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JULY 26th PRIMARY EDITION
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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
July 7, 2022
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.
Download the Steve Rao App!
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Armed Robbery at Morrisville Chipotle
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Morrisville Police Officers responded to an armed robbery at 8:46 a.m. on July 7 at the Chipotle located at 1516 Village Market Place in Morrisville. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 30 years old, and 5’9.” He was last seen wearing a yellow/orange reflective work vest, a grey/blue hat, a white long-sleeve shirt with tan stripes on the sleeve, lime green safety gloves, tan pants, and black shoes.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson Resigns
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson Resigns. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss expected to succeed.
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Federal Appeals Court in New Orleans hears oral arguments on Future of DACA.
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Wake County Students Return to Year Round School Today!
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WE PRAY FOR HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
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We pray for Highland Park, Illinois and for our nation during the increase in senseless gun violence over the past few weeks.
In next week’s newsletter, I will be sharing my views on how we get past the political gridlock on this issue at the national level, and what our options are at the local level to address this dire situation. I also will be reviewing the major Supreme Court Decisions and their long term impact on American Democracy.
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My Message on Gun Safety:
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Early Voting Starts Today!
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Wake County Public Health has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in our county. This is the third confirmed case of the virus in North Carolina. The patient is currently isolating at home and Wake County staff are working with them on contact tracing. No additional information about this resident will be disclosed.
As of July 5, there have been 560 confirmed monkeypox cases in the United States per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wake County Public Health, along with federal, state and local partners are working closely together to investigate and monitor the current national outbreak
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Morrisville Advisory Committees
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Deadline to Apply for Morrisville Advisory Committees is July 18th 5 pm!
(See Advisory Section for more Details)
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Church Street Park Tennis Courts are Open!
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July 26th Primaries Voting Alert:
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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:
EARLY VOTING IN JULY PRIMARIES
Thursday, July 7, 2022, begins the 17-day one-stop early voting period for the municipals and local second primary elections on July 26 (where applicable).
Polls are open from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
Confirm local election contests and dates (as they become available) at the Local Voter Tool.
During the early voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any one-stop site in their county. Eligible individuals may register and vote at the same time.
Overview of Early Voting
The early voting period for the 2022 municipal and local second primary elections (where applicable) begins Thursday, July 7, 2022, and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Registered voters or eligible individuals in North Carolina may cast an absentee ballot in person during this time. This period is sometimes called “one-stop early voting.”
During early voting, voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county, and would-be voters may same-day register and vote. This is different than Election Day, where registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place. For an overview of the 2022 municipal and local second primary elections (where applicable), visit Upcoming Election.
Unsure if you are registered? Find out if you are registered to vote by entering your information into the Voter Search.
Same-Day Registration
When you check in to vote at an early voting site, you may update your name or address within the same county if necessary. Individuals who are not registered to vote in a county may register and immediately vote at that same site. This process is called “same-day registration.” Find more information at Register in Person During Early Voting.
Early Voting Sites
The State Board asks that all voters respect the right of others to participate in the election. Intimidating any voter is a crime. Voters who feel harassed or intimidated should notify an election official immediately.
Your Sample Ballot
To view sample ballots, registered voters must enter their information into the Voter Search and navigate to “Your Sample Ballot.” Voters can practice making selections with the accessible sample ballot: “Option 4” at the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal.
Note: Sample ballots for each election are only available once finalized.
Covid-19 Safeguards
Your elections officials have implemented plans to minimize viral spread at voting locations. View the safety precautions and guidelines for in-person voting, and find answers to frequently asked questions at Voting and Coronavirus.
By-Mail Absentee Ballot Drop-Off
Voters who receive an absentee ballot by mail may deliver their ballot to an election official at a one-stop early voting site during any time that site is open for voting. Ballots will be kept securely and delivered to the county board of elections for processing.
Voting Equipment
To see what your county uses for one-stop early voting, go to the Voting Equipment page, and see the map for “One-Stop Early Voting Equipment, by County.”
Voter Assistance and Curbside Voting
Curbside voting is available for eligible individuals. For more information, see Curbside Voting.
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Thanks for tuning in to our Radio Nyra Interview with TATA on the July 4th Durham Rescue Mission event!
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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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Join me this Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm on PBS Black Issues Forum to talk about Gun Reform, Red Flag Laws, and other issues.
Mar. 25th Black Issues Forum Discussion!
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Check out my Tech Wire Blog:
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Proud of the rising star in Journalism, Tar Heel Sonia Rao!
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Scalawag Magazine
AUTHOR ARCHIVES:
Sonia Rao
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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.
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The Steve Rao App is Here:
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Download the Steve Rao App!
Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.
Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.
Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
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Google Play Store Scan code Link
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APPLY TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES
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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 following boards/committees have vacancies or expiring terms that may be filled during this appointment process:
- Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee
- Smart City Steering Committee
- Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee
- Performance Measures Advisory Committee
- Senior Advisory Committee
- Public Safety Advisory Committee.
The deadline to apply is Monday, July 18, at 5 p.m.
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This Week in Morrisville: July 4 - July 10
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Big Chief to Play at Music in the Park July 8
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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.
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
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Traffic Pattern to Change on Church Street in August
Phase 3 work on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project between Page Street and Old Savannah Drive is estimated to begin near the end of July or early August. During this phase of the project, the contractor will pour the median on Morrisville Carpenter Road in front of Church Street, which will require a traffic shift. Traffic will become "right-in/right-out" only on Church Street at the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road.
For more information on the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project, and for regular updates, please visit the project page.
Project update for the week of July 4:
- Contractor will not be working on Monday, July 4, due to the Independence Day holiday.
- Contractor will continue with road work in the culvert area (including stormwater work and concrete work).
- Contractor will be doing Phase 3 stormwater work (between Old Savannah Drive and Leafycreek Drive).
- Contractor will be doing work at the Morrisville Carpenter Road and Church Street intersection.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in these areas between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Southbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the northbound side of the median (between Fire Station No. 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).
The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.
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The Town has contracted with Precision Infrastructure Management (PIM) to develop an ADA Transition Plan. As part of the plan development, sidewalks along public streets throughout the town will be surveyed and assessed. Over the next several weeks, you may notice PIM vehicles and personnel throughout Town performing this assessment.
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Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates
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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 is anticipating finishing grading at the tennis courts over the next few weeks, as well as starting survey and grading for the walking trails. Additionally, the contractor will be working to finish the stormwater piping and other control measures onsite. The crew will be working on pouring the footings for the tennis court retaining wall and starting rough-ins for the electricity and plumbing of the restroom building before they pour the foundation.
Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.
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Church Street Park Tennis Courts are Open!
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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.
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Morrisville Starts Sustainability Newsletter
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The Town’s first sustainability newsletter was sent out on July 1. This quarterly publication will include a message from MESC, information on current projects, a sustainability spotlight feature, and information about upcoming or past events.
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Puttin Around Town Update
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Puttin Around Town is a program that places a temporary disc golf basket at a different park on a rotating basis to give people the opportunity to practice throwing discs so they can work on their mid-range game or putting. Plans are being finalized for a temporary course to return to Cedar Fork District Park in July.
The Town is continuing to explore effective uses of temporary baskets in open to encourage outdoor recreation.
Read more about Puttin’ Around Town here.
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Pop-up Dog Park at Morrisville Community Park
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The Morrisville Pop-up Dog Park is back! Bring your dogs out to enjoy the sunshine at Morrisville Community Park. The dog park will be open May 8 - September 18 on select days. Click here for more information and to register.
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Summer and Fall Athletic Program Information Available
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Registration for summer camp opportunities is now open.
Baseball camps will be offered in partnership with Diamond and Aces. Run by professional coaches, this camp provides young players a unique opportunity to take their game to the next level. Players of all ability levels will be challenged with specific skill instruction and drill work. Drill progressions will be focused on developing good habits while improving overall game skills. Each camp will cover the skills of pitching, hitting, catching, fielding, baserunning, position work, and mental preparation. The camp will be held at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway.
Developmental sports camps will also be offered in partnership with Skyhawks, the country's leader in providing a safe, fun, and skill-based sports experience for kids between the ages of 4 and 14.
Registration for fall leagues will also start on June 6. Fall leagues will include tee-ball, coach pitch, minor and major baseball, and junior volleyball.
Visit the Parks and Recreation website for additional information and updates.
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Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center
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Beginning the week of April 11, the MAFC program pool will be unavailable for public use on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open rec swim and water aerobics participants will be accommodated in lanes 5 and 6 of the lap pool. Additionally, the Friday morning water aerobics class has been cancelled.
Now Hiring: MAFC Lifeguards
The Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is hiring for part-time lifeguards. Applicants must be 16+, and scheduling hours include morning, mid-day, after school, evenings and weekends. Not certified? The MAFC will train you free of charge. Learn more and apply here.
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Sustainability Data Dashboard available on the Open Data Portal
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The Town of Morrisville has launched the Sustainability Dashboard on Morrisville's Open Data Portal. The dashboard provides residents with tracking data showing the Town's progress in implementing sustainability practices. Data for the solar panel array on Morrisville Fire Station No. 1 and recycling participation rates for each of Morrisville's five GFL Environmental service routes are currently available. For details, click here.
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Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
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The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.
Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!
The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
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MAFC Smart Shuttle Node Now Available
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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
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The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (summer hours) every Saturday.
Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
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Nepalese Convention in Raleigh
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Guest at the Non Resident Nepalese Convention in Raleigh! Welcomed attendees from across the United States and North Carolina!
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Morrisville Family Fun Fest
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Wonderful Time at Town of Morrisville Family Fun Fest! Enjoyed our first fireworks from Town Hall!
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Enjoyed Pancake Breakfast at Church of Latter Day Saints in Morrisville!
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Thanks to TATA for serving food and volunteering at Durham Rescue Mission for July4th Celebration!
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Celebrated with the Sharma family their 50 year anniversary of their arrival to the United States at the Hindu Society of North Carolina!
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GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
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THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD
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Gun violence
Fourth of July parade shooting HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
- The police charged Robert Crimo, a 21-year-old resident of Highland Park, Ill., with murder in the Fourth of July parade shooting.
- The police had visited Crimo twice in recent years, confiscating knives after a family member said that he had threatened to “kill everyone.” He legally purchased the rifle used in the attack.
- A seventh person died yesterday. Here’s what we know about the victims.
New Jersey tightened its gun laws, making it more difficult to obtain a handgun license.
Abortion
Some families and doctors worry that abortion bans could threaten in vitro fertilization.
The next front line in the fight over abortion: state supreme courts.
Other Big Stories
A Georgia prosecutor subpoenaed Rudy Giuliani, Lindsey Graham and five others in an investigation into Donald Trump’s election interference.
The Justice Department sued Arizona over a law requiring proof of citizenship to vote in a presidential election.
Two top ministers quit the British government in response to a series of scandals, again leaving Prime Minister Boris Johnson hanging on for political survival.
President Biden bestowed the Medal of Honor on four Vietnam-era soldiers for what he called “acts of incredible heroism.”
Demaryius Thomas, an N.F.L. receiver who died last year at 33, had Stage 2 C.T.E. but probably died of an unrelated seizure.
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Rules for Raleigh Censorship Spark Censorship Debate. Raleigh reduces signs to 18 inches from 36 inches, and affects protestors coming to meetings.
Raleigh creates new social drinking district, which allows residents to buy an alcoholic drink from a participating business and carry it with them to their next stop.
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NC General Assembly Passes Budget
(More Detail on Approved Budget in next newsletter)
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North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature advanced its proposed s
tate budget adjustments in bipartisan fashion Thursday, each chamber voting separately by comfortable margins for a plan that would spend or salt away billions more without added tax cuts.
The measure, which was agreed to in private negotiations between House and Senate GOP leaders and released earlier in the week, received significant support from House and Senate Democrats during the first of two required affirmative floor votes in the chambers. Final votes on the plan were anticipated Friday, when the General Assembly hopes to wrap up this year’s primary work session that began in mid-May.
The approved bill would then go to Democratic Gov. Cooper. He hasn’t yet said whether he would sign the budget bill, veto it or let it become law without his signature.
Cooper signed the two-year budget into law last November — marking the first time he signed a comprehensive budget bill since taking office in 2017. Thursday's measure would spend $27.9 billion for the next fiscal year that begins Friday, but also would set aside another $7.7 billion in reserves and for items like state government construction and local water and wastewater projects, as well as incentives to bring more companies to North Carolina.
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REPUBLICANS LOOK TO TAKE GOVERNOR’s POWER FROM NC SCHOOL BOARD
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North Carolina House Republicans pushed Wednesday for a constitutional amendment that would have voters elect members of the State Board of Education from each congressional district, a move that would erode dramatically the governor’s appointment authority to the panel.
The current rules have 11 members appointed by the governor serving on the board alongside Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and State Treasurer Dale Folwell. The board would expand under the amendment to 14 elected members — in line with North Carolina gaining a congressional seat in 2022 — and add the statewide-elected superintendent of public instruction as chairperson.
The proposed amendment, if approved by the General Assembly in the final days of the legislative session, would appear as a ballot question in the November general election.
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US Supreme Court to Hear North Carolina Case
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The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a Republican-backed appeal that could give state legislatures far more power over federal elections by limiting the ability of state courts to review their actions, taking up a North Carolina case that could have broad implications for the 2024 elections and beyond.
The justices took up the appeal by Republican state lawmakers of a February decision by North Carolina's top court to throw out a map delineating the state's 14 U.S. House of Representatives districts approved last year by the Republican-controlled state legislature.
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Join me this Friday at 7 pm and Sunday at 4 pm on PBS Black Issues Forum to talk about Gun Reform, Red Flag Laws, and other issues.
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV! Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!
Engaging discussion at BLACK ISSUES FORUM!
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PBS NC
- Fridays at 7 p.m. (premiere)
- Sundays at 4 p.m.
- Thursdays at 1:30 a.m.
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NC Channel
- Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays at 1:30 a.m.
- Sundays at 6 p.m.
- Mondays at 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
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Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra Interview
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Tune in Sunday at 4 pm to Radio Nyra for our Interview with Dreamer Shrishti Sharma!
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July 7 - Meet & Greet with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
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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
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July 14th Morrisville Chamber C-Suite Perspectives
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Join us on July 14th Morrisville Chamber C-Suite Perspectives at 8 am at Wake Tech RTP Campus.
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JULY 19th ENGAGE MORRISVILLE WITH SBA
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JULY 19th ENGAGE MORRISVILLE WITH SBA. 8am- 9 am!
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JULY 20th FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION LUNCH
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JULY 20th MORRISVILLE CHAMBER FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION LUNCH 11:30 am to 1 pm at Prestonwood Country Club.
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Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
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Join us this Sunday at 4 pm for our Radio Nyra program with Democratic Sheriff Candidate Roy Taylor followed by a Sustainability interview with Shanthanu Agarwal, CEO Susteon.
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.
OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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