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BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION: | |
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
February 7, 2024
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes. | |
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MY BLACK HISTORY WEEK MESSAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/299189696109465
In addition to kicking off Black History Month, the Chinese New Year begins on Feb 10th. It is the Year of the Dragon and we wish every Chinese American a Very Happy Chinese New Year!
In my next newsletter, I will be sharing more information on the Chinese New Year, its signifcance on the Chinese calendar, and how it is celebrated in other nations in Asia.
Happy Chinese New Year!
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The women's locker room at The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will be temporarily closed this Friday, February 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, maintenance will be resolving the hot water issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. | |
APPLY FOR TEEN MORRISVILLE 101 | |
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Registration is now open for Teen Morrisville 101! Teen Morrisville 101 is a FREE resident academy for teens (grades 9-12) interested in local government. It will feature hands-on learning with multiple Town departments, and includes a graduation ceremony at a Morrisville Town Council meeting. Learn more and
register today at bit.ly/TeenMSV101
Tentative dates are:
• Wednesday, May 8: 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 15: 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22: 4-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 29: 4-6 p.m.
While the program is open to all high school students, preference will be given to those who live in Morrisville. Registration is open until Friday, April 26.
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BREAKING NEWS AND IMPORTANT UPDATES | | |
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RDU Airport announces a new service to Panama City.
(See Highlights of the Week)
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Former Apex Council Member John Letteney named Town of Morrisville Assistant Manager. | |
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Last Thursday marked the start of #BlackHistoryMonth. Black History Month is observed annually across the United States in February and serves as a celebration of African American achievements as well as a time to recognize the crucial role they have played in U.S. history.
Rev. David L. Jones Jr. from Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church received the Black History Month proclamation at the January 23 Town Council meeting. Read it at https://bit.ly/3w3F6sk
In honor of Black History Month, the Town will be showcasing both the past and present of the Black community in Morrisville and I also ask that you send me ideas of Black Leaders we should honor here in NC and in the nation. You can also share these ideas with me on Facebook.
In my next newsletter, I will be sharing insight into the Shiloh Community of Morrisville and will also focus on Black Americans who have contributed to the Arts, Science and Innovation. Wake County Board of Commissioners focuses on this theme this month!
Finally, during this month, I plan to visit Black Owned Businesses and begin this small business tour across the County this week. Send me any ideas on Black Owned businesses to visit.
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Team Agassi wins Pickleball Slam 2! Beats Team Mac! | | |
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Jannik Sinner wins first major at Australian Open! | | |
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Chiefs vs. Forty Niners! Will it be 3 for Mahomes? | | |
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WPTF Wake County Round Up SHOW!
Join me every week for a new show I am hosting, The Wake County Round Up Show on WPTF Radio! If you are a Wake County leader and interested in being on the show, please email me
at sr@steverao.com!
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Get With the Program with Gary Jones 9 am Sunday on 103.5 FM wcomfm.org! | |
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REMEMBER TO APPLY FOR A STOREFRONT UPFIT GRANT!
Now through Feb. 9, the Town of Morrisville is offering storefront upfit grants between $2,500 and $5,000 for qualifying Morrisville small businesses while grant funds are available.
These storefront upfit grants are being made available for business owners looking to update their exterior signage or maintain other physical elements of their storefront (i.e. awnings, landscaping, paint, etc.) on a 1:1 cost-matching basis up to $5,000.
For a complete guide on this grant program and additional information on the application's requirements, visit the Town's website at https://bit.ly/41SfNWj.
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WHY DO WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH | |
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Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. It is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans and people of African descent. The month is an opportunity to highlight the struggles, triumphs, and rich cultural heritage of the Black community.
Black History Month originated in the United States. It was initially established as a week-long celebration in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom had a significant impact on African American history.
Over time, the week-long celebration evolved into a month-long observance, officially recognized by the U.S. government in 1976. During Black History Month, various events, educational programs, and cultural activities take place to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.
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MORRISVILLE BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT | |
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Every week, I want to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth by sharing the history of the Black community in Morrisville. The community of Shiloh was originally settled in the late 1820s by freeborn African Americans and freed former enslaved people. By 1870, it had grown into a self-sufficient community with a public school, social clubs, a co-op store, and a church.
In 1925, Rev. James Dunston personally purchased 2,000 acres of land in Morrisville, divided it into parcels, and offered it to families. The community grew to over 57 farmers,
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FAMOUS BLACK HISTORY MONTH FIRSTS... | |
We have had so many historic, game changing Black Americans. Lets start with a few and I will add to the list over the next few weeks: | |
Kathryn Johnson brought home John Glenn from the Heavens. | Condoleeza Rice served as Secretary of State. | |
Lloyd Austin served as Secretary of Defense. | Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States. | |
Colin Powell served Chairman of the Joint Chief and Secretary of State. | |
BLACK HISTORY SMALL BUSINESS VISITS | | |
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Zweli’s Ekhaya and a visit with Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams!
My Visit with Durham Mayor Leo Williams:
Last Saturday, our family enjoyed celebrating our daughter’s 23rd birthday at Ekaya in Durham, a wonderful African restaurant owned by Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams! Leo and his wife Zwele’s restaurant offers delicious food from Zimbabwe and try the new drink, the Mayor! In a few weeks, they will be re opening the original Zwele’s kitchen in Brightleaf in Durham!
On a personal note, we are very proud of Leo for not only being the new Mayor but for being such a gracious and authentic person and a dynamic business leader! It was great to have dinner with him at his restaurant!
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MOE’s BARBERSHOP
My visit with Moe:
I enjoyed my visit with Mo’s Barbershop yesterday. Mo is a wonderful barber and great person and entrepreneur and cuts my hair before my TV appearances on Statelines and Black Issues Forum! Make sure you get out and support him and he is located in the Solas Building to the left of Preston Pointe and near Hot Breads Café! Support our small businesses!
Learn more at https://www.mosbarbershop.net/
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JUDICIAL FIRSTS IN NORTH CAROLINA | | |
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Henry Frye
In 1983, Governor Jim Hunt appointed Frye to the North Carolina Supreme Court as an associate justice, the first African-American to hold that position in North
Carolina history. Elected in 1984 to the court and re-elected in 1992, Jim Hunt appointed Frye to the state's highest judicial post, chief justice, in 1999 to replace the retiring Burley Mitchell. He was defeated for election to a full term in 2000 by Associate Justice I. Beverly Lake.
Frye currently practices law with Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard in Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Judge Richard Erwin
Erwin served on his local school board in Winston-Salem from 1961 to 1968, on the North Carolina State Board of Education from 1971 to 1977, and was elected to
two terms in the North Carolina Senate as a Democrat. In 1977, Governor Jim Hunt appointed him to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. In 1978, the voters of the
state elected him to continue as an Appeals Court judge, thus making him the first African American statewide official actually elected by its voters.
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Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson
Justice Timmons-Goodson became a Judge in 1984 when Governor Jim Hunt appointed her to the 12th Judicial Circuit. 13 years later, Governor Hunt appointed her to the Court of Appeals. In the 1988 election, Justice Timmons-Goodson made history when she became the first African American Woman to be elected
to the Court of Appeals. She served nine years on the Court of Appeals until 2006. Governor Mike Easley appointed her to the Surpme Court and she retired from the Judiciary in 2012.
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Judge Sammie Chess Jr.
In 1971, Chess became the first Black Superior Court judge in the state of North Carolina. Governor Robert W. Scott appointed Chess as a special Superior Court judge, empowering him with the ability to hold court state-wide, thus ensuring justice in civil and criminal trials and hearings. In this capacity, Chess changed many practices commonly accepted during this time, such as judges and prosecuting officials referring to Black witnesses by their first name, while referring to White persons as Mr. or Mrs. Judge Chess made it clear that there would be no unequal treatment in his court. Judge Chess afforded all who appeared before
him an equal, fair and impartial trial regardless of color or station in life. Judge Chess returned to his law practice in 1975 where he served faithfully until 1991, when he was appointed Administrative Law Judge in the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. He retired in 2007, thus concluding nearly a 50-year career serving the people of North Carolina and the United States.
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Judge Allyson Duncan
Duncan served as a judge on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals from 2003 until her retirement in 2019. She was the first African American and first woman from North Carolina to serve on the 4th Circuit; the first African American woman to serve on the North Carolina Appellate Courts; and, from 2003-2004, the first African American (and the third woman) to serve as President of the North Carolina Bar Association. Her involvement within the legal and judicial communities includes serving as President of the North American/Asian Group of the International Association of Judges and past president of the Federal Judges Association. She was appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts to chair the International Judicial Relations Committee and she is a member of the American Law Institute. Duncan was a member of the Duke University Board of Trustees from 2011-2021.
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SEND US IDEAS ON THE TOWN BUDGET! | |
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Please send us an email to towncouncil@townofmorrisville.org and also Let us know by taking the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Community Input Survey at
https://bit.ly/48vLbwe.
This is a quick poll for our community members to share some preliminary insight into your needs and wants as we look forward to the future.
Contact the Budget and Strategic Management Department at
MSVBudget@townofmorrisville.org.
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The next 48 hours are going to be crucial for Ukraine, as the US Senate is expected to vote on a bipartisan bill to aid Ukraine in its fight for survival and its fight against evil. Ukraine has asked its vital partner USA for ammunition (made in the USA!) and our old military equipment. If quickly supplied - it would be a win-win for both nations.
To help Ukraine win and keep our world safe, please call our two NC Senators TODAY and URGE them to support our freedom-fighting partner Ukraine by voting YES on the proposed supplemental bill to provide security assistance. The national security of the United States and the security of the entire Free world depends on Ukraine's victory!
Senator Ted Budd
(202) 224-3154
Senator Thom Tillis
(202) 224-6342
These phone calls are important, as our elected officials are counting our voices and making their decisions based on our support. Please ask your freedom-loving friends to call as well!
Thank you to our friends in NC and in the US for helping us support Ukraine, one of the most pro-American and pro-freedom partners we have!
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REZONING FOR MORE APARTMENTS IN MORRISVILLE | |
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The Casto amendment request to the Mixed Use Planning Development at Park West Village, which would demolish the Theater (64,000 square feet) and replace the Theater with over 312 Multi-Family Units was pulled from the Agenda. The plan would have planned for 27,000 more square feet of retail and 21,000 square feet of office along with plans to create and provide more amenities for community gathering.
The council was not in favor of this rezoning at this time.
We would like your ideas on any other type of development you would like to see in this area. Residents are concerned about adding more apartments when many residents have expressed concern about frequent school assignments, and the need for more adequate transportation and school infrastructure.
Casto has served as a strong partner for our Town for many years and the Park West development has led to signifcant revenue growth and opportunity for our residents and businesses.
I hope we can work with Casto and invest in development that honors this partnership but at the same time takes into account our resident concerns.
Please email us your opinions and ideas to towncouncil@townofmorrisville.org on your ideas on they type of re-development you would like to see in this area.
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DOWNLOAD THE MORRISVILLE APP | |
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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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RDU Airport announces New International Flight to Panama City
Insights from RDU Airport Chair Ellis Hankins:
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/893292119194289
I was honored to attend the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) announcement on Monday of the newest international airline to come to the airport.
RDU travelers can soon take direct flights to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama, on Copa Airlines.Copa will become RDU’s 18th airline and Panama City will be its 10th international destination when service begins in June.
The airline will begin making direct flights to Panama City on June 21, 2024. Travelers can make the trip to Panama City on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Congratulations to Michael Landguth and the RDU team! The growth at RDU is taking off – and so is the number of flights as the airport prepares to announce yet another international airline landing on the tarmac.
It was only a few months ago when Aeromexico became the third new airline to begin international service at RDU. And we had the inaugural Air France flight from Paris to RDU, and nonstop services to Frankfurt, Germany, which will begin this June. I am not giving up on Direct Flight Service to India!
Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/rdu-travelers-can-soon-fly-to-panama-city/21268714/
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CAFA Chinese New Year Celebration at NC State!
I was honored to attend the Chinese Friendship Association Chinese New Year Event at Stewart Theater at NC State with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Rep. Ya Liu and other leaders from the Community along with the Chinese Embassy.
In my remarks, I shared with the audience that in the year of the dragon, we must
celebrate the most important power of all, the light and love of our hearts, which can always help us build and strengthen our communities. We are grateful for the power, love and remarkable contributions of our Chinese American Community, who are tranforming our region and state every day.
A wonderful celebration of the Year of the Dragon!
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Visit to Carbon Capture Company, Susteon in Cary!
Last week, I enjoyed visiting Susteon in Cary, a spin off from the Sustaera, a market
leading carbon capture technology company, which is converting carbon in air into
Carbon with their air capture technology. Sustaera received a $5 million investment from the Bill Gates fund Breakaway Energy Ventures. Now, Susteon, a spin off R & D venture is developing carbon products which can replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Susteon plans to move to Morrisville in June to Southport and does plan to create new, high paying jobs, hiring our university and community college graduates. A special thanks to Dr. Ragubhir Gupta, and his team for their success, and having raised over $300 million from the Dept of Energy and other companies.
Their continued success and growth adds to the pipeline of innovative clean tech start ups which will continue to fuel the growth of our clean tech economy in the Triangle.
Read More at https://wraltechwire.com/2023/07/12/cary-based-sustaera-raises-
750000-aims-for-another-500k/
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Talking Autonomous Vehicles at RTP Clean Tech Cluster
On Thursday, I enjoyed attending the RTP Clean Tech Cluster event on autonomous vehicles at the Downtown Cary Park. The event began with a tour of their amazing downtown park and ended with a wonderful panel, moderated by Cary CIO, Nicole Raimundo, Sarah Searcy, Head of the DOT autonomous shuttle program, and Jennifer Robinson from SAS. We look forward to exploring an autonomous shuttle pilot in Morrisville very soon as we continue to connect innovation and technology to our sustainability efforts!
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NC Tech Outlook for Tech in Charlotte!
On Friday, I attended the Outlook for Tech event at UNC Charlotte! It was a great
event, gathering technology leaders from all around our great state. Highlights for me were the roundtables on the growing Tech Sector in Charlotte, insights on the future Generative AI and its impact on the Tech Sector by Forrester and Accenture and the annual NC Tech Report, presented by Ted Abernathy.
A special thanks to Brooks Raidford and his team for another great event!
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Town of Morrisville Volunteers plant trees!
The Town of Morrisville Public Works Staff and volunteers planted 20 more big trees along the Grace Park Greenway on Saturday, Feb 3rd!
They dug the holes and the trees on site helped with unwrapping them, planting, mulching, staking, and watering.
A special thanks to Steve Dickinson and the Morrisville Environmental Stewardship program for this great event!
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IT Serve Alliance Serves Durham Rescue Mission!
On Saturday, Mayor TJ and I attended the IT Serve Alliance Corporate Social Responsibility Event where leaders from the organization packed clothes and goods to donate to the Durham Rescue Mission. IT Serve advocated for policies and programs which support the growth of technology companies. A special thanks to IT Serve Alliance President, and all of the volunteers for their commitment to community service and strengthening our Community.
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RIOT STATE OF REGION IS STRONG!
https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/898238715133535
In State of the Union style, RIOT CEO, Tom Snyder delivered an inspiring and informative address to a sold out group of entrepreneurs, start ups, tech leaders and investors at the Raleigh Founded offices on North Street yesterday evening. My main takeaways are that our IOT efforts in the region are driving growth in start ups, creating new jobs, while at the same time allowing our region to leverage innovative technology to solve regional problems and challenges. The Town of Morrisville is very involved with these efforts and is now a national leader in Smart Cities.
I will be sharing more information about this event in a few weeks, but please visit www.riot.org for more information and to stay involved!
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY VISITS | |
THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE JAN15 - JAN19 | |
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Meetings
Feb. 7 – 6:30 p.m. Environment & Stormwater Committee
Feb. 8 – 6:30 p.m. Planning & Zoning Board (CANCELED)
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Morrisville Announces New Assistant Town Manager
Morrisville Town Manager Brandon Zuidema has selected John Letteney as the Town’s next assistant town manager. He will begin his new role on February 5.
Letteney recently retired as chief of police with the Thomasville, GA police department and previously served as the chief of police in Apex and Southern Pines. Prior to coming to North Carolina, John worked with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Rochester, New York. Letteney has also held numerous leadership positions with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, serving most recently as president for 2023.
John earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Rochester Institute of Technology and a master of public administration degree from Marist College in New York. Letteney is also a graduate of the Municipal and County Administration Course held at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Government.
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Town of Morrisville Storefront Upfit Grant Applications Open Through Feb. 9
The Town of Morrisville is offering storefront upfit grants between $2,500 and $5,000 for qualifying Morrisville small businesses while the $20,000 in grant funds are available. These grants are being made available for business owners looking to update their exterior signage or maintain other physical elements of their storefront (i.e. awnings, landscaping, paint, etc.) on a 1:1 cost-matching basis up to $5,000.
For a complete guide on this grant program and additional information on the application's requirements, please visit the Town’s website here. Contact Sara Ellis, small business program specialist, for help with the application or with any questions by email at sellis@townofmorrisville.org or phone/text message/WhatsApp at 919.463.6909.
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Call for Vendors
Applications for the Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) 2024-25 season are now open. The WWFM offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive. Learn more and apply today at westernwakefarmersmarket.org.
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Yoga Roots Registration Open
Registration is now open for Yoga Roots at The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center. Yoga Roots is for children ages 10-14. The class explores the deeper benefits of a yoga practice and will use yoga sequencing that strengthens the body and mind. For more information and to register your child, please click here.
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Family Tree Yoga Registration Open
Family Tree Yoga at The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is currently open. Family Tree Yoga is for children ages 5-9 with a parent/guardian. The class is the perfect time for busy families to connect with each other. Yoga poses will be used to build confidence, promote bonding and foster trust. For more information and to register, click here.
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Little League Registration Open
Little league baseball registration is open to for T-ball (ages 5–6), Coach Pitch (ages 7-9), and Kid Pitch (ages 8-13). The season will begin on March 2 and conclude on June 1.
For more information and to register your child for a league, please click here.
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Spring Athletic League Registration Open
Spring Athletic Leagues will open for registration on Thursday, Feb. 1. Leagues will begin in March and conclude in June. The following leagues will open for registration:
- Volleyball Majors will be offered to girls ages 10-12 and Volleyball Juniors will be offered to girls ages 13-15.
- Junior basketball will be offered to boys ages 13-15.
- Corporate basketball will be available for interested businesses in the Triangle.
- Athletics To Go Baseball will also be offered on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 for ages 5-8 and 9-13.
For more information and to register, please click here.
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Spring League Coaches Needed
Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources is looking for volunteer coaches for the upcoming spring season! Volunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball, volleyball & junior basketball. If you are interested in coaching, please contact athletics@townofmorrisville.org
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Creek Week 5K Registration Open
Morrisville's Creek Week will include a Stormwater Runoff 5K this year on Sunday, March 17, at Cedar Fork District Park (228 Aviation Parkway). The mission is to help educate the public and focus attention on stormwater issues, especially the importance of keeping stormwater clean.
The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. and same-day registration will open at 7:15 a.m. The entry fee is $25, up to and including February 14, and increasing to $35 thereafter up to and including race day. A T-shirt is included with the entry fee, guaranteed to all entries by Feb. 14. After that date, shirts will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.
Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers and to the top Town of Morrisville finishers, both male and female.
Click here to register.
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Coming Up at MSC
The Morrisville Senior Center (4117 Davis Dr.) is hosting a handful of programs and seminars this month.
- Feb. 14 - 11 a.m. Decluttering - presented by: Freda Hamlett of Milestone Moves Realty.
- Feb. 14 - 3 p.m. Valentine's Tea - $7 for residents, $9 for non-residents.
- Feb. 21 - 1 p.m. Parkinson's Disease 101 - presented by: Dr. Talita Rosa and Robyn Wilson.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Contact the Morrisville Senior Center to register at 919-463.7140.
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Morrisville Recruiting for a Community Relations Liaison
Come join one of the fastest-growing and most diverse towns in North Carolina – and a 2021 All-America City award recipient – Morrisville.
Support local residents and businesses through a career with the Town. The Town of Morrisville is currently hiring a community relations liaison. For more information or to apply, please click here.
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Western Wake Farmers Market
The Western Wake Farmers Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food and goods from small and local businesses from 9:30 a.m.-noon every Saturday at the Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive. Visit wwfm.ag to learn more.
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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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Enjoyed TCC Annual Meeting with Special Guests, Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin!
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I love Jacob Rogers, TCC, CEO!
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Great to meet COPA Airlines Dennis Cary at RDU Announcement!
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OTHER NORTH CAROLINA NEWS | |
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Raleigh City Council will not take up Cease Fire Resolution
The Raleigh City Council will not take up a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin announced Tuesday.
Baldwin read a statement before the official start of Tuesday’s city council meeting, saying District B Council Member Megan Patton helped her with the wording.
“We appreciate every member of our community who has shared their voice with us through email and in person,” Baldwin said.
“While we do not have consensus among our community, we also do not have a consensus among our council.
“With this in mind, the Raleigh City Council will not be issuing a resolution on this matter.”
District E City Council Member Christina Jones spoke after Baldwin finished reading her statement.
“As stated, the statement was not unanimous,” Jones said. “We had one council discussion back in November followed by individual conversations.”
Jones thanked everyone for showing up to share their opinions.
“I am disappointed this will not come to a vote because I think that is what the community wanted,” Jones said. “They showed up at every opportunity and the best we could do is come up with a statement of neutrality, but I do hope that our community can begin to heal even though this was not a unanimous ... decision.”
No other city council members discussed Baldwin’s statement and the decision not to take up a ceasefire resolution.
Palestinian Protesters Interrupt Durham Council Meeting
Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the Durham City Council meeting Monday night.
Protesters began chanting, and singing, for council members to adopt a ceasefire resolution.
"The time is ticking to end genocide," protesters chanted.
Israel and Hamas went to war after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and took over 200 hostages on Oct. 7.
Over 20,000 people, many of whom were women and children, have died in Gaza since Israel began its offensive.
In the months since the war began, protests and calls for ceasefire resolutions have sprung up across the Triangle.
In November, protesters blocked a portion of the Durham Freeway for hours, demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In January, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at a Raleigh City Council meeting demanding the adoption of a ceasefire resolution.
NC HEALTH PLAN ENDS COVERAGE OF OBESITY DRUGS
The health insurance program for North Carolina government workers, teachers, retirees and their families soon won’t cover popular but expensive anti-obesity drugs, the result of a price fight with the manufacturer of two brand-name medications.
The North Carolina State Health Plan trustees board voted 4-3 on Thursday to exclude coverage effective April 1 of what are known as GLP-1 medications when used for the purpose of weight loss, news outlets reported. GLP-1-related prescriptions for diabetes treatment aren’t affected.
The State Health Plan, which covers more than 700,000 people, has been dealing with massive growth in prescriptions of these drugs and their resulting expense. The GLP-1 weight-loss medications cost the plan an estimated $102 million in 2023, plan officials say, or about 10% of what it paid for all prescriptions.
DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS PLAN FOR MORE RALLIES and Walk IN
Durham Public Schools’ employees are planning another rally on Wednesday afternoon.
The rally is planned for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Durham Public Schools Building at 511 Cleveland St. in Durham.
Staff, students and parents from 40 different schools are meeting and walking in Wednesday morning together, according to organizers.
Organizers of Wednesday’s event said the walk-ins should not disrupt the school day. Rather, they’re to show support for classified employees.
COUNCIL OF STATE FILINGS!
Scores of candidates filed for nearly a dozen high-profile elected positions in North Carolina where the incumbents aren't running in 2024 because of redistricting, retirements or term limits.
The two-week candidate filing period for next year's elections ended at noon Friday at the State Board of Elections and at all 100 county boards. Primaries will be held March 5 to whittle down the field where multiple candidates are running for their
party's nominations.
Six of the 10 statewide elected officials making up the Council of State — with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper heading the list — and five of the 14 members of the U.S. House delegation aren't running again or are seeking new positions.
The state constitution prevents Cooper from running for a third consecutive term. Nearly a dozen people across four parties filed candidacy papers to succeed him, according to a state elections board list. They include Democrats Attorney General Josh Stein and former Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan and Republicans Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham.
Missing from the elections board list was former state GOP Sen. Andy Wells, who had announced his candidacy for governor months ago. He didn't immediately respond to a text message seeking comment.
State Auditor Beth Wood and Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson also aren't seeking reelection. Wood prepared to resign on Friday from the auditor's position that she has held in 2009. Cooper's choice to finish out her term, Jessica Holmes, is an auditor candidate next year.
For lieutenant governor, 15 people signed up to succeed Robinson, including four current or former state legislators. Filing for the post minutes before the noon deadline was Mark H. Robinson, a Sampson County Democrat who has been running for several months.
Mark H. Robinson, a former Navy officer, said Friday that his campaign isn't designed to cause voter confusion with the other Mark Robinson, saying he has believed for decades that he would run for statewide office.
While the two names won't appear on the same primary ballot, they could if both advance to the general election, albeit for different positions.
"I'm not trying to confuse anyone," Mark H. Robinson, 62, told reporters. "I think this is what my calling is, and that is to help as many people in the state of North Carolina before I die."
A leading candidate must get more than 30% of the primary vote to win the nomination outright. Otherwise runoffs are possible later in the spring.
Three of the five members of Congress who aren't running are Democratic Reps. Jeff Jackson, Kathy Manning and Wiley Nickel. Each of them said it was futile to seek reelection given that the redrawing of the congressional map by the Republican-controlled General Assembly this fall makes their districts lean strongly Republican. Jackson is now running for attorney general.
Fourteen Republicans alone are seeking the GOP nomination in Nickel's now-reconfigured 13th District, which includes part of Raleigh but stretches north to rural counties on the Virginia border and points south.
The Republicans not running a Bishop, who is also running for state attorney general, and Rep. Patrick McHenry.
Six Republicans are running for the 6th District seat currently held by Manning. The GOP field includes former Rep. Mark Walker, 2022 congressional candidate Bo Hines and Addison McDowell, a recent entry who received former President Donald Trump's endorsement.
Six GOP candidates also are seeking the nomination in the south-central 8th District that Bishop is leaving and five are running for the nomination in McHenry's reconfigured 10th District, which now ranges from Winston-Salem to counties north and west of Charlotte.
State House Speaker Tim Moore is one of three Republicans seeking the GOP nomination in the 14th District that will stretch from Charlotte west to foothills counties. Jackson is the current 14th District representative.
Republicans appeared all but assured to win the 6th District and 3rd District seats because Democrats failed to field candidates in either race. GOP Rep. Greg Murphy, the 3rd District incumbent, currently only faces a Libertarian challenger.
One state Supreme Court and three Court of Appeals seats, and all 170 General Assembly seats also will be on ballots. Republicans currently hold narrow veto-proof majorities in both the House and Senate.
Several legislators had already announced that they wouldn't seek reelection. Late additions to that list on Friday were Senate Majority Whip Jim Perry of Lenoir County and first-term Democratic Sen. Mary Wills Bode of Granville County.
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LATEST NATIONAL AND GLOBAL UPDATES | |
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1. Balochistan, a restive region that straddles Pakistan and Iran, was rocked by two bombings which killed at least 24 people. The attacks took place on the Pakistani side of the border, despite an increase in deployment of police and paramilitaries across the country. The attackers targeted the offices of political candidates; Pakistan will hold elections on Thursday, following a campaign marred by violence.
2. Progress towards a deal on American funding for Ukraine and Israel appeared to have stalled, as Republicans in the Senate turned against a bill that included measures to strengthen America’s border security. After months of bipartisan negotiations a vote is due on the bill on Wednesday. But right-wing Republican members of Congress—encouraged by Donald Trump—are now calling its anti-immigration measures too weak. The package includes $20bn for border security as well as $60bn for Ukraine and $14bn for Israel.
3. Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, met Muhammad Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, in Riyadh. The pair discussed efforts to end the war in Gaza and provide lasting peace. America is hoping that Saudi Arabia and Israel can agree to normalise diplomatic ties. Mr Blinken will also visit Egypt, Israel, Qatar and the West Bank this week. He is expected to push for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
4. America’s Senate unveiled a bipartisan border-security bill worth $118bn that would also provide aid to Ukraine and Israel, following months of tense negotiations. It would require America’s southern border to temporarily “shut down” to most migrants if there were more than 5,000 attempted crossings per day in a week. It is unclear whether the bill will muster enough support to pass the Senate: Donald Trump told Republicans to
reject it if it isn’t “perfect”. An initial vote on the bill is scheduled for Wednesday.
5. Rishi Sunak, Britain’s prime minister, visited Northern Ireland to show support for the return of power sharing after two years of political deadlock. Ireland’s prime minister, Leo Varadkar, also travelled to Belfast to meet with Northern Ireland’s new executive. Both met with Michelle O’Neill, the new first minister; on Saturday the vice-president of Sinn Fein became the first nationalist politician to hold the post.
6. A South Korean court acquitted Lee Jae-yong, the head of Samsung, of stock-price manipulation and accounting fraud relating to the merger of two of the conglomerate’s companies in 2015. The trial lasted almost three and a half years. Mr Lee, who maintained his innocence throughout, was found guilty of bribery charges relating to the same merger in 2018, serving just over 18 months before being paroled and then pardoned.
7. Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s president, claimed to have won the country’s elections with over 85% of the vote—although official results are yet to be announced. Mr Bukele, who stood despite being constitutionally barred from a second term, is one of the world’s most popular leaders owing to his fierce crackdown on criminal gangs. Opponents fear he could use re-election to scrap term limits.
8. America’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said there would be more strikes on Iranian proxies in the Middle East. Earlier America and Britain struck targets linked to the Houthis, an Iran-backed Yemeni group which has attacked ships in the Red Sea in recent months. America also hit Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday night, in retaliation for the killing of three American soldiers in a drone attack in Jordan on January 28th.
9. Heavy storms buffeted California, bringing floods and power outages to the state. A meteorologist at the National Weather Service said the extreme weather could be “potentially historic”, with mudslides reported in Los Angeles, the state’s biggest city.
More than 800,000 people are believed to be without power, and authorities have ordered evacuations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
10. Taylor Swift, an American megastar, won best album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Ms Swift became the first performer to claim the accolade for a fourth time, taking the prize for her album “Midnights”. The night also spelled success for “Barbie”, a hit film : Billie Eilish’s contribution to the soundtrack was named best song.
In the run-up to America’s presidential election, we’ve launched The US in brief—a daily update to help you keep on top of the political stories that matter. Sign up here to receive it as a newsletter.
Figure of the day: 15%. Support in polls for Germany’s ruling Social Democrats, down from a peak of 28% in 2021. Read the full story.
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Wed Feb 21 Rachel Hunt Fundraising Reception at Breckenridge Clubhouse (101 Redwood Park Dr. Morrisville, NC 27560) from 6 pm to 7:30 pm!
Email zach@rachelhunt.com to RSVP!
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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.
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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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