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LABOR DAY EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

September 4, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

My Weekly Update


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/690346515824739


Town Offices Closed for Labor Day Holiday


The Town of Morrisville administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The Cedar Fork Community Center, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, and the Morrisville Senior Center will all also be closed.


Garbage and recycling services will both be on their regular schedule. Police, fire, and rescue services will remain available. For life-threatening or in-progress emergencies, call 911.

Morrisville residents: 


If you own a Hyundai or Kia, come by the Morrisville Police Department (260 Town Hall Dr. #C) Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or Friday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., to pick up your free steering wheel lock. 


You will need to bring a valid ID to be issued a lock.

SAVE THE DATES:


NC Asian Americans Together, Chinese American Friendship Association and Rep. Ya Liu host a candlelight vigil for Dr. Zijie Yan on Tuesday, September 5th from 7:45 to 9 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center. 

Sept 7th 6 pm for US Congresswoman Deborah Ross for post India trip briefing at BAPS Morrisville.  


RSVP is required: https://bit.ly/rep-ross-india-debrief

Reminding our Youth to Apply for the Hum Sub Youth Achievement Award at https://humsub.org/yaa/ by Sept. 10th



Check out Minor League Cricket Schedule at


https://www.minorleaguecricket.com/schedules


SEPT 22 MORRISVILLE CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS FORUM 


Join us for a small business forum and explore the growth and support opportunities in one of the top 10 best small cities to start a business in the country! 


This mini conference-style event will feature keynote presentations plus a panel discussion on the important aspects of starting a small business in Morrisville and successfully operating that business!


Register Now! https://business.morrisvillechamber.org/.../small...

MEDIA ALERT


  • TUNE IN ON FRIDAY at 3 pm to WPTF 98.5 FM and 680 AM for my Commentary on the Nate Saunders show!   


www.wptf.com 


WPTF - 98.5FM and 680 AM. 


PBS Carolinas Fall Season begins in August, State Lines and Black Issues Forum


https://rss.com/podcasts/wptf-afternoon-news/

WHY WE CELEBRATE LABOR DAY?


My Labor Day Message:  https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/624184749740381


Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated in various countries, including the United States and Canada, to honor and recognize the contributions of workers and the labor movement. In the United States, Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September, while in Canada, it's also celebrated on the first Monday in September but is known as Labour Day.


The holiday originated during the labor movement's push for better working conditions and fair treatment of workers, particularly during the late 19th century. One significant event that played a role in the establishment of Labor Day was the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, which was a demonstration for workers' rights that turned violent.


In the United States, Labor Day has evolved into a day of rest and relaxation for many people. It's often considered the unofficial end of summer and is marked by various events, parades, picnics, and gatherings. Many businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on this day.


It's also worth noting that Labor Day is sometimes associated with the "no white after Labor Day" fashion rule, which used to dictate that white clothing should not be worn after the holiday, symbolizing the transition from summer to fall fashion. However, fashion trends have evolved, and this rule is not strictly followed today.

Overall, Labor Day serves as a reminder of the achievements of the labor movement and the importance of workers' contributions to society.

Gun Tragedy hits UNC Chapel Hill


Last week, tragedy hit our state as there was an awful gun homicide at one of our flagship universities, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  


As a Tar Heel parent, I was so upset for my daughter, her friends, my son's friends and the entire Tar Heel family.  The first week of college is supposed to be an eye-opening experience, where our children explore their bright futures and grow into young adults ready to take on the world. Not a place where they are worried about if they can get shot at any any given time.  


In 2023, there were 25,000 gun homicides in our nation.   

Our nation makes up for only 4% of the world population but we own over 40% of the guns at around 331 million. 

 

 We can try to forget this incident, and move on with our lives but all of us must remember that this senseless violence can occur anywhere, at any time, and that none of us are safe.  Next time, the victims of a gun homicide could be us, our children, our grandkids, at their schools or any place.  None of us are safe. 


Clearly, we have a problem in our nation, and I just hope and pray that we can come together as the federal, state and local level to come up with solutions so that we can prevent senselss murder at our universities, schools and public spaces.   


In my next newsletter, we will discuss what types of common sense, gun reforms we could look at to prevent these types of tragedies.  

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION and NEW JOBS OF THE NEW ECONOMY


Last week, IBM CEO, announced that IBM would eliminate 8000 white collar jobs as Generative AI innovation continues to accelerate at a rapid pace.

  

Automation has taken a leap forward with the recent introduction of generative AI tools. “Generative” refers to the fact that these tools can identify patterns across enormous sets of data and generate new content—an ability that has often been considered uniquely human.


Their most striking advance is in natural language capabilities, which are required for a large number of work activities. While ChatGPT is focused on text, other AI systems from major platforms can generate images, video, and audio.

Although generative AI is still in the early stages, the potential applications for businesses are significant and wide-ranging. Generative AI can be used to write code, design products, create marketing content and strategies, streamline operations, analyze legal documents, provide customer service via chatbots, and even accelerate scientific discovery. It can be used on its own or with “humans in the loop”; the latter is more likely at present, given its current level of maturity.


All of this means that automation is about to affect a wider set of work activities involving expertise, interaction with people, and creativity. 


The timeline for automation adoption could be sharply accelerated. 


Without generative AI, studies reveal that automation could take over tasks accounting for 21.5 percent of the hours worked in the US economy by 2030. With it, that share has now jumped to 29.5 percent. 


As we celebrate Labor Day, let us also be mindful that our elected leaders and policymakers must stand up for the rights of our white-collar workers, as there will be significant job loss over the next few years or even sooner.  Investments in job training 


In a recent conversation with my friend John Chambers, former Cisco CEO and Chairman, we can over the next decade, create over 15 million new jobs and many of these new jobs will be created by innovative startups around AI, Cybersecurity, Data/Analytics, Robotics and the Internet of Things. (Smart Cities)  


I look forward to continuing this conversation statewide innovation Listening tour, as I consider a state office in 2024. 


My listening tour kicks off in Apex on Sept. 14th.  (See Upcoming Events) 


Join me in standing up for the workers of our state in the midst of rapid, disruptive innovation in Artificial Intelligence and the digital economy.  


As John Chambers always reminds his startups, "Disrupt or Be Disrupted." 

BRANDON ZUIDEMA APPOINTED AS TOWN MANAGER 


The Morrisville Town Council has named Deputy Town Manager Brandon Zuidema as its next town manager, effective October 1. Zuidema succeeds Town Manager Martha Paige, who is retiring on September 30, after serving 10 years as Morrisville’s town manager. 


“I am honored and humbled to be offered this leadership opportunity in Morrisville,” said Zuidema. “I am fortunate to work with such a great team and to have had so many mentors to help me prepare for this position. I look forward to working with Town Council and our staff to keep Morrisville a great place to live, work, and play.” 


Read the full story at https://bit.ly/3qP3AUe

IT SERVE PRESENTS CHECK TO TOWN OF MORRISVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT 


A special thanks to the IT Serve, a national federation of Tech CEOs, for presenting our Police Department and Wake County Sheriff's Office with $1500.00 checks as part of the National Service initiative.  


Accepting the checks were Lieutenant Tim Hendrickson from the town of Morrisville Police Department and Deputy Wake County Sheriff and former Cary Police Chief Tony Godwin. 

TOWN OF MORRISVILLE AND APEX JOINT MEETING 


A special thanks to Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert and the Apex Council for hosting our first joint meeting between the Town of Morrisville and Apex on August 29th.


We had engaging and productive discussions on how we can collaborate with Apex in transportation, transit, economic development and other areas. 


We also learned from their successful Affordable Housing Journey and look forward to making progress on our own Affordable Housing Plans in Morrisville 


We look forward to more joint meetings in the future and more regional collaboration between Morrisville, Cary and Apex. 

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) CELEBRATES RAKSHA BANDHAN AT FIRE STATION 1


HSS Ceremony at Fire Station 1: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/321573926937102


Since 2004, HSS has used the occasion of a traditional Hindu holiday known as Rakṣā Bandhana (pronounced ruck-SHAH bund-HUN) to meet with civic leaders and public safety officers in an effort to support and protect the community.  

Mayor Cawley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, members of our Fire Department and I were honored to be there to receive our Rakhis which were tied by our youth community leaders.  


Thanks to HSS for this very special occasion.  

Highlights of the Week:

Tragedy strikes at UNC Chapel Hill in gun tragedy, one professor dead.  

Deputy Brandon Zuidema appointed as Town Manager. Congratulations to Brandon and his family.   


Town of Morrisville Police Department and Wake County Sheriff''s Office presented with checks by ITServe.  


Joint meeting between Apex and Morrisville Councils fuel more collaboration between our Towns. 


Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) celebrates Raksha Bandhan at Fire Station 1.  


GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!


Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. 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. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.


Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

BREAKING NEWS: 

Brandon Zuidema appointed new Morrisville Town Manager. (See Section)



Gun Tragedy hits UNC Chapel Hill.  


We pray for our UNC family, state and nation.


https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/29/us/unc-chapel-hill-campus-shooting-tuesday/index.html 

ACC expands into Superconference by adding Stanford, Cal, and SMU.


https://apnews.com/article/acc-conference-realignment-expansion-stanford-cal-smu-95e7d6f990dd35a638f9bef72fe96ee7

India becomes global space power by landing spacecraft on lunar pole! 


https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-counts-down-crucial-moon-landing-2023-08-23/

IN MEMORIAM

Jimmy Buffet dies.  May the "Margaritaville" Legend rest in Peace.


https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jimmy-buffett-legendary-escape-margaritaville-singer-dies-songwriter-rcna103104

Former New Mexico Governor and UN Ambassador Bill Richardson passes away.



https://apnews.com/article/bill-richardson-un-ambassador-new-mexico-governor-c1e6ed9705564452824d537293945662

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK VISITS

Mi Cancun:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/563048302582861

EMPANADAS NOW:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1443909203062868

The Shed at Perimeter Park: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/905867964052478

Bond Brothers Beer at Park West Concert:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/737542471497889

PBS CAROLINAS:

STATE LINES AND BLACK ISSUES FORUM: 

STATE LINES: 


A roundtable discussion about political affairs and current events in North Carolina.


https://video.pbsnc.org/show/state-lines/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic

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!


https://www.pbsnc.org/watch/black-issues-forum/


Engaging Discussion on PBS Carolinas Black Issues Forum on Affirmative Action, Election Security and other matters.

Link to the show:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BIOR-ih-Fg

Radio Nyra

Join us on Radio Nyra on Sunday at 4 pm for our interview with HSS on Darsana Exhibit.  99.9HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 


Join us on Radio Nyra Sundays at 4pm for interesting interviews with local thought leaders


99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!


Great Interview on Radio Nyra with Hill Carrow on the 2029 FISU World University Games.  

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596450559170578/?t=18


Radio Nyra Interview with NAACP Raleigh President Gerald Givens

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1498398340651739/?t=35

Radio Nyra Interview


Radio Nyra Asian American Heritage Interview with AAPI Caucus

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/201692958860555/?t=39

ROKU and POD TV

Great US Open Roku TV Interview with Andy Andrews!


https://youtu.be/-Uy7aX-M2AI?t=79

88.1 FM Geet Bazaar


Wonderful interview with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on 88.1 FM Geet Bazaar!  


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/454623026620604

On the Porch
On the Porch with Randy Voller on WCHL 97.9 FM!

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



WPTF

September 20 - Steve Rao on WPTF Talking Direct Flight To India.  

http://steverao.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Steve-Rao-9-20-2022.mp3

WPTF Steve O'Bryan show
Get with the Program

Get with the Program with Gary Jones!


GARY JONES SHOW - GET WITH THE PROGRAM - 2/2023


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1UyROGNX4

Op Ed Alert:

Join Our Mailing List

This Week in Morrisville. Sept 4- Sept 8

Upcoming Meetings

Now Hiring: Join the MAFC Team


The Town of Morrisville is now hiring for both full and part-time positions including:


Check out additional employment opportunities in the Town here.

Registration Opens Sept. 3 for MAFC Family Fall Fitness Classes


Join The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC) for Fall Family Fitness! The center will be hosting classes and events that will provide parents and guardians with the opportunity to introduce fitness to their children in a way that is fun and engaging. Signups will open on Sept. 3. View the schedule of events and signup.


Sept. 4 is the Last Day to Register for White Goods Collection


Residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of household appliances in the fall white goods collection on Sept. 7. The collection will include washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, stoves, ovens, and dehumidifiers. Please note that microwaves are not included in the collection. Microwaves should be dropped off at the South Wake Landfill at 6130 Old Smithfield Road in Apex. Registration is required to participate in the white goods collection. Please register here by 5 p.m. on Sept. 4.


Morrisville 101 Registration Open Until Oct. 12


Registration for Morrisville 101 is now open. Morrisville 101 is an annual community academy for Morrisville residents interested in local government. This is a free program for residents ages 16 and older. The program will begin Oct. 25 and will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. once a week for five weeks. Sessions will take place at Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive. Registration ends on Oct. 12. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit the Morrisville 101 webpage.


Super Smash Brothers and Rocket League Meetups to be Offered Weekly in September


The Town of Morrisville invites youth ages 9 to 18 to join others for weekly meetups to play Super Smash Brothers in non-competitive matches. One-on-one meetups will take place Tuesdays from Sept. 5-19, and two-on-two meetups will take place Mondays from Sept. 4-18. Visit the Town’s Esports webpage to sign up for the Mission Control platform, where you’ll be able to join these meetups and get more information.

 

Rocket League meetups will also be offered.


One-on-one meetups will take place Wednesdays at 4 p.m., from Sept. 6-20. Two-on-two meetups will take place Wednesdays at 6 p.m. from Sept. 6-20. Sign up on the Mission Control platform.


Jives to Play at Last Music in the Park on Sept. 8


Jives will play at the last Music in the Park event on Sept. 8 at the Morrisville Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket for a fun and relaxing evening. The concert is free, but the Ty’s All Natural food truck and Bruster’s Ice Cream will be onsite with food and treats for purchase.


Morrisville Restaurants Encouraged to Sign Up Now for Morrisville Restaurant Week Sept. 28-Oct. 8


The Town of Morrisville is co-hosting Morrisville Restaurant Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 8, and recruitment for the event is currently underway. During this event, participating restaurants will offer fixed menus with special pricing to showcase their cuisine. The Town and its partners will promote this event heavily to uplift and spotlight Morrisville’s small business community. Restaurants can sign up online while spots last. Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this exciting small business event!


Sign Up Now for Pop-Up Dog Parks Sept. 10, 17, and 24


The Town of Morrisville is pleased to announce that our pop-up dog park is back! Did you say "Dog Days of Summer Fun" for your little (or not so much) fur-baby? Bring your doggo out for a run and some fun on our fields at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, for one of our pop-up dog parks on Sept. 10, 17, and 24. The pop-up dog parks will be held on Fields 1 and 2. Find more information about rules, as well as a link to the waiver and registration, on the Town’s website. This summer’s program will be one of the last as we gear up to move to a permanent home on Franklin Upchurch Senior Street.


Minor League Cricket Games Set for Church Street Park Sept. 8-10


Minor League Cricket is returning to Morrisville the weekend of September 8-10 at Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way. These will be the last matches at Church Street Park for the 2023 season, “Bru Morrisville Cricket for the Community Festival” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, to celebrate. In addition to two games that day, fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet with the players and enjoy food from local food trucks, music, promotional item giveaways, and other entertainment. RSVP for this free event. There will be limited parking at Church Street Park and a shuttle available from Cedar Fork Elementary School. 

 

Games that weekend will feature the Atlanta Fire, Baltimore Royals, and Morrisville Raptors. Check Minor League Cricket for the complete game schedule.


Town of Morrisville Website Has a New .Gov URL


The Town website has a brand-new URL! The website has moved from www.townofmorrisville.org to www.morrisvillenc.gov. By adopting a new .gov URL, the Town is creating a safer and more authoritative online presence. Only official government entities can maintain a .gov domain, which is sponsored by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and comes with increased security measures. The previous URL will automatically redirect to the new URL, but visitors are asked to update their bookmarks.


Join the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center for a Family Dance Party on Sept. 10


The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC), 1301 Morrisville Parkway, will host a free dance party for the whole family on Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. The dance party will be filled with fun choreography and music for all ages and ability levels. Each child who attends must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is willing to participate. For more information and to sign-up, please visit www.tinyurl.com/mafcfall23. Sign-ups open on Sunday, Sept. 3.


Team to Assess Conditions Along the Morrisville Parkway Corridor Sept. 12


A project team will be assessing conditions along the Morrisville Parkway corridor from Davis Drive to N.C. 54 in the afternoon on Sept. 12. The team will be walking around the area and taking photos to gather information about the condition of the corridor to support the Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study. This study has been funded through a partnership with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). To make travel safer for vehicles and pedestrians, the corridor will be evaluated for general safety improvements associated with access management. This four-lane median-divided road has seen significant traffic volume growth in recent years and has been identified in the Town’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) as a priority area for additional study.


Join the Morrisville Senior Center for Lunch on National Hoagie Day Sept. 14

The Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive, will host a lunch on National Hoagie Day, Sept. 14, from 1-3 p.m., featuring a variety of hoagies, including vegetarian options. The cost is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Register now for this event.


Morrisville International Festival Set for Sept. 23 on Town Hall Drive

Morrisville is one of the fastest growing and most diverse towns in North Carolina. Join us in celebrating that diversity at the Morrisville International Festival on Sept. 23, from noon-6 p.m., on Town Hall Drive.

This festival brings together the community for a day of food, music, dance, art, and fun. The festival includes food vendors representing culinary traditions from around the world; performers entertaining the crowds with traditional music and dance performances; and “International Alley,” featuring artisan vendors and cultural groups with a global perspective. Check the event webpage for more details.


Shop Local at the 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.-12 p.m. every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.  


Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local.

SEPTEMBER MORRISVILLE SENIOR CENTER EVENTS

National Eat a Hoagie Day


Thursday, Sept. 14 from 1-4 p.m.

Register at https://bit.ly/3Kbf1fb


The Morrisville Senior Center hosts activities all month long including bingo, chair yoga, Zumba, and line dancing. Register for these and more at https://bit.ly/44wHqUL

Morrisville Senior Center, 4117 Davis Drive


919-463-7140

Around the Region

Rush Hour Carting Ribbon Cutting!


 Insights from Adam Saad at Rush Hour: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159194517321360/1089648785364680

NC Veteran Biz Association Recognizes me for my four years of service on the Board. 


 (will include my comments in next newsletter)  

Great to be with Sanford Mayor Rebecca Salmon at the Triangle Business Journal Corridors of Opportunity Event in Sanford!  




TIE Carolinas Live Switch Pitch Event with Brian Hamilton! 




 

 IT Serve Monthly Meeting!  Great to be joined with NC House Majority Whip John Hardister as a special guest. 



 

Enjoyed Serving as a Panelist at the Forward Party Chapter Meeting!  





Celebrating Momentum at the NC Association of County Commissioners Annual Meeting! 


 African American Heritage Festival was a blast!  Great Hip Hop panel with Gary Jones! 


 Insights from Gary Jones at Festival: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/280368591407111




Small Business Listening Tour: 

Send me an email at sr@steverao.com to book a Business Listening visit to your company.

SMALL BUSINESS VISIT OF THE WEEK


NATIONAL Minority Economic Development Institute at NC Tech Leadership Summit


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/255410763968554


NC State Extension Composting:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/959841225036371

Yes Solar Solutions

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1080676136223189

Towards Zero Waste and NC Composting Council:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/537361191935765

Insights from ExtoBio:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/969332764115332


I had a wonderful visit with Jose Pecheco, CEO of ExtoBio, whose company pitched at the TIE Carolinas Launch Event at the American Underground Bull Penn in Durham.  Leading with scientific research and a thorough dedication to data, ExstoBio is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry, formalizing cannabis-as-a-medicine, and personalizing patient care.


Congratulations to all of the Companies who pitched to the Expert Pitch Panel and a special congrats to Pitch Winner, Wolfspider. Wolfspider is an Ag Tech company that brings together genetics and robotics to ensure confidence in crop yield and limiting chemical use. The company would love to connect individuals with experience in the ag tech space. 


Thanks to ExstoBio (UNC), Aurganics (Duke), Vistara (NCSU), WolfSpider (NCSU), BioSensys (NCSU), and Collab (UNC) for participating in the event.  

 

WolfSpider will be going to Silicon Valley for a global pitch tournament with ~40 other companies to compete for $100K+ in cash prizes.


And Thanks to Tim Scales from American Underground for hosting and to all the judges and attendees!   

SBA ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS AND I VISIT SMALL BUSINESSES IN MORRISVILLE!


During Allen Thomas’ visit to Morrisville, he and I were able to drop in and visit some Small Businesses in Grace Park Office Center.  During our visits, he was able to connect with these companies, and provide them guidance on how to navigate through a very complex system to get access to SBA resources.  

Visit with New York Deli:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596452855872694

Visit with Acme Pizza:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/971277980525504

Visit with Empanadas and More:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/607568900925114

Morrisville Compounding Pharmacy


Visit with Morrisville Compounding Pharmacy at Brierpoint: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/240100088382575

North Carolina News

Gun Tragedy in Chapel Hill 


Tailei Qi, an applied physical sciences major from China, made his first court appearance in Orange County Court, where he was charged with first-degree murder and ordered held without bond.


Qi, 34, was shackled in an orange jumpsuit and relied on a Chinese translator. He was also charged with possession of a gun on an educational property, which is expected to be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony.


His public defender made no public statement after the hearing. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for Sept. 18.


The murder charge carries a punishment of a life sentence without parole. Jeff Nieman, the district attorney for Chatham and Orange counties, said after Tuesday's hearing that he would not seek the death penalty.


So far police have not said why Qi is believed to have targeted Zijie Yan, an associate professor in the applied sciences department since 2019.


Aidan Carter Scott, 22, a computer science major, said Yan had been one of the suspect's advisers.


A vigil in honor of Dr. Yan was held on Wednesday. 

Read More at https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unc-chapel-hill-graduate-student-charged-murder-fatal-shooting-faculty-rcna102303


Wake County Schools Consider Cash Incentives for Bus Shortages 


The Wake County School Board hopes more money up front will help bring in new bus drivers. Board members are discussing incentives to try to ease the bus driver shortage that’s affecting thousands of students.


New drivers would be looking at the same amount of money, but this would change when it would be paid.


A shortage of bus drivers means some children get to school well after the bell rings. Others don’t leave school until an hour and a half after classes end. School district leaders hope a change to the incentive program for new bus drivers and a new incentive for returning drivers will help them hire and keep more drivers.


Currently, there’s a $1,200 new driver incentive but drivers have to wait for it, receiving $400 after the first three months and another $800 after the first year of work. The new proposal would give out the entire $1,200 on the first available payroll when someone is employed as a permanent driver.


It would also offer a $1,000 incentive to returning drivers, paid in mid-September.

Christina Spears, President of Wake NCAE, says getting money up front is something many drivers have asked for, but she says increasing the hourly wage may be even more important.


“The thing I’ve heard from bus drivers, even more, is increasing the hourly wage, of course, to be competitive with drivers from private companies and GoRaleigh and things like that,” she said.


Some board members noted that the hourly wage is dependent on the state budget, which hasn’t been passed yet.


School board members seemed supportive of the driver incentive proposal during Tuesday’s work session. There will be a final vote on Sept. 5.


NC Speaker says House Budget will be delayed


A final North Carolina state budget won't be enacted until September, the House's top leader said Monday. That could scuttle efforts by Gov. Roy Cooper's administration for Medicaid expansion to begin in early fall.


House and Senate Republicans are whittling down dozens of outstanding spending and policy issues within a two-year spending plan that was supposed to take effect July 1.

The top leader in the North Carolina House warns that a final state budget won't be enacted until September


House and Senate Republicans are whittling down dozens of outstanding spending and policy issues within a spending plan that was supposed to take effect July 1


GOP legislators are still aiming for a budget agreement in August, but House Speaker Tim Moore said Monday that the actual passage won't happen until September given the outstanding issues and legislators' schedules


Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper could veto the budget bill, leading to override votes


The delays could scuttle efforts by Cooper's administration to begin Medicaid expansion Oct. 1

While some big-ticket items like tax cuts and worker raises have been settled, other details remain unresolved. Add travel and other activities by rank-and-file lawmakers and the narrow GOP veto-proof majorities in the General Assembly, and House Speaker Tim Moore said the periods during which formal business can be conducted in Raleigh are limited.


Sen. Ralph Hise, a Mitchell County Republican and one of the chief budget negotiators, told reporters that votes on a budget agreement could happen in two weeks if differences can be worked out in a reasonable time. Any final budget could be vetoed by the Democratic governor, with override votes to follow.


When asked later Monday to describe the chances that a final budget could be carried out by the end of August, Moore replied: “Zero.”


“Just with some absences I know that the Senate has on their side, and with just some of the logistics that have been talked about at this point ... you’re talking about a September date for actual passage — signing (the bill) into law and all that,” Moore said.


A separate law that Cooper signed in March would expand Medicaid to potentially 600,000 low-income adults, but it can't happen until a state budget law is enacted.


Cooper health Secretary Kody Kinsley unveiled a plan last month by which the expanded coverage would begin Oct. 1 as long as his agency received a formal go-ahead by legislators to accept expansion by Sept. 1. Otherwise, Kinsley said, implementation would be delayed until at least Dec. 1.


Legislative leaders have refused to permit the implementation of expansion without the budget's passage, as Cooper has sought. His administration has said the state misses out on more than $500 million in federal funding for each month that expansion isn’t implemented.  


Read More at https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2023/08/08/north-carolina-state-budget-won-t-become-law-until-september--house-leader-says


The Fight Begins to Replace Tim Moore as Speaker


North Carolina's embattled House Speaker Tim Moore, the longest-serving speaker in state history, has made it clear that this term will be his last as head of the Republican-led chamber.


Moore's exit from the position has long been anticipated by political observers, igniting a race to replace him that has been playing out behind the scenes for months.

Why it matters: North Carolina's House speaker, though not elected by the general public, is one of the most powerful politicians in the state.


The speaker has the authority to determine what bills ultimately become laws, what state agencies and programs are funded — and given the ability to carry out their mission — and who is granted power over the influential state boards and commissions, like the UNC System Board of Governors and the state's utilities commission.

Details: On the shortlist to replace Moore are two of the most powerful people in the chamber:


House Majority Leader John Bell, who has served in the legislature for six terms and is the longest-serving House majority leader in state history.


House Rules Committee Chair Destin Hall, a 30-something who quickly ascended to become a Republican leader and Moore's right-hand man when he was appointed to the position nearly three years ago.


Though Bell has already made clear his plans to run for speaker, Hall confirmed for the first time to Axios Friday that he also plans to campaign for the position.

Read More at https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/07/21/nc-state-house-race-house-speaker-power-tim-moore-destin-hall-john-bell


Concerns mount about Overreaching of Legislature 


Senate Bill 512 takes appointments held now by Gov. Roy Cooper and shifts them to the General Assembly. Nine boards would be affected, and the governor would still have at least some appointments to each board.


Here are the nine boards in the bill and a brief description of what would change:

N.C. Utilities Commission: Add two members for a total of nine, with four appointed by the General Assembly, four by the governor and one by the state treasurer. The governor currently appoints this full board, which regulates Duke Energy and other public utilities.


Economic Investment Committee: Add two members for a total of seven, with three members of the executive branch serving with two General Assembly appointees and two legislators. This committee decides economic incentive grants.


Environmental Management Commission: Currently the governor appoints nine members and the General Assembly six. The bill would give the governor seven appointments, the General Assembly six and the state’s commissioner of agriculture two. This commission sets pollution regulations.


Commission for Public Health: Right now the governor appoints nine members and the N.C. Medical Society, a doctors group, elects four. The bill would leave the governor five appointees, give four to the General Assembly and let the Medical Society elect four.


Board of Transportation: Now the governor appoints 14 members and the General Assembly appoints six. 


The bill flips that, giving the legislature 14 appointments and the governor six. The Secretary of Transportation, appointed by the governor, would continue to serve as a non-voting board member.


Coastal Resources Commission: Right now the governor appoints nine members and the legislature four. The bill would give the General Assembly six appointments, the governor six and the state’s insurance commissioner one.


AG Stein says that this is a powergrab that violates Separation of Powers...  


Fowell Concerned that Rising Health Care Costs May Affect State Workers 


Since becoming North Carolina’s treasurer in 2017, Dale Folwell has energetically asserted that rising health care costs could significantly impact the State Health Plan.


It’s gotten to the point that lawmakers are considering a request from Folwell to force hospitals to cut what they charge the plan — or face shutdowns.


The plan, which Folwell’s office oversees, serves roughly 740,000 state employees, teachers, retirees and their dependents.


Adequate funding for it matters because it helps keep premiums low, co-pays at bay and benefits robust, he told The News & Observer.


If health care costs keep rising without adequate funding, Folwell said his office won’t be able to “hold the dam in terms of freezing family premiums and deductibles or copays,” which he said has been a priority for him.


Nationally, health care costs have increased faster than those in almost any other economic sector, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, which monitors the U.S. health system. From 2000 to 2021, health spending tripled, to $4.3 trillion, according to the tracker.


About half of that growth in spending can be attributed to hospital costs.


Is there a funding shortfall?

The revenue for the State Health Plan mostly comes from premiums paid by employees and contributions paid by employers, including state agencies, school systems, universities and community colleges.


The state, via the budget, funds the employer contributions for active state employees and qualifying retirees.


The State Health Plan had a cash balance at the end of May of $796.6 million. This was well above the target stabilization reserve, set at $359.9 million. This reserve is meant to tackle any unexpected costs and hiccups.


If the plan’s revenue increases by more than 18% from this year to 2027, and health care expenses grow by over 28%, there would be a nearly $1 billion deficit.  

Read More at https://www.aol.com/news/rising-health-care-costs-might-090000079.html

LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

Ten days after it became the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the Moon, India launched its first space mission to study the sun. Over the next four months Aditya-L1, named for the Hindu god of the sun, will travel 1.5m miles—1% of the distance to the sun. It will proceed to study the sun’s surface and the gases that surround it.


Russia said it had foiled a drone attack on the Kerch bridge, which connects its territory to Crimea, the peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The bridge, which has been repeatedly attacked in recent months, was briefly closed. Ukraine does not usually comment on such attacks. On Friday America’s government said that Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the south of the country had begun to make “notable progress”.


Oleksii Reznikov resigned as Ukraine’s defence minister, a day after Volodymyr Zelensky said that Mr Reznikov would be dismissed. The Ukrainian president will ask parliament to confirm Rostem Umerov, head of the state property fund, as his replacement. Rumours have long swirled about Mr Reznikov’s position. His deputy was fired in January amid allegations of corruption at the ministry (which Mr Reznikov has rejected).


Russia launched a drone strike on Izmail, a Ukrainian river port on the Danube. Izmail has become important for the country’s grain exports since Russia withdrew in July from a deal which allowed the export of Ukrainian food crops through the Black Sea. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s president, will meet Vladimir Putin in Russia on Monday to try to convince his Russian counterpart to revive the deal.



Fears that Country Garden, a large Chinese property developer, would default on its debts eased when creditors agreed to extend a deadline for a maturing 3.9bn-yuan ($540m) bond payment. The deal is a rare spot of good news for China’s embattled property sector, although the trouble is far from over: Country Garden’s outstanding repayment obligations this year are worth around $2.9bn.


Three months after elections that saw a surge in support for Move Forward, a pro-democracy outfit, Thailand’s king approved a cabinet that contained none of its members. Move Forward’s attempts to form a government were thwarted by Thailand’s conservative Senate. Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party, who took office as prime minister last month, will also serve as finance minister. His cabinet includes pro-military parties that belonged to the previous government.


American employers added 187,000 jobs in August. The unemployment rate ticked up unexpectedly to 3.8%, as people returned to the labour force. Average hourly wages rose by 4.3% on an annual basis, a smaller increase than in July. The subdued figures suggest that America’s resilient labour market is cooling—and that the Federal Reserve’s fight to bring down inflation is going to plan.


Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former deputy prime minister of Singapore, was elected president. Mr Tharman, who is linked to the ruling centre-right People’s Action Party, won 70.4% of the vote. Although the role is largely ceremonial, Mr Tharman’s landslide win is seen as an expression of confidence in Singapore’s government, despite a recent slew of scandals involving PAP members.


The Nobel Foundation reversed its decision to invite the Russian, Belarusian and Iranian ambassadors to this year’s award ceremony in Stockholm in December. The foundation barred the envoys from attending last year’s event, but had planned to extend invitations as usual this year. It changed its mind after several days of intense criticism, including threats of boycotts.


Word of the week: "Friendshoring", when a government pushes businesses to restructure supply chains, shifting production away from geopolitical rivals to friendly powers. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

See you Sept. 8th for the next Music In the Park concert! 


Sept 8th TIE CAROLINAS SUPPORT THE TROOPS GOLF TOURNAMENT at Carolina Trace County CLub!  


https://carolinas.tie.org/events/

See you Sept 9th Cricket Festival!  


RSVP for free tickets at https://bit.ly/3EhKh90



Join Chief Acosta for a Facebook Live Session


on Sept. 12th from 12pm- 12:45 pm at https://www.facebook.com/TownOfMorrisville/


Join me on Sept. 14th at 8 am as I kick off my AI Innovation Listening Tour at


St. Andrew Catholic Church at 3008 Old Raleigh Rd, Apex, North Carolina, US, 27502!   


Register at https://www.linkedin.com/events/cnmpresents-thedisruptionofai-t7103372683840540673/comments/

Sept. 16th Dragon Boat Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater!  


9 am!

Sept 30th Morrisville Community Fire Academy 


Have you ever dreamed about being a firefighter? Attend our Community Fire Academy from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. It is limited to 20 persons, participants must be at least 18 years old, and advance sign-up is required. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3FmekO0

Sept 24th, Town of Morrisville International Fair!  

NC DOT Public Input Sessions


The NC Department of Transportation’s Statewide Locally Coordinated Plan (LCP) serves as a strategic framework to expand mobility options to seniors and individuals with disabilities, particularly in small urban and rural communities of North Carolina. They want to understand you and your family’s mobility needs. How can you give feedback?

Three online public meetings will be held for the public to learn about the plan, provide feedback and ask questions. Register for: 

• Thursday, Sept. 7, 4 p.m. - https://bit.ly/45zETtX

• Wednesday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. - https://bit.ly/3sDg4yP

• Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m. - https://bit.ly/45PwKBp

👉 Check out a virtual tour https://bit.ly/45QfwDW

👉 Take a survey online at https://bit.ly/3sJHwe0


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


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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 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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