.com/signupmafc.
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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: Join the MAFC Team
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is currently recruiting for the following positions:
- Senior Aquatics Specialist (FT)
- Aquatics Specialist (30 hours/week)
- 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!
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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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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.
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market |
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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New Fire Truck
Got to try the Ladder (120 feet up) in new Fire Truck!
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Small Business Saturday
Presented Small Business Saturday Proclamation to Morrisville Chamber!
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Teen Morrisville 101
Teen Morrisville 101 Graduates!
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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. | |
Royal Cheesecake Factory: |
Royal Cheesecake Factory:
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GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES: | |
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD | |
There was a final frenzy of campaigning this weekend.
• The latest: Democrats are fighting to hold on to power in Congress tomorrow, as polls show Republicans have the advantage on issues voters care most about.
• What else to know: Millions have already voted through mail-in ballots, which can take longer to process. That’s one reason some states may not know results for days.
• Why that matters: President Donald Trump used delays in 2020 to claim the election was rigged, and experts expect similar false claims tomorrow.
The U.N.’s annual climate conference started yesterday.
• The details: COP27 is being held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and will run through next week.
• What to expect: Last year, countries made ambitious deals about cutting emissions. This year is about actually fulfilling those promises.
• How’s that going? The world hasn’t made much progress. We’re still on track for dangerous global warming in less than 80 years, although there are some signs of hope.
Millions are without power in and around Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.
• Why? The blackouts — affecting more than 4.5 million people — are intentional and meant to stabilize the power grid damaged by Russian strikes in recent weeks.
• On the front lines: Ukraine said it struck a Russian base in the southern Kherson region as its forces prepare for a potentially pivotal battle there.
This flu season is looking particularly bad.
• What to know: There’s already an unusually large number of hospitalizations, the CDC reported Friday, and the season started six weeks earlier than usual.
• Why? Many Americans lack immunity after more than two years of life altered by the coronavirus pandemic.
• What this means for winter: Hospitals could be overwhelmed by cases of the flu, RSV — another virus that’s surging — and the coronavirus.
The Houston Astros won their second World Series title in six years.
• How they sealed it: With a 4-1 Game 6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. It was Dusty Baker’s first World Series title as manager, and, at 73, he’s the oldest to ever do it.
• The history: The Astros last won the title in 2017, but that trophy is tainted by a sign-stealing scandal that still hangs over the franchise.
Pop singer Aaron Carter died this weekend.
• How we’ll remember him: For a string of hits (like “I Want Candy”) as a child star in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and as the younger brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter.
• The 34-year-old died Saturday, a representative said. We don’t yet know the cause.
Pandemic stress may have changed women’s menstrual cycles.
• How? Some had early or delayed periods, others experienced heavier flow or increased spotting between cycles, and some reported shorter or longer periods, a new study found.
• The bigger picture: It’s the latest evidence that periods changed during the pandemic, and researchers don’t yet know if there will be lasting effects.
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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.
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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.
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NC Supreme Court Orders Historic Transfer of Education Funding
The North Carolina Supreme Court has issued its decision in the landmark Leandro case, ordering the state legislature to spend $1.75 billion in public school funding.
The court ruled 4-to-3 in favor of funding a plan to improve public schools across the state. The vote was split along party lines. Justice Robin Hudson, a Democrat, wrote the majority opinion and Justice Phil Berger Jr., a Republican, wrote the dissent.
“The State has proven — for an entire generation — either unable or unwilling to fulfill its constitutional duty,” Hudson wrote. “Now, this Court must determine whether that duty is a binding obligation or an unenforceable suggestion. We hold the former: the State may not indefinitely violate the constitutional rights of North Carolina schoolchildren without Consequence.”
The Supreme Court’s decision supports Superior Court Judge David Lee’s 2021 order to move $1.75 billion from state coffers for the implementation of the education remedial plan he approved earlier. The transfer had been blocked on appeal.
The comprehensive remedial plan was part of a settlement between Attorney General Josh Stein's office and low-wealth school districts that originally sued the state in 1994. Those districts claimed the state was not meeting the rights of children “to the privilege of education,” as granted in the state constitution.
Republican House and Senate leaders in the General Assembly sought to overturn a lower court’s order to fund the settlement, appealing the case to the North Carolina Supreme Court. They assert the case hinges on the separation of powers between branches of government, arguing that no court has the power to order the state legislature to spend tax dollars.
“The state constitution explicitly recognizes that it is for the General Assembly to develop educational policy and to provide for its funding in keeping with its legislative authority,” wrote Phil Berger, Jr. in his dissenting opinion.
In reaction to the state Supreme Court decision, Gov. Cooper said in a statement: “It’s our constitutional duty to ensure every child has access to a sound basic education. As the NC Supreme Court has affirmed today, we must do more for our students all across North Carolina."
The court’s opinion today orders the General Assembly to fund the second and third years of an 8-year plan, at an estimated cost of about $1.75 billion. Some line items already enacted in part or in full in the most recent state budget would count toward that total.
The plan would inject funding into teacher recruitment and support, early childhood education, teacher pay and much more. It would expand school funding for low-wealth school districts, at-risk children and students with disabilities.
Two of the biggest ticket items in the plan — for fiscal year 2022 and 2023 — is to increase teacher and instructional staff pay and to fund “enhancement” teachers that teach art, music and physical education.
Tamika Walker Kelly is the director for the North Carolina Association of Educators.
Susan Book is the mother of a student with disabilities in Wake County Public Schools, and a member of Every Child NC, a coalition of organizations and families that have advocated for full funding of the Leandro comprehensive remedial plan.
“We’re in tears, we’re celebrating, we’re Tweeting, we’re Facebooking,” said Book. “We are ecstatic.”
Tamika Walker Kelly, the president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, was among those celebrating on Friday.
“Today’s ruling reaffirming that the General Assembly must fund the Leandro education plan is a victory for everyone who believes all students, regardless of their background, deserve to receive a fully funded education that prepares them for the future,” she said.
Republican leaders yet to react to Friday’s ruling
Leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly have not yet directly responded to the news of the order.
In a tweet, a senior policy attorney for Senate Leader Phil Berger's office Brent Woodcox indicated Republicans would appeal the decision if the party wins a majority on the state Supreme Court in the upcoming election.
“Prediction: Not a dime of taxpayer money is ultimately spent on this unprecedented and unconstitutional order before it is blocked and reversed by a newly seated NC Supreme Court next year,” tweeted Woodcox.
Two of the seats currently held by Democratic justices are on the ballot in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Book says she and other education funding advocates are concerned about whether lawmakers will comply with the order.
“I always have concerns,” Book said. “I’m from North Carolina and I’ve watched what I’ve watched over the years as our General Assembly has picked away at our education system.”
Angus Thompson of Lumberton, an original plaintiff with his daughter and a member of Every Child NC urged caution.
“People from across the state have been standing up for the rights of our children,” he said. “We protested, we prayed, and now we vote. We need leaders to help us sustain this victory.”
Whether the decision of the court’s Democratic majority materializes in the transfer of funds to schools could depend on the outcome of Tuesday’s election.
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Tune in on Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm to PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum for our engaging discussions on trending topics!
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.
Link to the Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg
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PBS NC
- 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.
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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!
Wonderful Interview on Radio Nyra with Leslie Haney from Town of Morrisville on International Festival!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/980128513381807/?t=15
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Nov 11 10-11am - Morrisville Veterans Day Celebration
The Morrisville Veterans Day Celebration will be Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive. The event will honor veterans who live in Morrisville and those who work for the Town of Morrisville. Brigadier General (Ret.) Johnny Clinton, the commander of the Lowe’s Grove American Legion Post 416, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.
Parking will be available at Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive.
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Nov 11-12 Veterans Gala
Let's come together to celebrate Veterans, achievements, and businesses at this year's magical gala // https://lnkd.in/gjvq7HtC
November 11: GALA MAKERS MARKET
Where: Olde Raleigh Distillery
When: 4pm-7pm
Cost: Free entry / $25 vendor fee (Apply now)
Come support, sip, and shop as we kick off the gala weekend with pop-ups and distillery tours.
November 12: VETERANS GALA
Where: Olde Raleigh Distillery
When: 6pm-10pm
Attire: Ball gown/Black tie
Cost: $60 singles tickets / $100 pair tickets
We invite you to join us for a night of elegance as we celebrate Veterans, achievements, and businesses at this year's gala. Memories will be made as it is hosted inside of the beautiful Olde Raleigh Distillery with dim lighting and bold charm. This is a formal dress-to-impress event (black tie optional) with a catered dinner, auction and a DJ, so dust off those dancing shoes as we end the night with music!
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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
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! Listen at www.radionyrausa.com!
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.
OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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