Archives for April 2020

Mary C. Curtis: RNC Convention Plans Moving Ahead

CHARLOTTE, NC —  Charlotte still planning to host the Republican National Convention in August amid a global pandemic.

But is it time to pull the plug?

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more on the local debate.

 

POLITICAL WRAP: President Trump Ramps Down Coronavirus Briefings; Plans for Next Stimulus

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – “Not worth the time and effort.”

President Trump ramps down his daily briefings, after controversial remarks about using disinfectants to fight coronavirus.

Is the President now pivoting to his re-election strategy?

And will his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, be able to get his message out with so much attention on the virus?

Our political contributor, Mary C. Curtis, has more on that and details on another possible stimulus bill, in the video above.

Mary C. Curtis: Reopening NC & Relief Bill for Small Businesses

CHARLOTTE, NC — More COVID-19 relief is coming from a $480 billion dollar package for small businesses.

There’s also money for hospitals and testing.

The bill moves from the senate to the house where it is expected to be voted on Thursday.

South Carolina made the move to lift restrictions for some businesses.

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more on what the move means.

POLITICAL WRAP: Calls to “Reopen NC” and Small Business Stimulus Program Runs out of Money

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The political and medical battle continues over when to re-open the states, with President Trump tweeting to “liberate,” backing protests in states led by Democratic governors.

And will there will be a second round of stimulus money for small business loans? A $349 billion rescue program ran out of money Thursday, just two weeks after it was launched. Could a deal be worked out soon?

Click above for more from our political contributor, Mary C. Curtis.

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Coronavirus In Mecklenburg County; RNC Full Speed Ahead

On the Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup …

We take a look at the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and its impact in Mecklenburg County and beyond. We’ll have the latest on the number of cases and deaths in our area and whether those numbers are beginning to decline.

Earnings are in and Charlotte-based Bank of America’s profits were cut in half this quarter because the bank is setting aside money in preparation for defaults that are likely because of the effects of the coronavirus. We’ll look into that and how other financial institutions are faring.

Small businesses can now apply for a low-interest loan in Mecklenburg County, under a new program  that began on Tuesday. The program would help small businesses hurt by the impact of the coronavirus, and $6 million was approved by county commissioners to fund it. But the money is going fast. We’ll discuss.

Planners for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Charlotte say the convention is still running “full speed ahead” but plans are being made to achieve social distancing and the possibility that everyone might wear a mask.

And the Carolina Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey is now the NFL’s highest paid running back.

Mike Collins will go through those stories and more with area journalists coming up on the next Charlotte Talks local news roundup.

Guests:

Glenn Burkins, founder and publisher of www.qcitymetro.com

Mary C. Curtis, columnist for Rollcall.com and WCCB 

Katie Peralta, senior editor for Charlotte Agenda

David Boraks, reporter for WFAE

In a Global Pandemic, North Carolina Finds a Way to Stand Out

North Carolina is never content playing second fiddle to any other state, for good or ill. Of course, that would be the case during a pandemic and its aftermath. A partial list: Any politicians out there being accused of taking advantage for personal gain? Check. Questions on how states will accommodate voters skittish about choosing between their health and their right to cast a ballot? Check. Fights over expanding Medicaid after a health crisis forces a hard look at who can and cannot count on insurance coverage? Check.

Oh, and a touch of Franklin Graham as a hero with reservations. Our state never disappoints.

Mary C. Curtis: Battle Escalates Between Trump, Governors

CHARLOTTE, NC — President Trump is now walking back on his words that he has absolute authority to decide when its time to reopen the economy.

The president now says he will leave it to governors to determine when to reopen states.

Political contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in on the debate.

POLITICAL WRAP: Coronavirus – Business vs. Health & Impact on Minorities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Rising tension between business leaders and health officials about when to re-open.

And new data showing how minorities are at higher risk for Coronavirus infections and death.

Click above for more with our political contributor, Mary C. Curtis.

He Said, She Said, We Said, You Said

For the latest Weekend Watch Party, our critics cued up “His Girl Friday,” Howard Hawks’s fast-paced 1940 newspaper comedy about a big-city editor and the ace reporter who also happens to be his ex-wife. The romantic, journalistic and political high jinks that drive the picture defy easy summary, but there are a lot of spoilers here. The two leading players — Rosalind Russell as Hildy Johnson and Cary Grant as Walter Burns — have a lot to say. As did our own newsroom motormouths and, of course, the soul of any paper, printed or digital — you, our readers.

Mary C. Curtis: Wisconsin Holds Primary During Pandemic

CHARLOTTE, NC — Despite a global pandemic, people lined up at the polls to cast their votes in Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary.

The state supreme court blocked democratic governor Tony Evers’ bid to delay it until June.

Political contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in on the election and whether or not it was the right decision.