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Rain Storm Alert & National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Edition:

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

January 9, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes.

ENJOY MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/745763020315084

Get the Weekly Update in the This Week in Morrisville Section.


My MLK Edition will be going out on Friday


ENJOY MY WRAL TECHWIRE BLOGS: https://wraltechwire.com/tag/steve-rao/


Check out Triangle MLK events at https://trianglemlk.com/programs-events/


TODAY IS NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY


Officers of every rank and file across the nation have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day for their community. We thank the Morrisville Police Department and every Department in Wake County for keeping our community safe!

Take a moment today to thank our Police Officers.I did not have time today to do a message but will do this today and share in my next newsletter!


PARKS ALERT

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources facilities will close today at 2 p.m. due to adverse weather conditions.

 

🏀 All activities and programming have been cancelled.

🌳 Athletic fields are closed.


Facilities include:

🌨 Cedar Fork Community Center

🌨 The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center

🌨 The Morrisville Senior Center

SAVE THE DATE

Join me on WPTF Radio on Friday at 3 pm for my Commentary and a special MLK weekend guest! 98.5FM and 680 AM! www.wptf.com

BREAKING NEWS

Governor Cooper declares State of Emergency today due to inclement weather. Visit www.readync.gov on tips of how to develop an emrgency Kit.

Michigan wins National Championship! Congratulations!

Blinken visits Israel and asks to save Palestinian State. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/blinken-diplomatic-push-israel-it-says-gaza-war-continue-through-2024-2024-01-09/

REZONING FOR MORE APARTMENTS IN MORRISVILLE

Please come out and share any concerns and ideas this evening at our Council meeting regarding the Casto amendment request to the Mixed Use Planning Development at Park West Village, which would demolish the Theater (64,000 square feet) and replace the Theater with over 312 Multi Family Units. The plan would plan for 27,000 more square feet of retail and 21,000 square feet of office along with plans to create and provide more amenities for community gathering.


I would like your ideas on any other type of development you would like to see in this area. Residents are concerned about adding more apartments when many residents have expressed concern about frequent school assignments, and the need for more adequate transportation and school infrastructure.


Breckenridge, Kitts Creek and Providence families have been reassigned from Parkside Elementary and Alston Ridge to Pleasant Grove Elementary, and many families are now having to go on both traditional and year round calendars.



At the same time, Casto has served as a strong partner for our Town for many years and the Park West development has led to signifcant revenue growth and opportunity for our residents and businesses. I hope we can arrive at a decision that honors this partnership but at the same time takes into account our resident concerns.



Please email me your opinions and ideas to sr@steverao.com on this rezoning.

SOME MLK WEEKEND EVENTS

Portrait by Rayan S. Rao

Check out Triangle MLK events at https://trianglemlk.com/programs-events/


Town of Cary Dreamfest Events: https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/dreamfest


Town of Apex MLK Events: https://www.apexnc.org/1657/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Weekend-Events


Town of Holly Springs MLK events: https://hsmlk.org/


Town of Morrisville MLK Day of Service Blood Drive at Cedar Fork Community Center from 8:30 am to 1 pm. (1050 B Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina 27560)

TUESDAY RAIN STORM ALERT

My Message on Storm: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/393488436578589



Today, strong winds, heavy rain, and even some severe weather are all possible.

Some areas could see flooding up to 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Strong winds throughout the day could also lead to isolated power outages.


The strongest storm is expected to be in Central NC in the afternoon and evening with some storms turning severe. While strong winds are a primary concern, an isolated tornado is still possible.


I will post any Town updates on the storm on my Facebook site and page tomorrow.

For more information on how to report a Power Outage to Duke Energy, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/outages?jur=KY01.


Report an outage at Report your outage by texting OUT to 57801, report online or call 800.543.5599.

DUKE ENERGY STORM RESPONSE EFFORTS

My Message on the Storm:

Duke Energy is preparing for an enhanced risk of power outages and our power line and tree crews will be on alert, ready to respond. They are urging customers to prepare as well. Check out Before the Storm Tips - Duke Energy (duke-energy.com). Also, have a plan for any family members – especially those with special needs – to go to a safe, alternative location.


Reporting an outage:

If outages occur, crews will work diligently to restore power in impacted communities as quickly as possible when safe to do so.


Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by doing any of the following:

a) Using the Duke Energy mobile app

b) Visiting http://duke-energy.com

c) Texting OUT to 57801

d) Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)

LIST OF SCHOOL CLOSURES

Wake County Public School System will close 3 hours early on Tuesday due to the possibility of severe weather.

Durham Public Schools will dismiss 3.5 hours early Tuesday.

Elementary schools will release at 10:45 a.m., middle and secondary schools at 11:50 a.m. and high schools at 12:45 p.m. All afterschool programs including athletics will be canceled.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will dismiss students three hours early on Tuesday, Jan. 9

Cumberland County Schools announced that it will release students two hours early Tuesday.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA STORM TIPS

Residents are advised to stay aware and keep a watch on the forecast. State officials advise these tips to make sure your family is personally prepared:


1. Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and download a weather app.


2. Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.


3. Gather some emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.


4. Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.


5. Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.


6. Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.


7. Check to see if your community offers emergency alert services for its residents.


Avoid unnecessary travel.

REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL

Chamber Shop Local Message:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbFCLIc6qXw


During the Holidays, do what you can to shop local and support our small businesses. Over the past week, I visited a few shops and stores and encourage you to visit these local shops in Morrisville or in whatever Town you live in.


There are over 950,000 small businesses in North Carolina and they employ over 1.7 million people.


Lets shop local and grow our economies!


HOLIDAY SHOP LOCAL VISITS:

Mo's Barbershop: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1529664761178696


Bharat Bazaar: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/3606193546327763


Swagat: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/925301029159903


Game On Escape at Box Yard RTP: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/925301029159903


Full Steam Brewery at Box Yard RTP:


Buzzy Bakery at Box Tard RTP: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1047960956491671


DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP

Have you downloaded the Morrisville Central mobile app?

Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source.


Download via Apple Store: https://apple.co/3pKCNrg


Download via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3IfPctA

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

Raleigh Chamber Launch


My first event of the year was the Raleigh Chamber Launch event. I got there a little late but it was positive news for the economy. No recession, and ironically, the 3 trillion pumped into our economy from the ARP, Inflation Reduction Act, etc. helped us avoid a recession. More Americans saved their money, then spend it, but there could me some tough times ahead as the covid and infrastrucure money dries up.



Stay tuned and we will see with what the Fed does with Interest Rates.

Cary Chamber Economic Forecast


I enjoyed kicking off the New Year with Dr. Michael Walden at the Cary Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast Meeting. I enjoyed kicking this off with Caroline Spencer from Congresswoman Ross' s office and Trey Lewis with Senator Tillis!


The main takeaways were that Dr. Walden predicted that there will not be a recession in 2024 but we should prepare for a bumpy economy in the last quarter.


Inflation may come down if Fed lowers rates to 3% but this does not mean that prices will come down and real estate and small businesses could still feel the effects of an economic slowdown.


Since World War II, there has only been one soft landing when the Fed lowered interest rates and thirteen recessions.


We should still feel some effects of an economic slowdown in Cary and Triangle region with higher than normal interest rates and prices.

Be Prepared!

NC Bankers Economic Forecast



I enjoyed attending the NC Bankers Economic Forecast last Friday at the Sheraton Imperial. The event was hosted by NC Chamber. (Pictured here with NC Chamber President, Gary Salamido) All of the economists agreed that our region may experience slower economic growth but that we will avoid a recession in 2024.



Dr. Walden reminded the attendees that we need to spread out the growth we are experiencing in the Metro Urban areas to the rural areas but he is enouraged by the growth of the clean tech companies like Vinfast, Toyota, and others from the Triangle to the Triad.

Chris Chung from EDPNC reminded us that North Carolina is winning many market leading companies due to our strong workforce, universities, and quality of life, not to mention a very impressive community college system. Much of our success is now in Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Tech companies, and battery manufacturers as our state has leverage the Chips and ARP money very well.


We look forward to a productive 2024!

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY VISITS

EVERY SATURDAY IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!


West Orange Farms: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/328192233499983


Yeet Street Golf: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/998321048133682


Honest: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/292060363818632


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/328192233499983https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/306550652292803


Raj Jewels: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/725150619517403


Civic Data AI: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/365346692635247


Raleigh Founded: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/369167672162762


Postal Express in Cary!

RESTAURANT WEEK VISITS

Mi Cancun visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/308409228553704


Swagat Visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1698121553985443


Empanadas and More Visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/844106173980842


Woodys Tavern: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/largest-hindu-temple-asia-opens-new-jersey-built-12500-volunteers-rcna119085


Honest: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159259007951360/661624552701148


Pizza Twist: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1492344328270897


MEDIA ALERTS

WRAL news on Pfizer shutdown.

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/pfizer-shutting-down-facilities-in-durham-morrisville/


WRAL TECH WIRE BLOG TOE TO TOE WITH JOHN CHAMBERS https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/john-chambers-ai-innovation-going-one-on-one-with-a-tech-legend/


Sept 29th PBS Black Issues Forum:

https://video.pbsnc.org/show/black-issues-forum/


WRAL Tech Wire Blog: Canada is Eating America's Lunch When it Comes to High Tech Immigration:

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/09/14/canada-is-eating-americas-lunch-when-it-comes-to-high-tech-worker-immigration/


WRAL Tech Wire Blog: What is the ROI for Refugees Coming to NC, that is a Billion Dollar Question.

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/08/17/whats-the-roi-for-refugees-coming-to-nc-thats-a-billion-dollar-question/


Check out recent Triangle Business Journal Article, the Color of Wealth on Asian Community.

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2023/08/11/asian-culture-wealth-household-income-raleigh-cary.html

THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE JAN9 - JAN13

Meetings

Jan. 9 – 6:00 p.m. Town Council Meeting

Jan. 10 – 6:00 p.m. Performance Measures Advisory Committee

Jan. 11 – 6:00 p.m. Senior Advisory Committee

Family Tree Yoga Registration

Parents and guardians are invited to bring children ages 5 through 9 to the MAFC for Family Tree Yoga. Registration opens for residents on Dec. 16 and non-residents on Dec. 18. The class will meet on Saturdays from 2:00-2:50 p.m. starting Jan. 6 and ending Feb. 10. This is the perfect yoga class for busy families to connect with each other.

The cost is $37 for residents and $48 for non-residents.

Click here to register.


Tree Recycling

Recycle your Christmas tree to mulch trails at Wake County parks. Drop off your undecorated holiday trees at designated locations through Jan. 28. (All facilities will be closed for New Year’s Day on Jan. 1.)



Locally - drop your tree off at Lake Crabtree, 1400 Aviation Parkway in Morrisville, 8 a.m. - sunset, seven days a week. Check out additional locations and hours here.

MAFC Elevator Closure

The elevator at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is currently closed for repairs. These repairs are expected to take up to six weeks. A recumbent bike and stepper will be moved downstairs to the racquetball hallway for first level access in the meantime.

Little League Registration Opens Jan. 8

Little league baseball is open to boys ages 9-13, and softball is open to girls ages 9-12. The season will begin on March 2 and conclude on June 1.

For more information and to register your child for a league, please click here.

DJ Spin and Swim Registration Open

The MAFC will be hosting a DJ Spin & Swim event on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The pool party for teens (ages 12-17) will have food, music and other fun surprises. The cost is $10 (residents) and $13 (non-residents).

For more information and to register your teen, click here.

Stirrup Iron Creek Greenway Feasibility Study Public Engagement

The Town of Morrisville was recently awarded a grant through the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) to evaluate the preferred alignment and feasibility of the Stirrup Iron Creek Greenway.



Learn more about the study and take the survey here.

Metropolitan Transportation Looking for Feedback on 'Destination 2055'

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHCMPO) are beginning their process to develop the region’s next long-range metropolitan transportation plan, “Destination 2055.” A survey is currently open to gather public feedback on the goals and objectives that will guide the creation of the plan. The survey will be open until January 10.



For more information on the plan please visit the "Destination 2055" website at https://destination2055nc.com/


To participate in the survey in English click here: https://publicinput.com/destination2055goals

Now Hiring

The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.

Join Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources

The Town of Morrisville is expanding our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department and is currently hiring six full-time positions. For more information and to apply, click here.

Western Wake Farmers Market

The Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.

AROUND THE REGION

Hanging out with Sonia in my hometown of Charleston, WV at Taylor Books in downtown!



Enjoyed Small business visit at Town Hall with Tiff Bargeman, Founder of Frienpreneruship!



Kicking off New Year with Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin at Raleigh Chamber Launch



Catching Up with ATT President, Trey Rabon at NC Bankers Economic Forecast.



OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS

GOVERNOR COOPER DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY


Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order today declaring a State of Emergency ahead of severe weather expected across the state. The Order waives truck weight, size and hours of service restrictions so that vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine or fuel or transporting livestock and crops can get their jobs done quickly.


The Governor and NC Emergency Management officials are urging North Carolinians to be safe and cautious during heavy rainfall and winds, and to expect flooding and power outages as a strong weather system will impact the state Monday evening and Tuesday. Damaging winds and saturated soils might also lead to blown down trees and power lines, causing possible scattered to widespread power outages.


"This storm system has the potential to bring high winds and other dangerous storm conditions to North Carolina, and people should be aware and take precautions,” Governor Cooper said. "Be sure your emergency kits are up to date and pay attention to the weather in your area, especially any weather alerts such as flash flood warnings.


Rainfall will begin tonight in the state’s southern mountains and will spread northeastward, increasing in intensity Tuesday morning. Isolated to scattered flash floods will be possible across the entire state Tuesday, with the potential for numerous flash floods across the southern mountains. With heavy rainfall of up to 6 inches expected in some areas across the southern mountains, landslides are possible. A period of sleet and freezing rain is expected overnight in some mountain areas before transitioning to rain around daybreak Tuesday morning.


Widespread heavy rainfall will increase the potential for riverine flooding and likely continue through the end of the week across eastern North Carolina. Coastal Flood Watches, Warnings, and Advisories have been issued for portions of the coast from midday Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon.


The severe weather threat has increased with numerous severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and tornadoes possible Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night, especially in the eastern half of the state. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for much of the state Monday night through Tuesday night where wind gusts of 40-55 mph will be possible. A High Wind Watch or Warning is in effect from Monday night through Tuesday night for areas along the Tennessee border, higher elevations across the mountains, and coastal areas where there could be wind gusts up to 75 mph.

Residents are advised to stay aware and keep a watch on the forecast.



COUNCIL OF STATE FILINGS END! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!


Scores of candidates filed for nearly a dozen high-profile elected positions in North Carolina where the incumbents aren't running in 2024 because of redistricting, retirements or term limits.


The two-week candidate filing period for next year's elections ended at noon Friday at the State Board of Elections and at all 100 county boards. Primaries will be held March 5 to whittle down the field where multiple candidates are running for their

party's nominations.


Six of the 10 statewide elected officials making up the Council of State — with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper heading the list — and five of the 14 members of the U.S. House delegation aren't running again or are seeking new positions.


The state constitution prevents Cooper from running for a third consecutive term. Nearly a dozen people across four parties filed candidacy papers to succeed him, according to a state elections board list. They include Democrats Attorney General Josh Stein and former Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan and Republicans Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham.


Missing from the elections board list was former state GOP Sen. Andy Wells, who had announced his candidacy for governor months ago. He didn't immediately respond to a text message seeking comment.


State Auditor Beth Wood and Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson also aren't seeking reelection. Wood prepared to resign on Friday from the auditor's position that she has held in 2009. Cooper's choice to finish out her term, Jessica Holmes, is an auditor candidate next year.


For lieutenant governor, 15 people signed up to succeed Robinson, including four current or former state legislators. Filing for the post minutes before the noon deadline was Mark H. Robinson, a Sampson County Democrat who has been running for several months.


Mark H. Robinson, a former Navy officer, said Friday that his campaign isn't designed to cause voter confusion with the other Mark Robinson, saying he has believed for decades that he would run for statewide office.


While the two names won't appear on the same primary ballot, they could if both advance to the general election, albeit for different positions.


"I'm not trying to confuse anyone," Mark H. Robinson, 62, told reporters. "I think this is what my calling is, and that is to help as many people in the state of North Carolina before I die."


A leading candidate must get more than 30% of the primary vote to win the nomination outright. Otherwise runoffs are possible later in the spring.


Three of the five members of Congress who aren't running are Democratic Reps. Jeff Jackson, Kathy Manning and Wiley Nickel. Each of them said it was futile to seek reelection given that the redrawing of the congressional map by the Republican-controlled General Assembly this fall makes their districts lean strongly Republican. Jackson is now running for attorney general.


Fourteen Republicans alone are seeking the GOP nomination in Nickel's now-reconfigured 13th District, which includes part of Raleigh but stretches north to rural counties on the Virginia border and points south.


The Republicans not running a Bishop, who is also running for state attorney general, and Rep. Patrick McHenry.


Six Republicans are running for the 6th District seat currently held by Manning. The GOP field includes former Rep. Mark Walker, 2022 congressional candidate Bo Hines and Addison McDowell, a recent entry who received former President Donald Trump's endorsement.


Six GOP candidates also are seeking the nomination in the south-central 8th District that Bishop is leaving and five are running for the nomination in McHenry's reconfigured 10th District, which now ranges from Winston-Salem to counties north and west of Charlotte.


State House Speaker Tim Moore is one of three Republicans seeking the GOP nomination in the 14th District that will stretch from Charlotte west to foothills counties. Jackson is the current 14th District representative.


Republicans appeared all but assured to win the 6th District and 3rd District seats because Democrats failed to field candidates in either race. GOP Rep. Greg Murphy, the 3rd District incumbent, currently only faces a Libertarian challenger.


One state Supreme Court and three Court of Appeals seats, and all 170 General Assembly seats also will be on ballots. Republicans currently hold narrow veto-proof majorities in both the House and Senate.


Several legislators had already announced that they wouldn't seek reelection. Late additions to that list on Friday were Senate Majority Whip Jim Perry of Lenoir County and first-term Democratic Sen. Mary Wills Bode of Granville County.


JESSICA HOLMES SWORN IN AS NORTH CAROLINA STATE AUDITOR


Former Wake County Commission Chair Jessica Holmes was sworn in on Saturday as State Auditor. I was honored to attend the Swearing in along with Mayor Cawley, Mayor Pro Tem Garimella, Council Members Liz Johnson, Vicki Scroggins Johnson and many other elected officials across the state.


Holmes was Gov. Roy Cooper’s pick to replace State Auditor Beth Wood, who resigned Friday after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges of using a state-owned vehicle for personal errands.


Holmes said her priorities would be "being honest and leading with integrity. ... The key is to restore the public trust."


Holmes is the first Black woman to serve on the North Carolina Council of State, a collection of 10 statewide officials. She will also be the Democratic Party’s nominee to keep the job for a full four-year term.


"I will be on the November ballot," she said. "I am absolutely committed to doing my best job over the next year, and to continue that beyond."


I am very proud of Jessica and know that she will bring integrity, and a very strong work ethic to this position.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/authentic-and-transparent-new-state-auditor-sworn-in-after-beth-wood-s-guilty-plea-resignation/21197772/


WAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS CHANGES


The board approved changes to the policy that now aligns with the Parents' Bill of Rights.


The new law that was passed late summer requires schools to notify parents if their child wants to change how their name is addressed or use pronouns.


The district had until Jan. 1 to align with the new state law.


The law also bans teaching sexuality and gender identity for kindergarten through fourth grade.


Wake school leaders have maintained that those topics were not currently taught at that grade level under the current curriculum.


The provisions of Wake's policy include guides for academic achievements for children. Parents will have access to review instructional material, including textbooks and library books.


School staffers will promptly notify parents whether they suspect any criminal offense has been committed against their children.



In the past few months, the board also approved additional policies that kept the district in line with the Parents' Bill of Rights.


Read More at https://abc11.com/wake-county-school-board-meeting-parents-bill-of-rights-budget/14203700/#:~:text=The%20board%20approved%20changes%20to,with%20the%20new%20

LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

1. Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, said conflict in the Middle East “could easily metastasise” as he began a five-day trip to the region. He will visit Israel, where he is expected to tell officials to increase efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. King Abdullah of Jordan urged Mr Blinken to advocate for an immediate ceasefire. Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, vowed to keep fighting until Hamas is eliminated. This week Israel’s cabinet is expected to approve a wartime budget for the year ahead.


2. China said it had detained a foreign consultant spying for Britain’s intelligence service, MI6. It said the alleged spy is from a “third country”. China has subjected the consultancy sector to a counter-espionage crackdown over the past year and introduced a new anti-spying law that increased the number of activities that could be deemed spying.


3. A day before America’s House and Senate return from their break, congressional leaders said they had reached a $1.7trn deal to finance the federal government in 2024. Two deadlines loom: around one-fifth of funding will run out on January 19th, with the rest expiring on February 2nd. Before then recalcitrant House Republicans will need to be won over—no small feat.


4. The lost section of a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane was recovered by American aviation officials after falling off during an Alaska Airlines flight on Friday. The discovery will aid America’s National Transportation Safety Board, which has grounded planes of the same model while it investigates the accident. Several defects have been found in Boeing planes in recent years.


5. Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s prime minister for the past 15 years, won a fifth term. The country’s electoral commission claimed 40% of around 120m eligible voters cast ballots; analysts suggested turnout was much lower. Thousands of members of the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, were arrested in the run up to the election, which drew international condemnation. The BNP boycotted the poll.


6. Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s epic about the first atomic bomb, won the most awards at the Golden Globes, sweeping five prizes including those for best drama, best director and best actor “Barbie”, its rival for summer cinema-goers’ attention, won for best cinematic and box-office achievement and best song. “Succession” collected the most television awards, with four wins including best drama.


7. The first Vulcan Centaur rocket took off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Monday. The rocket carries the Peregrine lunar lander, which is expected to land on the Moon in February. The Peregrine is the first of several missions planned by NASA, America’s space agency, which eventually hopes to send astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan 10th Morrisville Chamber Life Sciences Event- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM at Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand™ Raleigh (1101 Shiloh Glenn Drive, Suite 200 A Morrisville, NC 27560) 

Register at https://morrisvillechamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/2535

Feb 2nd NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech 8:30 am to 3 pm. https://www.nctech.org/events/event/2024/outlook-for-tech.html

Feb 4th Peoples Medical Care Gala at Sheraton Imperial RTP. 6 pm to 9 pm. https://peoplesmedicalcare.square.site/

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

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