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JULY 4th AND PARKS AND REC MONTH EDITION: |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
July 3, 2024
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
ENOY OUR PARKS THIS SUMMER! | |
Get out and enjoy your summer at one of Morrisville’s beautiful parks. Next month is National Parks and Rec Months. Learn more about our parks and greenways at morrisvillenc.gov/parks and follow everything Morrisville parks-related on Facebook at Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources. Also, if you want to run with me, shoot me an email at sr@steverao.com! I love to run the Greenways almost every day!
Church Street Park
Shiloh Greenway
Northwest Park
Indian Creek Park
Morrisville Community Park
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WPTF RADIO
Wake County Round Up on WPTF Radio moves to primetime slot at 3 pm on Fridays! Starts tomorrow! This week we had Apex Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gray and Garner Mayor Buddy Gupton! You can get all the episodes on Podcast at www.wptf.com on the Afternoon News Section.
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MORRISVILLE CARPENTER TRAFFIC SIGNAL ALERT (OLD SAVANNAH AND ORIANA DRIVE) | |
On Tuesday, July 9, at approximately 9 a.m., the traffic signals will begin to flash yellow on Morrisville Carpenter Road, which means proceed with caution, slow down and be alert. The signals will flash red on the crossroads – Old Savannah Drive and Orianna Drive – meaning drivers need to make a complete stop at the intersection before proceeding. This flashing will occur for seven consecutive days.
• On Tuesday, July 16, at approximately 9 a.m., the traffic signals will switch to normal operation (red, yellow, green) on Morrisville Carpenter Road and the crossroads – Old Savannah Drive and Orianna Drive. The pedestrian signals and associated trigger buttons will be activated at this time as well. The stop signs on the crossroads and the temporary flashing beacons there now on Morrisville Carpenter Road will be removed on the same day.
• For any questions or concerns, please contact Kitty Thomas at kthomas@morrisvillenc.gov or (919)463-6917
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Congrats India! Wins World Cup!
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Wimbledon has started! Novak is playing! Will Alcaraz follow up his French Open with a Wimbledon Title?
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Sai Kiran Kolavennu and Srinivas Kasthoori appointed to IT Strategy Board!
Congratulations to Saikiran Kolavennu and Srinivas Kasthoori, who were appointed to the Technology Strategy Board of NC. SaiKiran is an Advisor to NC Association of Indian Americans, serves on our Smart City Advisory Committee and served as a Senior Director at Cisco for many years.
Established in 2019 by the NC General Assembly, the Information Technology Strategy Board plays a critical role in defining and planning North Carolina's enterprise IT Technology projects. The Board advises on the prioritization of those projcts wher funding adjustments may be needed and uses best practices to guide the Statewide IT Strategic Plan.
Congrats to both of these strategic thinkers who will represent our State Very well.
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The Advance Community Health Mobile Health Unit will be in our area to discuss affordable health care services available to the public. They will be providing AIC testing, glucose testing, blood pressure checks, BMI screening, and more. This is free to attend.
👉 Wednesday, July 3
West Regional Library (4000 Louis Stephens Drive) 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Morrisville Community Library (280 Town Hall Drive): 5-7 p.m.
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The Town of Morrisville administrative offices, Cedar Fork Community Center, Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC), and Morrisville Senior Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. The MAFC will be closing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.
Police, fire, and rescue services will remain available. For life-threatening or in-progress emergencies, call 911.
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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE JULY 4th EVENTS | |
The Town of Morrisville is excited to kick off July with three awesome events! Here's what's coming up this week: | |
😎 Wednesday, July 3: Red, White & BOOM! | 5 p.m.
📍 Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, food trucks, live music, carnival games and more. For parking, shuttle information, event details and more, visit morrisvillenc.gov/july3
If you are planning to attend, here’s what you need to know before you go:
🚗 Event Parking: There will be no general event parking on site. Event attendees are directed to park from designated off-site parking locations at 808 and 909 Aviation Pkwy. Shuttles will be running continuously from both locations for the event. The only on-site parking will be accessibility parking.
🌳 The Crabtree Creek Greenway will remain open during the event, except during the fireworks display.
🚧 Aviation Parkway will close from 9:15-10:15 p.m.
🎆 Fireworks will begin at dark! Bring a chair or blanket to sit on during the show.
🎵 Live music will be provided by Adam Lee Decker and Sayer McShane.
🎪 Tickets can be purchased for carnival games and inflatables. Tickets will be $1 per ticket or $20 for 25 tickets. Ticket sales will end at 7:30 p.m. and there will be no refunds.
🍽️ We will have 12 local food trucks on-site, along with water stations. Please bring a water bottle with you to the event, if you would like to use the water stations.
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🎵 Friday, July 5: Music in the Park presents Mysti Mayhem | 6:30 p.m.
📍 Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive
Enjoy a live performance by Mysti Mayhem and food trucks Flavor Junction and Oats Unbaked. Parking will be available onsite. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4cDx5et
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🏏 Friday, July 5: Major League Cricket kicks off at Church Street Park when the Seattle Orcas take on MI New York at 3:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com | |
VACATION WATCH: DYK? The Morrisville Police Department can provide a drive by vacation check to your property this summer while you are out of town. Get all the info and register today at https://bit.ly/4erbTJO
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MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET COMING BACK TO MORRISVILLE JULY 5- JULY 17 | |
The Town of Morrisville welcomes Major League Cricket teams, staff, and fans to Church Street Park, July 5-17!
Church Street Park will be closed to all non-cricket activities June 24 - July 22 for setup, matches, and event breakdown. The Shiloh Greenway will be open, but access to park amenities will be cut off.
For more information about the upcoming cricket matches and to purchase tickets, visit tickets.majorleaguecricket.com
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JULY IS PARK AND REC MONTH | |
My Insights on Parks and Rec Month: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/7901048686643003
July is National Park and Recreation Month! This year’s theme – Where You Belong! – celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.
The Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department oversees parks, greenways, athletics, special events, pop-up dog parks, the Dragonfly disc golf course, the Cedar Fork Community Center, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, the Morrisville Senior Center, professional cricket, and facility and shelter rentals.
Learn more at morrisvillenc.gov/parks
#WhereYouBelong #ParksandRecMonth2024.
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MY INDEPENDENCE DAY REFLECTIONS | |
WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
At a NCLM Race and Equity Task Force Meeting a few years ago, Durham Mayor Pro Tem, Mark Anthony Middleton made a profound statement that really resonated with us. “The words of our Declaration were a challenge, not a promise”.
What did he mean? Let me try to explain.
America’s founders saw religious intolerance and lack of social mobility as unjust. They embraced the American enlightenment’s revolutionary idea that all people are created equal at birth. This may not seem like a big deal to us now but at the time, this was a mind-blowing idea and ran counter to every traditional government and religious structure. It is the central principle on which our country is based, and one for which thousands of our bravest citizens were willing to die.
As Mark Anthony reminded us, our Union has been far from perfect, and we must face and acknowledge its racist past, and make an effort to fight today for equality and justice for all Americans. It should also be a day when that the all citizens, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation come together to make a more perfect union, a challenge given to us in the very first words of our constitution.
In the midst of extreme political division, gun violence, racial tensions, racial bias, economic uncertainty, it is imperative that we strive to make our union more perfect. Each generation can do our part and if we make the effort, our nation, will as in the words of President Lincoln, have a new birth of freedom, and a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall never parish from the earth.
July 4th should symbolize and renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy.
As we celebrate this July 4th, let the images we see in Ukraine remind each of us that freedom is an ideal that is not only worth fighting for but in many cases dying for.
We pray for Democracy and Freedom for the people of Ukraine.
We pray that each of us can live up their challenge of equality and freedom for all.
Finally, we are grateful for bravest heroes of our nation, our soldiers, who every day, through their sacrifices, prove that the United States of America truly is the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
God Bless the United States of America.
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Today, we gather to celebrate a significant day in our nation’s history—July 4th, Independence Day. It’s a day when we come together to honor the birth of our country, to reflect on the journey we’ve traveled, and to look forward to the future we are building together.
On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, marking the beginning of a new era. Our forefathers had a vision of a nation built on the principles of freedom, equality, and democracy. They believed in the inherent rights of every individual—the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
As we celebrate today, let’s take a moment to remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us. The courage and determination of the men and women who fought for our independence laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. Their legacy is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the American people.
Today, we face our own challenges. But just as our forefathers rose to meet the obstacles of their time, so too can we rise to meet ours. Independence Day is not just about looking back; it’s also about looking forward. It’s about renewing our commitment to the values that define us as a nation—freedom, justice, and equality for all.
As we gather with family and friends, enjoying barbecues, fireworks, and parades, let’s also take a moment to reflect on what it means to be an American. It means standing up for what is right, supporting one another, and working together to build a better future. It means embracing our diversity and finding strength in our unity.
We should challenge oursleves to celebrate our independence with gratitude for the freedoms we cherish and with a renewed dedication to the ongoing work of building a more perfect union. May this day inspire us all to contribute to our communities, to uphold the values that make our nation great, and to strive for a brighter future.
Happy Independence Day, everyone. God bless you, and God bless America.
Morrisville Residents Byron and Katrina Adams Recognized at Juneteenth events
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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
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Welcoming POTUS TO RDU
Last Thursday, I had the honor of welcoming President Biden with Durham Mayor Leo Williams and other leaders at 2 am to RDU Airport, as he arrived after the debate. It was such a special moment to meet POTUS on the Tarmac and share some memories of my life in Delaware, where I attended St. Andrews, won a state high school champtionship and competed against the Biden's School, Archmere. President and his sons attended and his grandaugter attended St. Andrews.
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Meeting with Secretary Buttigeg at S Line Groundbreaking
Remarks by the Governor and Secretary: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/387852227109400
Yesterday, I was honored to attend the groundbreaking of the groundbreaking of the S-Line Project, the major infrastructure project that will revitalize the Southeast Corridor of passenger rail, and a visit to the Blue Ridge Road construction site, a project that will improve traffic flow, access, and efficiency along the Raleigh Beltline. It was wonderful to spend some time with the Secetary and meet such a wonderful, and dynamic leader for our nation.
This visit kicked off of Secretary Buttigieg’s national summer construction tour during which he will visit active construction sites and groundbreakings for critical infrastructure projects across the country that are made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.
The Governor and Secretary Buttigieg were joined by North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins and other officials as they highlighted infrastructure projects and federal investments in the state.
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Morrisville Parks Tour A Blast!
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8uisvIOZ9Z/On
Kudos to Parks and Rec Director, Mary Faucette, who led an inspring, guided tour of Morrisville Community Park, Northwest Park and Cedar Fork Community Center for Council Members and Advisory Committee Members. Congrats to Mayor TJ and Parks and Rec Chair for winning the Pickleball Challenge (beat Bob Bulter and me in a close match) and of course, we all enjoyed playing Square at the Cedar Fork Community Center. At Nortwest Park, we played trivia, I need to get better at Morrisville trivia!
Thanks to Mary and the team for hosting this your and please during this National Parks and Rec Month, get out and enjoy Living Connected and Living Well on our beautiful Greenways and at our Parks.
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Wake County Pollinator Festival
Insights from Wake County Pollinator Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1559730411559001
On Saturday, I attended the Wake County Pollinator Festival and enjoyed meeting the vendors and partners at the event. It was great to spend time with Robert King from West Orange Farms and his colleagues from. I thank Wake County for hosting this event and remind everyone, that we need to make sure we are taking extra precautions to protect our Pollinators, that help us grow our crops and vegetables and provide for a sustainable food ecosystem. I look forward to our Town Sustainability programs leading with more Pollinator Education Programs.
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Big Brothers Sisters Youth Entrepreneurship Summit!
My Remarks: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/3908653459364253
Insights from Alisa Naik:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/25880544768256291
On Saturday, I was honored to be a special guest with Mayor Jacques Gilbert and School Board Tyler Swanson at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Triangle Youth Entrepreneurship Summit. A special thanks to Alisha Naik, who organized this wonderful event, and of course, all of the young high school students, who showcased their businesses. As I said during my remarks, our youth entrepreneurs will be creating the jobs of the new economy and the small businesses of the future.
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MORRISVILLE COMMUNITY PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS! | |
The Morrisville Community Park (MCP) playground (1520 Morrisville Parkway) is getting a makeover! Get ready for a whole new playground experience with brand-new equipment and a revamped surface.
Construction of the new MCP playground began on May 31. The project is slated for completion in early July. For safety considerations, the playground will be closed during this period.
Stay connected via social media for updates on park progress, including the anticipated reopening date.
In the meantime, explore alternative playground options in town:
Church Street Park | 5800 Cricket Pitch Way
Indian Creek | 101 Town Hall Drive
Northwest Park | 998 Parkside Valley Drive
Shiloh Park | 922 Church Street
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THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE July1-July7 | |
HOLIDAY HOURS
July 3 - Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC) - Closes at 5 p.m.
July 4 - All Town offices, Cedar Fork Community Center, MAFC, and Morrisville Senior Center - Closed
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Morrisville's July 3 Celebration with Fireworks Moving to Cedar Fork District Park
You don't have to wait until July 4 to celebrate Independence Day in Morrisville. The Town's annual celebration has a new name and location. The event - now called "Red, White & BOOM!" - will take place on Wednesday, July 3, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Cedar Fork District Park (228 Aviation Parkway). Members of the entire family can enjoy live music, food trucks, carnival-style games, and more. Tickets can be purchased for carnival games and inflatables via cash or card. A fireworks show will conclude the evening.
Water stations will be available, attendees should bring their own refillable water bottle.
Due to the fireworks display, Aviation Parkway will shut down from 9:15 to 10:15 p.m.
For more information click here.
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Major League Cricket in Morrisville July 5-17
The Town of Morrisville will host Cognizant Major League Cricket matches July 5-17 at Church Street Park (5817 Cricket Pitch Way). Morrisville is one of only two hosts for the Major League Cricket matches in the United States in July 2024.
Matches will include Seattle Orcas, MI New York, Washington Freedom, Texas Super Kings, San Francisco Unicorns and the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Championship games will be played in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Church Street Park will be closed to all non-cricket activities until July 22 for setup, matches and event breakdown. The Shiloh Greenway will be open, but access to park amenities will be cut off.
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Parking
No parking will be allowed at Church Street Park until July 22. Information about locations for game day parking will be released to the public soon.
For more information on purchasing tickets and the complete game schedule, visit Major League Cricket's website.
Morrisville Police Department Giving Away Free Gun Locks
The Morrisville Police Department (MPD) is giving away free gun locks, while supplies last. Visit one of three locations to get yours: the Morrisville Police Department (260 Town Hall Drive), the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (1301 Morrisville Parkway), or Town Hall (100 Town Hall Drive). Take the time today to make sure your firearms are locked up and safely stored away.
For more information follow the MPD facebook page.
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Vacation Watch Now Open
Summer vacations are more fun without worries! Morrisville residents, don't forget to take extra steps for a stress-free trip and fill out our free vacation watch form. During their regular patrol shift, a Morrisville police officer will drive by your residence as time allows to help enhance security and deter suspicious activity through their visible presence. Just make sure to fill out this form in its entirety, and at least a week prior to your trip.
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Fall Athletic Leagues Open for Registration
Registration is currently open for the following fall leagues:
T-Ball - ages 5-6
Coach Pitch - ages 7-9
Kid Pitch - ages 8-12
Girls Volleyball Minors - ages 7-9
Girls Volleyball Majors - ages 10-12
Girls Volleyball Juniors - ages 13-15
Specific practice and game times will be finalized after teams are formed. Register by clicking here.
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2035 Wake Transit Plan Update Survey
The 2035 Wake Transit Plan Update is currently underway. The goal of this update is to outline transit investments from 2026 through 2035. Transit investment will be funded through the existing dedicated taxes and fees for transit in Wake County.
To share your feedback on future transit projects in Wake County, please complete this survey. For more information on the 2035 Wake Transit Plan Update, please visit the project website.
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Morrisville Community Park Playground Closed for Renovations
Renovations on Morrisville Community Park's playground (1520 Morrisville Parkway) have begun and are expected to be completed by mid August. In the meantime, explore alternative playground options in town:
Church Street Park (5800 Cricket Pitch Way)
Indian Creek (101 Town Hall Drive)
Northwest Park (998 Parkside Valley Drive)
Shiloh Park (922 Church Street)
Follow Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources on social media for updates on the renovation progress and the anticipated reopening date.
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International Festival Vendor Applications Open
Applications are now open for artisans to participate in the Morrisville International Festival on September 21, 2024. The festival, which runs from 2-7 p.m. along Town Hall Drive, celebrates the town's diversity with food, music and vendors. Interested artisan vendors can find an application here.
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Music in the Park July 5
Join the Town of Morrisville for its Music in the Park series on Friday, July 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Healthy Food Hub (280 Town Hall Drive). Enjoy a live performance by Mysti Mayhem, a folk and indie band from Durham, NC. Food trucks for the event will be Flavor Junction and Oats Unbaked. Remember to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating during the concert! Parking is available on-site.
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EV Charger Changes Starting August 1
Starting August 1, the Town of Morrisville will be expanding access to its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to better serve residents. To ensure fair access and to accommodate more drivers, a fee will be implemented for usage beyond three hours.
How it works: After three hours (plus a 15-minute grace period) EV owners will be charged $10 per hour with a $100 maximum. The Town continues to offer no-fee charging at Town-owned stations for up to three hours.
The changes to the Town’s EV charger program will be occurring at the locations listed below:
· Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way
· Fire Station No. 3, 1021 Harris Mill Road
· Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, 1301 Morrisville Parkway
· Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway
· Morrisville Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive
The EV charging station at the Public Safety and Municipal Services building will not be included in this change.
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Western Wake Farmers Market Saturday
The Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.
This week, come pick up a free local melon and/or squash plant and/or beans at the Morrisville Education Garden: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., or until supplies are gone. Information will be given on care and oversight. This is open to all ages, but participants under 13 years old must be accompanied by a registered adult.
WWFM now accepts EBT card withdrawals from SNAP-eligible customers at the Info Tent. They are also currently offering Double Bucks, meaning each withdrawal will be matched 1:1 in value.
CompostNow.org is also now hosting a compost collection site at the market’s information tent. Residents are invited to bring their food scraps and select other items for collection during market hours. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.
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Now Hiring
The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Check out employment opportunities here.
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Breaking Ground on the S Line! Governor with the Shovel! | | |
Catching Up with Secretary Hopkins and Sig at the S line Groundbreaking! | | |
Catching up with Anderson Clayton at Tarmac Waiting for POTUS! | | |
Time with Mayor Leo at Tarmac waiting for POTUS! | | |
OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | |
NC LAW RESTRICTING MASKS IN PUBLIC BECOMES LAW
North Carolina's contentious restrictions on public mask-wearing became law on Thursday after GOP lawmakers successfully overrode a veto by the state's Democratic governor.
The Senate gave its final stamp of approval in a 30-14 override vote along party lines. The state House initiated the process Wednesday when it voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto during a lengthy session that lasted well into the night.
The ban joins a list of more than 20 gubernatorial vetoes the GOP-dominated North Carolina General Assembly has overridden in the past year. Republicans hold narrow supermajorities in both chambers.
The law, most of which goes into effect immediately, contains different language from the bill that lawmakers first introduced this session. The original proposal had removed a 2020 bipartisan regulation put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed masking for health reasons, prompting pushback from the public and some Democratic legislators. The lawmakers restored a medical exemption.
The law allows people to wear medical or surgical-grade masks in public to prevent the spread of illness. Law enforcement and property owners can ask people to temporarily remove those masks to verify their identity.
The measure also increases the severity of punishment for crimes committed while wearing a mask, and raises penalties for protesters who purposefully block traffic. The latter provision is scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1.
An unrelated provision on campaign finance was tacked on to the bill during negotiations. The law allows federally registered committees to donate money to state political parties by tapping pots of money that include unlimited contributions from individuals.
Read More at https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/north-carolinas-restrictions-public-mask-wearing-now-law-111488813
PRESIDENT BIDEN BOUNCES BACK IN RALEIGH
Hours after a disappointing debate performance that had some Democrats openly contemplate his removal from the ticket, President Joe Biden delivered an energetic campaign speech in North Carolina that attempted to quell those fears.
Speaking to a crowd of roughly 2,000 supporters in Raleigh, Biden reiterated his belief that former President Donald Trump is bad for the country on issues like abortion and the economy.
The president highlighted false claims Trump repeatedly made during the debate and acknowledged his own poor performance that led some Democrats to panic minutes into the face off
Democrats struggle to respond to Biden debate performance
“I know I’m not a young man,” Biden said to cheers. “I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth!”
Biden added that he would not be running for a second term if he did not believe "with all my heart and soul I can do this."
"Yes you can," the crowd chanted in response.
Biden sounded raspy and confused at Thursday's 90-minute debate. His campaign said he had a cold, but the performance highlighted concerns about his age and fitness to serve another four years as commander in chief.
But a day later, still with a cough and a slightly hoarse voice, Biden campaigned as if were any other Friday on the campaign trail.
He hammered Trump as an extremist on abortion rights and a threat to the future of American democracy if elected again. Using a teleprompter and feeding off the energy of the crowd, he attacked his opponent in ways that were missing from the debate stage.
Read More at https://www.npr.org/2024/06/28/g-s1-7202/biden-bad-debate-drop-out-raleigh-rally
SECRETARY BUTTIGEG VISITS RALEIGH TO BREAK GROUND ON S LINE
A railroad line, connecting Raleigh to Richmond, has been two decades in the making, but leaders are taking the first step in getting the project off the ground.
There was a groundbreaking ceremony for the new S-Line with Governor Roy Cooper, DOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, and Congressman Wiley Nickel in attendance.
The billion-dollar-plus project is being called a "generational investment' that'll help residents for years to come.
Construction should take two years and it's coming as the state is breaking records for the number of people riding the train.
"(It's) really one of the biggest projects that we're supporting anywhere in the country, even on national terms," said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
"We know that these investments are really critical," said Governor Roy Cooper.
There will be stops in Wake Forest, Youngsville, and Henderson. All these communities are experiencing a steady rise in population.
Buttigeg also visited Durham and Winston Salem as he launched his Construction Tour in NC!
Read More at https://abc11.com/post/transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-visits-raleigh-celebrate-new/15015325/
US SUPREME COURT PUTS $100 MILLION OF OPIOID MONEY IN LIMBO
A U.S. Supreme Court decision stripping protections from the billionaire owners of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma means it may be years before North Carolina sees payouts from the company over its role in the nationwide opioid crisis.
Thursday’s ruling, though, will not affect the vast majority of the approximately $1.5 billion North Carolina will collect in the coming years through settlements with more than a dozen other companies implicated in the epidemic.
Lawsuits in multiple states have been pending for years against Purdue and members of the Sackler family, which controlled the company as it deceptively marketed its profitable opioid as less addictive than other painkillers.
Under a settlement and bankruptcy plan announced in 2021, the company and the Sacklers agreed to pay billions to state and local governments nationwide, a figure that included an estimated $100 million for North Carolina.
But the high court blocked that plan Thursday, ruling the agreement was faulty because it could not legally protect Sackler family members from future lawsuits — a provision of the settlement challenged by the trustee overseeing Purdue’s bankruptcy on behalf of the U.S. government.
Read More at https://ca.news.yahoo.com/back-negotiating-table-us-supreme
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
1. Joe Biden acknowledged his poor performance in America’s first presidential debate. He told supporters at a rally in North Carolina that he no longer debates like he “used to”, but insisted he had the experience and moral bearings to take on Donald Trump. Democrats appear divided on whether the president should give way to an alternative candidate. Some conceded that the party had “some decisions to make”, as one congressman put it, while prominent lawmakers such as Nancy Pelosi doubled down on their support. Mr Biden’s aides said he would still debate Mr Trump in a second planned debate in September.
2. President Joe Biden denounced the Supreme Court’s decision to grant his predecessor Donald Trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution. In a 6-3 ruling split along ideological lines, the court found that presidents are entitled to “at least presumptive immunity” for “official” acts but not for “unofficial” ones. The justices were deciding on a claim filed by Mr Trump, who was indicted for conspiring to overturn the presidential election in 2020. In a speech delivered from the White House, Mr Biden said the verdict set a “dangerous precedent” and undermined the “rule of law”.
3. The far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, won the first round of France’s parliamentary election, with 33% of the vote. The left-wing New Popular Front obtained 28%. The centrist bloc headed by Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, lagged behind with 21%. Turnout was the highest of any first-round parliamentary election since 1997. Ms Le Pen will hope to capitalise on her party’s strong showing when the final round of voting is held on July 7th. France’s stock market rallied on the news.
4. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s pro-Russian leader, arrived in Ukraine a day after assuming the EU’s rotating presidency, where he will reportedly meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. It is Mr Orban’s first visit to the country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Hungary has regularly opposed financial aid to Ukraine because of concerns over Ukraine’s treatment of its Hungarian-speaking minority.
5. Israel ordered Palestinians to leave Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, after rockets were reportedly fired into Israel from the city. According to AFP, a news agency, in response Israeli strikes killed several people there. António Guterres, the UN’s secretary general, said that “no place is safe in Gaza”. In April displaced Palestinians returned to Khan Younis after Israel withdrew its soldiers.
6. India’s securities regulator accused Hindenburg Research of indulging in “unfair trade practices” over the investment firm’s short bet against the Adani Group. Last year Hindenburg published a report accusing the giant Indian conglomerate of several financial improprieties, which wiped out over $140bn of the group’s market value. In a “show-cause” order, the regulator said Hindenburg had “sensationalised” facts. Hindenburg called the notice, which may precede legal action, “nonsense”.
7. Singapore introduced legislation to make it easier for lawmakers to crack down on money laundering. The bill will remove the need to directly link illicit gains to criminal conduct. Singapore has been rocked by its biggest money-laundering scandal. A court recently charged ten Chinese nationals of laundering $2.2bn in criminal proceeds.
8. Revolut, a British fintech firm, reported its highest-ever annual profit, of $545m, in 2023. Revenues nearly doubled to $2.2bn from 2022, thanks to an increase in customers. Nikolay Storonsky, the firm’s boss, said he was confident that Revolut would soon get a British banking licence, which would allow it to offer loans in the country.
9. José Raúl Mulino, Panama’s new president, vowed to stop illegal immigration through the Darién Gap. The dense jungle on the country’s border with Colombia has emerged as a popular route for migrants travelling from South America to the United States. In his inauguration speech, Mr Mulio said “Panama will no longer be a transit country for illegals”
10. President Joe Biden faced renewed pressure to withdraw from America’s presidential race as several members of his Democratic Party voiced concerns about his re-election prospects. Lloyd Doggett, from Texas, became the first Democratic lawmaker to publicly urge Mr Biden to step down as the party’s nominee following his performance in last week’s debate. Meanwhile Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, said it was “legitimate” to ask questions about the president’s abilities. Mr Biden is expected to meet Democratic governors on Wednesday to assuage their fears. He also blamed jet lag for his disastrous performance in the debate, telling reporters that he “nearly fell asleep on stage”.
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Figure of the day: 94%, Ukraine’s expected debt-to-GDP ratio by the end of the year.
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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.
For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Patricia Spillane, PSpillane@morrisvillenc.gov, 919-463-6168.
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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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