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S’MORRISVILLE EDITION AND WAKE EARLY COLLEGE EDITION
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
August 9, 2022
Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.  

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My Weekly Update: 
Covid Alert:
For Covid Updates and Data, visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard and for Covid Testing visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information.
SAVE THE DATES!  
August 13th Reception with US Senate Candidate Cheri Beasley at 3 pm!  

For more information, to join the Host Committee, or to RSVP, please contact the campaign at avery@cheribeasley.com.
Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO
Sept. 22 Town Hall Meeting with RDU Airport CEO  6:30 pm at HSNC Main Hall. (309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560)

I have invited RDU Airport CEO Michael Landguth to Morrisville for a Town Hall meeting where he will brief us on the Airport and talk about international air service recruitment. Exploring opportunities for Direct Air Service to India will also be discussed. 

A New Stem High School in Morrisville! 
A New Stem High School in Morrisville!
NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit
SBA Director Allen Thomas to visit NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit
Breaking News:
Olivia Newton John
Olivia Newton John Dies.  A legend is gone.  May she rest in peace.  
Inflation Reduction Act
Chips Act
NC A & T University
Election Day as a Teacher Work Day
Wake County Schools approves Election Day as a Teacher Work Day.

(See NC News) 
Indiana passes near total abortion ban. 
Monkeypox a Global Emergency
Marius Pharmaceuticals
Raleigh Based Marius Pharmaceuticals Receives FDA Approval of KYZATREX™ , an Oral Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

(See Marius Section) 
ON AUG 10th MORRISVILLE becomes S’MORRISVILLE!
It is S’Morrisville!: 

The Town of Morrisville will change its name from Morrisville to “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, in honor of National S’mores Day. Residents are encouraged to join in the fun by attending the Town’s annual S’Morrisville event on August 10, at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Free s’mores snacks will be served, with ingredients sponsored by Trader Joe’s. Royal Cheesecake will also be on hand, selling s’mores cheesecakes. From noon to 4 p.m., Handel’s Handmade Ice Cream will be giving away a free small cup of s’mores ice cream in their store at 115 Parkside Valley Drive, Suite 30, to anyone who asks for the “S’Morrisville treat.”

Virtual S’Morrisville
There is also a virtual component to 2022 S’Morrisville. Residents are asked to create a short video (one minute or less) about their personal s’mores experience, such as a fond childhood camping memory, or who they shared their first s’mores with, etc. They can then share the video on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #smorrisville. They can post to the Town’s pages in the comments below the S’Morrisville event posts, or post to their pages and tag the Town of Morrisville. 

Videos can be shared until August 9. 

For the latest information on S’Morrisville, visit www.TownOfMorrisville.Org/Smorrisville. The Town is on Facebook @TownOfMorrisville, on Twitter @Morrisville_NC and @TownOfMorrisvilleNC on Instagram. If you are looking for content, or have content related to this event to share, use #smorrisville on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Important Morrisville Updates
Apply to Launch Morrisville Program
Apply to Launch Morrisville Program at www.launchmorrisville.org! Deadline is Aug. 12th! 

Thanks to everyone who came out to the July 21st Information Session. Recording for information session is at Launch Morrisville Information Session video (online-video-cutter.com).mp4 - Google Drive
Jeffrey Brown
Town of Morrisville names Jeffrey Brown as new Public Works Director.  Welcome aboard!
Minor League Cricket Championships Aug 27th- Aug 28th
Town of Morrisville to host Minor League Cricket Championships Aug 27th- Aug 28th. Minor League Cricket announced that the finals of the 2022 Toyota Minor League Cricket Championship presented by Sunoco will be held at Church Street Park in the Town of Morrisville, August 27-28. The finals weekend activities are free to attend - registration to reserve your spot/s is strongly recommended at https://bit.ly/3QEQsbF
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project 
Get Morrisville Carpenter Road Project Updates in the This Week in Morrisville MC Road Section.
A NEW STEM HIGH SCHOOL IN MORRISVILLE!
On August 8th, the Wake Early College of Informatics and Biotechnology opened its doors to start the school year.  A New School in Morrisville, whose home is the Lilly Science and Biotechnology Center at Wake Tech RTP!

This newest addition to the school system is located at Wake Technical Community College’s Research Triangle Park campus in Morrisville.

Students will take a blend of high school courses and Wake Tech courses, with the opportunity to focus on four specific program areas:
  • Network management
  • Computer programming
  • Cybersecurity
  • Biotechnology

Students will graduate with a high school diploma and credits towards their Associate in Applied Sciences degree, with the potential to earn enough credits to graduate with an Applied Sciences degree. We will also partner with RTP businesses to provide students with real-world work experience in these high-demand career fields.

The school focuses on preparing first generation college students to be college-ready and career-ready and seeks to equip all students with skills needed for college and career. To accomplish this, they will focus on Project-Based Learning as the way to emphasize the 4 Cs; this real-world approach prepares students for their college program that they begin during their sophomore year.

Congratulations to Wake County Schools, Wake Tech Community College and we wish Principal Abby Stotsenberg and her staff and students all the best on a new school year!   I also want to thank Vice Chair Heagarty for his hard work on making this happen!

Together, we will prepare our kids for the new jobs of the new economy!
MARIUS PHARMACEUTICALS RECEIVES FDA APPROVAL FOR ORAL TESTOSTERONE THERAPY
I wanted to extend a very well deserved congratulations to Himanshu Shah, and the entire team at Marius Pharmaceuticals, who have just received FDA Approval for a game changing, innovative oral testosterone therapy.  It has taken years of dedication and perseverance to get to this point and we look forward to their growth and success in North Carolind and beyond.  FDA Approval of Kyzatrex will once again add another pharma and life science unicorn in the State of North Carolina!
This morning’s Press Release from Global NewsWire reads as follows:  

Marius Pharmaceuticals, a patient-centric healthcare company, today announced the approval of KYZATREX™ (testosterone undecanoate) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). KYZATREX™ is an oral testosterone replacement therapy ("TRT") indicated in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. The approval of KYZATREX™ provides an important option in treating hypogonadism or more commonly known as, Testosterone Deficiency, which affects approximately 40% of men older than 45 years of age and 30-50% of men with obesity or type 2 diabetes have hypogonadism1. KYZATREX™ has been approved in three dosage strengths, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg.

“I would like to congratulate our scientific team on this major milestone, and now it is up to our commercial team to make KYZATREX™ a leading therapy and a go-to brand for millions of hypogonadal men in the U.S. Low Testosterone affects numerous metabolic factors as well as often overlooked, true quality of life, hence annual testosterone testing should be mandatory for men over age 40,” remarked Himanshu H. Shah, Chairman of Marius.

KYZATREX™ is a proprietary oral softgel capsule that is absorbed primarily via the lymphatic system, avoiding liver toxicity. The oral delivery method eliminates the risk of application site reactions common with intramuscular testosterone injections as well as potential transference to women or children that can occur with topical testosterone gels and creams. With daily dosing in the morning and evening (with food), KYZATREX™ more closely mimics the daily rhythm of natural testosterone production compared to long-acting therapies.

“With so many men suffering daily effects of Testosterone Deficiency and often abandoning or not electing to get treatment, we see FDA-approved KYZATREX™ as a newly viable oral option that has demonstrated safety and effectiveness. Further, Testosterone Deficiency is a big blind spot in medicine today and our research will continue to explore the importance of testosterone in both male and female health,” commented Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius.

KZAYTREX™ has the potential to become the new gold standard of care for treating patients with hypogonadism. There are at least six million symptomatic men suffering from hypogonadism in the U.S., and over 100 million men globally.

Please see additional Important Safety Information for KYZATREX™ below.

About Testosterone and Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism, often referred to as Testosterone Deficiency, is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce adequate levels of testosterone. Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure due to certain conditions) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism both result in low serum testosterone concentrations. In addition to testosterone’s widely accepted role in sexual and reproductive function, it also has important roles in numerous other metabolic and inflammatory process and is one of the most

common causes of secondary osteoporosis in men. Patients with hypogonadism may experience fatigue, low energy, decreased muscle mass, weight gain, low libido, poor cognition, difficulty sleeping, and other mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Because low levels of testosterone can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity, hypogonadism is a common comorbidity in a broader set of conditions, including type 2 diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

About KYZATREX™
KYZATREX™ is a proprietary softgel oral formulation absorbed primarily via the lymphatic system (meaning it is not toxic to the liver) indicated in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. The safety and efficacy of KYZATREX™ was demonstrated in a phase 3, multi-center, open-label, six-month study in 155 hypogonadal males between 18 and 65 years of age with documented hypogonadism, as defined by a below normal serum testosterone level (≤281 ng/dL) and at least one sign or symptom of testosterone deficiency. In the efficacy population (n=139), 88 percent of hypogonadal men treated with KYZATREX™ achieved a mean plasma total testosterone concentration (Cavg) over 24 hours within the normal range (222-800 ng/dL) on the final pharmacokinetic (PK) visit of the study at Day 90 (primary endpoint). Based on exploratory endpoints, patients who received KYZATREX™ reported improvements in quality of life, energy/fatigue, erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and positive mood. The most common side effect reported in ≥ 2 percent of KYZATREX™ patients was increased blood pressure (2.6%). The safety and efficacy of KYZATREX™ in males less than 18 years old have not been established.

Please see additional Important Safety Information below, including Boxed Warning for potential increased blood pressure, for KYZATREX™.

About Marius Pharmaceuticals
Marius Pharmaceuticals is a patient-centric healthcare company focusing on therapies designed for hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency. The company’s mission is to improve the functional lives of patients by reducing the downstream effects of Testosterone Deficiency, which include multiple comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

For more information, please visit https://www.mariuspharma.com/
Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award
The Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award recognizes youth who have attained outstanding achievements in various fields such as Volunteering, Community Service, Leadership, Research, Academics, Extra-curricular activities such as sports, music and arts, etc. This award is based on Lord Buddha’s parting message to his disciples “Aapo Deepo Bhava” which means “Be a light unto yourself.”

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY
11:59pm ET September 11th, 2022

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
Radio Nyra
Thanks for Joining us on Radio Nyra for for our interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz! 99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!


Interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz!
Thanks for joining us on Radio Nyra for our interview with Kiran. 
On the Porch
On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

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



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!

Thanks for joining us on PBS Black Issues Forum to talk about Monkeypox and Medicaid Expansion!

Link to the Show:
Proud of the rising star in Journalism, Tar Heel Sonia Rao!  
Scalawag Magazine
AUTHOR ARCHIVES:
Sonia Rao
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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This Week in Morrisville: August 8 - 12
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings
Aug. 9 – 6:00 p.m.Town Council Meeting

Aug. 11 – 6:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board
Registration Opens August 8 for Before- and After-School Programs at CFCC
Registration for before- and after-school programming at the Cedar Fork Community Center will open August 8. Online and in-person registration will be available. The before-school program runs from 7-8:45 a.m., and it includes fun and energizing activities for students before the school day starts. Students must attend Cedar Fork Elementary School to enroll in this program. The after-school program runs from 3:30-6 p.m., and it provides a fun, interactive, and engaging program that includes STEM activities, sports and fitness, arts and crafts, and more. Students from any school are welcome to enroll in this program, but transportation is only offered from Cedar Fork Elementary. Parents will need to arrange transportation for students from other schools.
For more information, click here. For questions, call 919-463-7100 or email qjones@townofmorrisville.org.
S’Morrisville to Take Place August 10
Morrisville residents are invited to take part in National S’mores Day in “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The Town will change its name to S’Morrisville for the day, and we’ll be serving up these beloved treats from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway.

Residents are also invited to create a short video (one minute or less) sharing a fond memory related to s’mores and upload it to social media. Use the hashtag #smorrisville and tag the Town of Morrisville on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or LinkedIn.

The Town will be launching its new augmented reality game (ARG) at S’Morrisville this year. Download the free Agents of Discovery app at the App Store or Google Play and look for the “Morrisville History – S’Morrisville” Mission. While you are attending the event, you can walk around Morrisville Community Park and use your mobile phone to complete challenges in the mission. Once you have completed the mission, visit the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources tent for your reward. 

Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation Seeks Public Input at S’Morrisville

The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation are working together to bring a veterans memorial to Morrisville. We are currently developing the site plan for the memorial, and we want your input! You’ll have a chance to share your thoughts at S’Morrisville on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., at Morrisville Community Park. Stop by the Veterans Memorial Foundation to share your thoughts before or after you grab a delicious s’more. We hope to see you there!
Town of Morrisville Wins Certificate for Excellence in Financial Achievement
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Morrisville for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 
Public Works Department Welcomes New Director
The Town of Morrisville has hired Jeffery P. Brown as the new Director of Public Works. Brown is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience working directly in the field of public works, including with both state and local government. He began his career in local government as a staff engineer and progressed rapidly to leading the Engineering & Infrastructure Department for the City of Fayetteville. Brown has directly overseen construction and engineering projects, facilities and grounds, fleet services, public utilities, solid waste (including a landfill), stormwater, streets, and traffic services. He was most recently the Internal Services Manager for Cumberland County.
Read more here.
Inaugural Law Enforcement Torch Ride for Special Olympics to be August 13
The Town of Morrisville Police Department will host its first Law Enforcement Torch Ride for Special Olympics on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost to participate is $30 for motorcycle riders and $10 for passengers, and proceeds will support the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which supports the Special Olympics and nearly 40,000 athletes across the state.

The charity run will begin and end at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Registration begins at 8 a.m., or participants can register online before the event. Snacks will be provided at the start of the ride, as well as at pit stops, and lunch will be served at the conclusion of the ride.

For questions, contact Tracy Skeeter at tskeeter@townofmorrisville.org.
Esports Summer Camp to Explore STEM Concepts through Minecraft and More - Aug 22-26
The Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department has teamed up with Triangle Esports Academy to offer a STEM camp that serves as a fun activity to wind down the summer. The camp, Start PC Gaming: Becoming a Player, will be offered at the Cedar Fork Community Center Aug. 22-26. Campers will need to bring their own lunch and snacks.

The Esports camp aims to blend scientific inquiry with technological design processes through project-based learning to promote critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning, as well as to improve communication and self-direction. Students are given the opportunity to explore an idea in different contexts and connect their learning across disciplines. In one activity, students will play Minecraft to explore different concepts, such as electrical circuits, farming systems, water cycles, and renewable energy. Minecraft also helps students develop critical and spatial thinkings by providing them a space to visualize and investigate situations and create solutions. Students will have the opportunities to work together and share ideas.
Students will enjoy a balance between screen time and physical activity during camp, and they will have the opportunity to explore both outside and inside play.
All participants will need to have a Minecraft Java account, which is $30. Minecraft Java is only available on PC, and it is different from versions of Minecraft sold for console games and tablets. Participants will need to set up their account prior to the beginning of camp.
For more information about camp, and to register, click here.
Sustainability Program Shares Positive Developments for Solar Energy
The Town of Morrisville is committed to sustainable development and practices, and the Sustainability program is pleased to share the news that homeowners may soon have more options for installing their own solar panels. Last month, the N.C. State Supreme Court ruled in favor of homeowners involved in a dispute with their Homeowners’ Association about their ability to install solar panels on their roofs. The ruling may open the way for other homeowners to install their own solar panels. Additionally, Duke Energy is expected to offer another round of solar rebates in January 2023. Check here for updates.
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Bicyclists and Walkers Cautioned to Stay Out of Road Construction Zone

Town officials remind bicyclists and walkers not to travel through the closed section of westbound Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Town Hall Drive and the Thornebury entrance). This is an active road construction zone, and it is unsafe for members of the public to travel through this area, even on foot or on a bicycle. Please stick to designated pathways outside of the construction area. 

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 will begin soon. 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 Aug. 8:

  • Contractor will continue with road work on Morrisville Carpenter Road (from Town Hall Drive to Old Savannah Drive).
  • Contractor will start Phase 3 median work on Morrisville Carpenter Road this week (between Old Savannah Drive and Leafycreek Drive). As a result, Bergman Drive and Kudrow Lane will become right-in/right-out only.
  • 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 1 and Morrisville Carpenter Road).
  • Walkers and cyclists are reminded to stay out of the blockaded area and to remain on appropriate paths. This is an active construction zone and is not safe for walkers or cyclists. 

The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.

For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
Morrisville Community Park Phase III Construction Updates
The Morrisville Community Park Phase III construction is taking shape.

The construction crew is continuing to work on the retaining wall behind the tennis court as the Morrisville Community Park Phase III upgrades continue. The contractor will be finishing the boardwalk and bridge segments over the course of the coming week. The crew will begin work on preparing the remaining trail sections for asphalt installation over the coming weeks. Work will continue on establishing the foundation and utilities for the restroom shelter building.

Click here to read more on MCP Phase III.
Morrisville Starts Sustainability Newsletter 
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.

If you’d like to subscribe to the newsletter, contact sustainability@townofmorrisville.org.
Puttin Around Town Update
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.
Pop-up Dog Park at Morrisville Community Park
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.
Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center
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.
Sustainability Data Dashboard available on the Open Data Portal
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.
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, 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!
Around the Region
Stem High School in Morrisville
New Stem High School in Morrisville Open for Students! Thanks to Scott Ralls and Wake Tech for their Partnership with the Town of Morrisville and Wake County Schools! Wishing Principal Abby Stosenberg all the best this year!

World University Games Reception
Enjoyed World University Games Reception!

Wake County National Opiod Settlement 
Inspired at Wake County National Opiod Settlement meeting by survivor Megan Peevey. 

Wake County, Raleigh and Cary will receive $35.2 million over the next 18 years!

A few facts: 198 drug overdose deaths, 1091 drug overdose emergency visits, and 74.7% opioid deaths with illicit Opioids.

(More in next newsletter)

Insights from Don Mial:
Raleigh Chamber Partners Dinner
Great time at Raleigh Chamber Partners Dinner. Great to catch up with Former Lt. Governor Dan Forest!
Grass Street Band
Grass Street Band Concert so much fun! Thanks to Trader Joes!
Kiran Bazaar
Cricketeer MSK Prasad
A visit to Town Hall by famous Cricketeer MSK Prasad!

Small Business Listening Tour: 
This week I continued by Small Business Listening Tour with visits to a few Small Businesses.  I will be sharing more in next newsletter but enjoyed the few I had this week!  
Social Equity
Visited with Brian Lora, CEO and Founder of Social Equity, a local start up focused on assisting with Affordable Housing needs!

More on his company in next newsletter!

GLOBAL AND NATIONAL UPDATES:
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT 
The Senate passed the Democrats’ climate and tax bill, the Inflation Reduction Act. The vote was down party lines, 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris as tiebreaker.

The bill would spend nearly $400 billion on climate and energy programs, and sets a minimum tax for corporations.

The House is expected to pass it this week.

(More on the Bill in next newsletter)  
THE LATEST NEWS AND WEEK AHEAD
Climate Bill
The Senate passed the Democrats’ climate and tax bill, the Inflation Reduction Act. The vote was down party lines, 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris as tiebreaker.

The bill would spend nearly $400 billion on climate and energy programs, and sets a minimum tax for corporations. The House is expected to pass it this week.

To win Joe Manchin’s support, Democrats promised to back one of his biggest donors: the gas pipeline industry.

Republicans forced the removal of a measure to cap insulin prices at $35 for private insurers.

Israel-Gaza Violence
Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza agreed to a cease-fire, ending three days of fighting that left 44 Palestinians dead.

An airstrike killed Khaled Mansour, an Islamic Jihad commander who Israel said had long led murderous attacks against Israelis. The strike also killed five civilians.

Gaza’s hospitals may shut down in the coming days, as the territory runs low on fuel to generate electricity.

Other Big Stories
Rockets landed on the grounds of a nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, narrowly avoiding disaster. Russia and Ukraine blamed each other.

Four Muslim men have been killed in Albuquerque recently. The authorities say the killings are connected and targeted against the community.

Inflation is hurting the poor more than the rich. So may the Fed’s measures to fight it.

China’s military exercises could deepen skepticism in Taiwan about reaching a settlement with Beijing. (These maps track the tensions between China and Taiwan.)

Liz Cheney says she’ll continue her campaign against Trump if she loses her primary next week.

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest, is back in New York. Ecologists recommend squishing them.
NORTH CAROLINA NEWS
Nov 2 Election Day to be a Teacher Workday!
Wake County Schools voted last week to make election day a Teacher workday.  
NC A & T University receives $23million workforce training grant! 
Gov. Roy Cooper and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce were in Greensboro Wednesday to present a grant funded by President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan to North Carolina A&T State University.

Connecting people to jobs is the goal of the $500 million Good Jobs Challenge administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce and funded by the American Rescue Plan.
“We are on a mission to make sure that every American, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin, how old they are, whether they’re in recovery, formerly incarcerated, has a chance to get a real job," U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.

Thirty-two projects were chosen out of 509 applicants and North Carolina’s A&T University was one of them.

North Carolina A&T University received $23.7 million for its Steps4Growth project. The project will help provide more jobs in rural areas of the state where people don’t have as much access to higher-paying jobs.

“You might be the smartest person in North Carolina, but if you can’t get connected to the skills that are necessary, you’re not going to get a real job," Raimondo said.

The Steps4Growth project will use mobile training units in rural areas to remove barriers to access and meet workers where they are and hook them up with jobs.
AG Stein vows to double down defend Abortion Access.  
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein and U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross have reinforced their support for abortion rights in the state.

Stein and Ross, along with state Rep. Rosa Gill and Dr. Erica Pettigrew, a family medicine doctor and public health professional, shared updates on their protection efforts in Raleigh Wednesday.
“In North Carolina, women still have a legal right to an abortion,” Stein said. “I will do everything in my power to continue to safeguard that right, especially as we see how women in other states are suffering when politicians take away their freedoms. I’m grateful to Rep. Ross and Rep. Gill for fighting for North Carolina’s women in the General Assembly and in Congress and for doctors like Dr. Pettigrew who are providing women the medical care that is their right.”

Ross said North Carolina stands as a safe haven in the South, but people need to fight to keep it that way.
NORTH CAROLINA COULD RECEIVE ADDITIONAL OPIOD FUNDS
North Carolina could receive additional millions of dollars to help people struggling with opiod addiction under two new settlements.  Attorney General Stein’s office is negotiating settlements with a group of bi partisan Attorney Generals which would require pharma companies Allergan and Teva to pay up to $6.6 billion to more than a dozen states across the country that sued the opioid makers for their roles in the opioud epidemic.  
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!

Thanks for joining us on PBS Black Issues Forum to talk about Monkeypox and Medicaid Expansion!

Link to the Show:


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

Thanks for Joining us on Radio Nyra for our interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz!

Interview with Mark Haupt from NC Vet Biz!
Thanks for joining us on Radio Nyra for our interview with Kiran. 
SAVE THE DATE:  
AUGUST 10th is S'Morrisville!   
AUG 15th Indian Independence Day
AUG 15th Indian Independence Day ROKU TV Interview with Swadesh Chatterjee.   

AUG. 15th Celebrating Indian Independence Day
AUG. 15th Celebrating Indian Independence Day with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi!  

In Charlotte and please rsvp to sr@steverao.com

Date: Monday, August 15th Time: 6:00pm

Held at: 1040 Edgewater Corporate Parkway Suite 108, Indian Land, SC 29707

Online Contributions: click here
Checks can be made out to Friends of Raja for Congress
Aug 16 - NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit
Join us Aug. 16th at 8 am for the NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit at McKimmon Center.

AUGUST 18th IT Serve Meeting
ON AUGUST 18th SECRETARY WEAVER Joining IT Serve Meeting at 6 
Radio / TV
Radio NYRA

Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
JJoin us on Sunday at 4 pm on Radio Nyra for our interview with North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell!

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

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 
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