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ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH EDITION

From the Council Office of Steve Rao

October 18, 2023

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.

My Weekly Update


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1673609703145418


Next week, we will talk about National Community Planning Month, Bullying Awareness Month, and the upcoming Raleigh Smart Cities Conference on Nov 9th at the Raleigh Convention Center.  https://raleighnc.gov/apps-maps-and-open-data/news/announcing-connected-triangle-summit


In addition, please make sure you attend the Town of Morrisville Veteran Memorial 5K Walk at Indian Creek Trailhead on Nov. 11 at 9:30 am.  

GOVERNOR COOPER VISITS SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IN MORRISVILLE : 


Insights from Rohan Kelkar: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/984101369349447


Today, I joined Governor Cooper along with Mayor Cawley and Wake County Chair Shinica Thomas for a tour of the Schneider Electric facility in Morrisivlle.  The Governor toured the facility, learning about the state of the art innovation, and robotics taking place at Scheider Electric that is helping us harness more renewable and electric power to enhance sustainability and our goal of getting to zero carbon emissions.  


The Governor was very excited about the opportunities to work with our universities and community colleges/HBCUs to train our workforce for many of the jobs of the future, which will be at Schneider and in Morrisville.   

NOVEMBER ELECTION ALERT


Early Voting Starts Oct 19th for Morrisville, Apex and Cary Runoff Elections.  

Voting is at


Herbert C. Young Community Center - 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary, 27513

Apex Community Center at 53 Hunter Street, Apex, NC.  


https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/board-elections/election-information/early-voting

SAVE THE DATE AND REMINDERS:  


Oct 18th Morrisville Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum today at 4:30 pm at Wake Tech RTP!   


Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center is closed on Oct 18th. 


Oct 19th, 6 pm at SV Temple as Senator Jay Chaudhuri will read the Hindu Heritage Month Proclamation from Governor Cooper. 


Oct. 24th Virtual School Assignment Feedback 6 pm. https://www.wcpss.net/Page/56548

MEDIA ALERT


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 the 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


TUNE IN ON FRIDAYS at 3 pm to WPTF 98.5 FM and 680 AM with Jeff Hamlin.    

APPLY FOR A TOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE!


We are excited to announce that the Town of Morrisville began Advisory Committee Recruitment on October 2, 2023 and the application submission window will close on November 8th at 5 pm! Apply Here!


We are searching for passionate individuals like you to join us in shaping the future of our community.


All boards/committees have vacancies or expiring terms that may be filled during this appointment process.


If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at (919) 463-6168 or via email at esmith@townofmorrisville.org.


Advisory Committee Descriptions


MESC


Join the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC) and make a tangible difference in our community. Promote sustainability, local recycling, innovative stormwater management, and other environmental programs. Shape the future by supporting groundbreaking policies for a greener, more sustainable Morrisville. Join us today! 


PMAC


Passionate about enhancing transparency and accountability in Morrisville? Join the Performance Measures Advisory Committee (PMAC) today! Shape important town performance measures, process improvements, and benchmarks. Join PMAC and help shape Morrisville! 


SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Join the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) and enhance the quality of life for seniors in Morrisville! Investigate innovative methods, coordinate tailored events, and promote seniors' activities. Shape public perception through informative articles and contribute to policy recommendations. Make a difference in seniors' programs and activities by providing valuable input on budgets. Join SAC today for an inclusive and fulfilling experience in Morrisville! 


MORRISVILLE SMART CITY STEERING COMMITTEE (MSCSC)


Join the Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee and be a part of revolutionizing our town's future! Collaborating closely with the IT Department, our committee pioneers innovative smart city initiatives in Morrisville. If you're passionate about technology and have a vision for a connected, intelligent community, we invite you to join us. Together, we're shaping the future, one groundbreaking initiative at a time! 


MORRISVILLE PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Are you passionate about education and dedicated to making a difference? The Morrisville Public Education Advisory Committee wants individuals like you to join our ranks! You can play a vital role in shaping the future of our community by informing and advising the Town Council on the specific needs of our public schools in Morrisville. Your expertise and ideas can drive positive change, ensuring every child receives the best education possible. Come be a part of this impactful journey and help us create a brighter, more promising tomorrow for our students! 


PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PSAC)


Passionate about community safety? PSAC needs your dedication! Dive into crucial discussions, shaping policies and ordinances that directly influence Town Council decisions, ensuring a safer tomorrow. Join us now, and let's support our community together! 


PARKS AND RECREATION


Are you passionate about creating vibrant recreational spaces and cultural programs?


The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee is looking for enthusiastic individuals like you to suggest improvements, lead development initiatives, and facilitate long-range plans that will be considered by the Town Council. Your innovative ideas can transform our community, providing exciting recreational opportunities and enriching cultural experiences. Join us now, and let's promote a town where everyone can thrive, play, and celebrate together! 


PLANNING AND ZONING


The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) is searching for dedicated individuals to assist in influencing crucial decisions related to land use, zoning, and development issues in Morrisville. As a member, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the town's growth, ensuring thoughtful and sustainable development practices. Join us now, and let's support a thriving, well-planned Morrisville together! 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 


My Domestic Violence Message: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159279437226360/818850696695117


Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed in the United States during the month of October. It is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness about domestic violence, support survivors, and promote resources and strategies for prevention. The month is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence and encouraging communities to take action to prevent it.


During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, various organizations and advocacy groups host events, educational programs, and outreach campaigns to:


Raise awareness: The primary goal is to inform the public about the signs of domestic violence, its impact on survivors and society, and available resources.


Support survivors: Many events and initiatives aim to provide support, resources, and a safe space for survivors of domestic violence.


Promote prevention: Community-based efforts focus on strategies and interventions to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place.


Advocate for policy changes: Advocacy groups may use this month as an opportunity to push for policy changes at local, state, and national levels that improve protection for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.


Encourage conversations: Domestic Violence Awareness Month encourages open conversations about this issue to reduce stigma and promote understanding.


It is important to remember that domestic violence is not limited to one month of awareness, and support and resources are available year-round for those affected. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, reach out to local domestic violence hotlines or organizations for help and support. 


A special thanks to Kiran for all the work they do to support the victims of Domestic Violence, and I also want to thank my colleague Donna Fender for sharing her own personal experiences with Domestic Violence and raising awareness on this issue.  

https://www.kiraninc.org/

MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS 


Town of Cary Elections 


Don Frantz was defeated in the District C Race by newcomer Michelle Craig and the residents of Cary re-elected Harold Weinbrecht as the Mayor of Cary and Lori Bush as an At Large Member of the Cary Council.  


Although Sarika Bansal won 49% of the vote, Rachel Jordan has called for a run-off, which will be held on Nov. 7th. 


I thank Don Frantz for his exemplary service to the Town of Cary and for all of his hard work over the years.  


Mayor : Harold Weinbrecht  

Council Member At Large: Lori Bush 

District C: Michelle Craig 

District D: Sarika Bansal vs. Rachel Jordan  


For a breakdown of election results, please visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/


ENDORSEMENT ALERT: SATISH GARIMELLA 


A major factor behind our Town's success has been the result of the hard work of Council Member Satish Garimella.


He is an effective and results-driven elected official whose strategic mind, sharp listening skills, and strong working relationships with state, local and federal officials has helped our Council and Town achieve remarkable progress.


Over the past eight years, I have learned much from his leadership style and fully support his re- election and am proud to call him a friend, and ally on the Council I look forward to continuing to serve with him see our town continue to fly to great heights.


Vote for Satish on Tuesday, Nov 7th and remember that you can Early Vote until Nov 4th at 3 pm. 

CELEBRATING 156 YEARS OF SHILOH


On Sunday, I had the honor of attending the 156 year anniversary celebration of Shiloh.  I was honored to attend with Wake County Sheriff Williie Rowe and an inspired of how this Black Community through innovation, resilience and determination have been a ray of light and hope for Morrisville and the entire state.  


We would not be a diverse, inclusive and innovative City without the hard work of the Shiloh Community!


Thanks to my dear friend Rev. David Jones and all of the members of this historic church for all they do to build a stronger community and Morrisville every day. 


More in my next newsletter on Shiloh History.  

HINDU HERITAGE MONTH FEATURE OF THE WEEK: 


My Insights on Rajagoparum: https://www.facebook.com/724976359/videos/pcb.10159279437226360/3594919707451343


Last week, I featured the opening of the Akshardham Temple in Robinsville, New Jersey.  


This week I wanted to revisit the Rajagoparum at the SV Temple, which North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper unveiled last Diwali. This magnificent structure is an 87-foot tower at the Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina. 


It symbolizes the feet of the Lord. So when devotees come they bow at the feet of the Lord before they come into the raja gopuram and when they proceed into the temple they leave all their worries behind.


The tower is named the “Tower of Unity and Prosperity.”It is the tallest of its kind in North America.  Much of the work was inspired by Indian Artisans, and this is such a wonderful, beautiful site to see when you are driving in NC 54.  I get calls all the time from faith leaders and devotees from other churches, who just are so amazed at this magnificent structure.  


On a personal note, I wanted to once again congratulate the SV Temple leadership, and community supporters, for executing on a vision and bringing this Rajagoparum to life in Cary.   


I cannot think of a better example of the major transformations our Hindu Community is bringing to the Triangle region and state of North Carolina.  

HINDU HERITAGE MONTH 


My Hindu Heritage Message: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/646305967606113


Hindu Heritage Month is a celebration and recognition of the cultural and religious contributions of Hinduism to society. While it is not as widely recognized as some other cultural or religious heritage months, it is observed in various places, particularly in regions with significant Hindu populations.


The idea behind Hindu Heritage Month is to promote awareness and understanding of Hinduism, its traditions, art, philosophy, and cultural practices. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Hinduism, which is one of the world's oldest religions.


The specific timing and duration of Hindu Heritage Month can vary depending on the region and organization promoting it. In some places, it is celebrated during the month of October, while in others, it may fall in different months.


During Hindu Heritage Month, various events and activities are organized to educate the public about Hinduism. These may include lectures, workshops, cultural performances, exhibitions, and displays of Hindu art and artifacts. It's also a time when the contributions of Hindu individuals to various fields, such as science, literature, and politics, are acknowledged and celebrated.


During this month, I will continue to recognize Hindu and Hispanic trailblazers in our nation and also in North Carolina.  


Send me your ideas to sr@steverao.com

UNITED STATES HINDU TRAILBLAZERS  


United States Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi 


Raja Krishnamoorthi is a U.S. representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district. He was elected to Congress in 2016 and is currently in his fourth term.


United States Congressman Ro Khanna 


Ro Khanna is a Democratic U.S. representative for California's 17th congressional district. He was elected in 2016 and is serving his fourth term. Khanna's district covers communities in Silicon Valley, including cities in Santa Clara and Alameda counties.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy 


Dr. Vivek H. Murthy is the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. He was also the 19th Surgeon General under President Barack Obama. As the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, he commands a uniformed service of 6,600 public health officers globally.

Former Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi 


Indra Nooyi is an Indian-born American businesswoman who was the CEO and chairman of PepsiCo from 2006–2018 and 2007–2019, respectively. She was the first woman of color and first immigrant to lead a Fortune 50 company. 

Nooyi was born on October 28, 1955 in Madras, India.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT UPDATE 


Yesterday, WCPSS presented the second draft of the 2024-25 Student Enrollment Proposal to the Board of Education during their work session. There are no additional recommended changes for Draft 2 of the proposal. Board Member Heagarty presented great insights and questions regarding our district starting at 1:13:48. 


Shortly after that time and in response to a question, our staff mentioned that they meet annually with municipalities to understand the expected development growth in their communities to better inform their projections/impacts on schools. 


Our Planning staff just met with them and provided the information on our development activity and projections.


You can view the work session:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TNdZVW1CDY


Highlights of the Week:

Former Cary Mayor Koka Booth dies. 


My Message on Koka Booth: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/353552170427871


The mayor who saw Cary boom from a sleepy suburb to one of North Carolina's most populous towns has died.


Current Mayor Harold Weinbrecht Jr. announced the passing Tuesday of Koka Booth, who served the town for decades, including for 12 years as mayor.


Cary's signature Koka Booth Amphitheater is named after him.


Booth was first appointed to the Cary Town Council while his friend, Fred Bond, was mayor. He served for 22 years, and he was first elected mayor in 1987.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/koka-booth-mayor-who-oversaw-cary-s-booming-growth-dies/21089938/

SARIKA BANSAL HEADS TO RUN OFF 


Some voters in Cary will likely need to turn back up at the polls in November for a run-off.


Cary held its general election on Oct. 10. In that election, Incumbent Mayor Harold Weinbrecht won re-election as did Council Member Lori Bush. However, the Council for District B went to newcomer Michelle Craig, who ousted incumbent Don Frantz.


Council for District D was seemingly won by Sarika Bansal in a race decided by less than 1,000 votes.


However, the second-place candidate, Rachel Jordan, has filed documents with the State Board of Elections requesting a run-off election in November.


"The runoff election will allow constituents in District D to cast their votes again and choose the candidate who best represents their vision and aspirations," Jordan's campaign manager said in a statement.


Bansal received 49% of the total votes cast. Without having reached the 50% threshold, the second-place finisher is entitled to request a run-off just between those two candidates.

RDU Airport breaks ground on runway expansion of 5L 23R (Five Left, Twenty Three Right) 


RDU Airport Remarks: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/312621731485885


Raleigh-Durham International Airport broke ground Wednesday on a new primary runway, which airport officials call “the most important two miles of pavement in the Triangle   


I was honored to attend the ceremony with elected officials and other leaders.  


The new runway 5-Left/23-Right replaces a 10,000-foot concrete landing strip built in the 1980s, which is starting to show signs of wear and tear. A time-lapse video released by the airport shows how crews must replace slabs of concrete overnight between flights.


The runway will be 639 feet longer than the old one, which will become a taxiway. As work begins, the airport will need to relocate a portion of Lumley Road, which is close to Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway 70. Utility lines and navigational aids will also be moved.

The added runway length will allow RDU to serve more destinations on the West Coast and beyond. It will also make room for an expanded Terminal 2, a key part of the airport’s “Vision 2040” master plan.


This critical infrastructure will allow RDU to keep up with the region’s increasing demand for air travel and help RDU recruit new airlines and more routes,” airport CEO Michael Landguth said in a statement.


The runway project comes at a time when the airport has seen passenger traffic rebound to pre-pandemic levels. Several airlines, including Icelandair, Avelo, and Lufthansa, have or will start service to RDU in the coming months.


And. a Direct Flight to India?  

Jewish Federation of Raleigh hosts a Stand for Israel Vigil.  


Last week, I was honored to attend the Stand with Isreal Vigil hosted by the Jewish Federation of Raleigh at the invitation of CEO Phil Brodsky.   


I was joined by faith leaders, community leaders, and was able to share words to the community, alongside Attorney General Stein, Congressman Wiley Nickel, Congresswoman Deb Ross, and Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin


I focused my message on a perspective from the Hindu faith, and of course, asked that we all stand by and support Israel, and also make sure we call for peace in the region and call out Hams for this terrorist attack.  

Hub Sub Diwali was spectacular!  


Congressman Nickel's remarks:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/3435759720070309


Celebrity Dance:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1075612620266926


The rain did not stop the Opening Ceremonies, and the event was spectacular!  I wanted to thank Hum Sub President Vijay Jagganath, and all the Hum Sub Team for an inspiring day of dance, music and a wonderful Diwali Celebration.  


The concert in the evening was spectular and we heard from Congressman Nickel and the Mayor in the evening. Congratulations to all of the Youth Achievement Award winners. 

Great dancing from our Celebrities, including Mayor TJ and Mayor Harold! 


To view the events of the day, visit the Hum Sub You Tube or Facebook page.

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: 

Longest Serving Cary Mayor passes away.


https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/koka-booth-former-mayor-and-champion-of-carys-growth-has-died/

President Biden visits Israel. 


https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/16/politics/joe-biden-israel-visit/index.html


Biden Meeting followed by Hospital explosion in Gaza.  War in Middle East rages on.


https://abc7ny.com/gaza-hospital-bombed-hospitals-israel-hamas/13929169/

Op Ed Alert:

This Week in Morrisville. Oct 16- Oct 21

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.

Bulk Item Pickup Week is Oct. 16-20


The fall bulk item pickup week is Oct. 16-20. This service is free to all Morrisville residents currently receiving curbside residential solid waste service from GFL. All items must be curbside by 7 a.m. on their regular trash/recycling day. No registration is required. A list of accepted items can be found on the Public Works page.


Morrisville Town Council Candidate Forum Oct. 18


The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidates forum on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Wake Tech RTP Campus, 10908 Chapel Hill Road. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the candidates for Morrisville Town Council and gain insights into their positions on key issues. Learn more and register in advance here.


Upcoming at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center


The MAFC will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 18 for a Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources department-wide meeting and building maintenance.


The MAFC will be offering a Family Pool Party on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 4:30-6 p.m. Open recreation swimming and games will take place in the program pool, splash pad and lap pool areas. Children will require a single-visit pass or MAFC membership; parents are free. For information and to sign-up, visit www.tinyurl.com/mafcfall23. 


Advisory Committee Recruitment Now Open


Recruitment for Morrisville's resident advisory committees is now open. The Town is searching for passionate individuals to join us in shaping the future of our community. This recruitment period is focused on filling vacancies or expiring terms on ALL committees and the Planning and Zoning Board. Interested residents can apply online here. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Nov. 8.


If you have any questions or need further information, contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at 919-463-6168 or via email at [esmith@townofmorrisville.org]esmith@townofmorrisville.org.


Morrisville Mural Program Open for Artist Proposals


The Town of Morrisville invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to design and install murals for the inaugural Morrisville Mural Program. The goals of the mural program are to activate and enhance the cultural connectivity and vitality of the Town of Morrisville through engaging artwork and creative placemaking. All proposals are due by Friday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. Click here to learn more and apply.


Trick or Treat the Trail is Oct. 21


Trick-or-Treat the Trail is Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway). Attendees must register in advance for one of the time slots. The event includes local businesses along the trail to hand out candy to kids, music, food trucks and more.


Limited parking for the event will be available on-site at Morrisville Community Park. Additional parking will be available across the street at Morrisville Elementary School (1519 Morrisville Parkway). 


Morrisville Diwali is Oct. 28!


The Morrisville Diwali Festival is Saturday, Oct. 28, from 5-8 p.m., at Cedar Fork District Park (228 Aviation Parkway). The celebration includes hands-on activities, music, food, and FIREWORKS. There will be no parking for event participants at the park. There will be shuttles running continuously from both 808 Aviation Parkway and 909 Aviation Parkway. Learn more here.


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 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive.


OCT 11 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 


Highlights from the October 10, 2023 Morrisville Town Council meeting include:


• Proclamations: Fire Prevention Week, Crime Prevention Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Community Planning Month, Bullying Prevention Month

• NCDOT Strategic Transportation Prioritization 7.0 (Spot 7) Update

• Wake County Land Cover Analysis and Tree Canopy Assessment

• Transit Oriented Development and Zoning Plan

• Appointed Public Bodies Administrative Policy

Read the full details at https://bit.ly/48MhmrL

#LiveConnectedLiveWell

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.

Around the Region

NC Vet Biz Networking event at City Club 





Catching up with Wake County Superintendent at Superintendent Breakfast Dr. Robert Taylor



Affordable Housing Mixer at Old Poole Place!


Visit with Garner Mayor Ken Marshburn 



PICKLEBALL WITH ANNE ROBOTTI! 



Catching up with State Risk Officer Tori Crass




Celebrating 156 years at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (More on Shiloh in next newsletter) 



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


SMALL BUSINESS FORUM INSIGHTS FROM CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT FUND: 


https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/838053647911356


North Carolina News

Expect New Maps soon, this week?


There’s been a lot of talk across North Carolina about redistricting lately, and one question kept popping up: when are they actually going to draw the maps?


Starting Wednesday, lawmakers will begin drawing new electoral maps for North Carolina. In earlier decades, redistricting went on behind closed doors. But this year, redrawing the electoral districts will be done in public.


Members of the state House and Senate will use a process similar to 2019, when a court ordered lawmakers back to the drawing board to make new maps in the open.


The last time North Carolina went through redistricting, courts threw out the maps over illegal gerrymandering. The dispute lasted almost the entire decade. The redrawn maps ended up going all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually decided that political gerrymandering was not a matter for the courts.


Facility Based Abortions on Decline in NC


Facility-based abortions in North Carolina dropped sharply after a restrictive state law went into effect there this past summer, though a pro-life leader is warning not to make too much of those numbers, claiming they could go back up again.


In May the state Legislature enacted a bill largely banning abortions after 12 weeks, with some exceptions in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or to protect the life of the mother. The state’s previous limit was 20 weeks. The new limit went into effect July 1. 


The Guttmacher Institute, which studies abortion and supports it, released a finding last week stating that facility-based abortions dropped 31% this July over the previous month. The data suggest the new regulations “seem to be having a severe impact,” the organization said. 


Read More at https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255709/facility-based-abortions-drop-30-percent-in-north-carolina-after-12-week-abortion-ban-data-show


CITY OF RALEIGH HONORS HEDDINGHAM


The City of Raleigh held a ceremony Friday afternoon at the Raleigh Municipal building to mark one year since the mass shooting that took the lives of five people in the Hedingham neighborhood.


It was a somber event punctuated by a quiet ceremony led by the Raleigh Fire Department Chaplain and the police department's interfaith team of community leaders.


Speakers at the event stood next to a wreath of flowers and shared their thoughts and reactions with onlookers.


First Responders also attended and hosted events to remember the tragedy and honor the fallen. 


Wake County Schools Roll out Student Reassigment Plan for 2024-2025


The Wake County School District presented its first draft of the 2024-25 enrollment plan to the school board Tuesday.


The district is proposing reassignments at 21 schools – 13 elementary schools, six middle schools and two high schools.


Pleasant Grove Elementary in Morrisville would be the focal point of several changes. A portion of its attendance zone would be reassigned into Brier Creek, Leesville Road or York elementary schools in Raleigh. Then, parts of Alston Ridge and Parkside elementary schools, in Cary and Morrisville, would be reassigned to Pleasant Grove Elementary. 


The changes would reduce some overcrowding at the schools, although they would require some calendar changes for families to or from multi-track or traditional calendars. Families of children who will be in fourth or fifth grade next year could apply to stay at their school instead of moving to Pleasant Grove, and they could apply for any younger siblings who will be kindergarten or older to stay, as well. They would not have busing.


Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/wake-county-school-district-proposes-to-move-students-from-21-schools/21054801/


LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES 

Joe Biden arrived in Israel, where he met the prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu. The meeting followed an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday that Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry claimed killed hundreds of people. Hamas blamed Israeli forces for the strike. Israel countered that the blast was caused by a failed rocket fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a militant group, and that Hamas had inflated the number of casualties. Mr Biden backed Israel’s account, saying that the explosion was caused by the “other team”. After the blast Jordan’s government cancelled Mr Biden’s planned visit to attend a summit with Egyptian and Palestinian leaders.



Iran’s foreign minister warned Israel that a ground offensive in Gaza would trigger “pre-emptive action”. In a broadcast on state television, Hossein Amirabdollahian suggested Iran would respond to the “war crimes” committed in Gaza and that “all options are open”. On Tuesday the Israel Defence Forces launched several strikes targeting Hizbullah, an Iran-backed Shia militia based in Lebanon.


Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, arrived in Beijing to meet Xi Jinping, his Chinese counterpart, and attend a summit marking the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is Mr Putin’s second trip abroad since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Mr Putin is also expected to hold talks with the leaders of Mongolia, Thailand and Vietnam.


Ukraine made successful strikes on Russian airfields near the occupied cities of Luhansk and Berdyansk, according to officials in Kyiv. A local Russian-installed official suggested the attack had failed, but a Russian military analyst suggested it could be the worst blow against the country’s air force since the war began. Russia’s government has yet to comment.


Poland’s opposition parties won enough seats in Sunday’s election to form a coalition that could unseat the national-populist Law and Justice (PiS) government. A final vote count gave PiS 35.4% of the vote, the largest share, and 194 of 460 seats in parliament—but between them its liberal rivals won 248 seats.


India’s Supreme Court refused to legally recognise same-sex marriages, saying that the matter should be decided by legislators in parliament. LGBT+ activists had argued that the lack of legal backing for same-sex marriages violates their constitutional rights. India’s government, which opposed the case, has called such arguments “urban elitist views”. The Supreme Court also ruled against allowing adoption by gay and unmarried couples.


Baidu, a Chinese tech giant, said Ernie 4.0, the latest version of its artificial-intelligence chatbot, had caught up with OpenAI’s GPT-4 in terms of its memory capabilities. Baidu is among several firms to receive government approval to release AI products in China. The country has now built at least 130 large-language models, around 40% of the global total. America’s share is 50%.


Figure of the day: 100 tonnes, the amount of aid intended for Gaza piling up in el-Arish, an Egyptian city 45km away from the closed border. Read the full story.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 21 Trick or Treat the Trail 


1 pm to 6 pm at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville NC 27560)

Oct 28th Town of Morrisville Diwali at 5 pm at Cedar Fork District Park! 

Oct 18th RIOT DEMO DAY and Nov 9th Triangle Connected Communities Conference (Smart Cities)  


8 am to 6 pm Raleigh Convention Center:


http://riot.org/events/connected-triangle-summit/r. 

Nov 1  NC Tech Awards Gala Raleigh Convention Center 6 pm to 9 pm!  www.ncta.org


Nov 2 TIE CAROLINAS CURATED PITCH EVENT 5:30 pm at Fortnight Brewing!  Register at 

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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