Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Charlotte Protests, CMPD Response; RNC May Leave Charlotte

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Charlotte has faced several days of protests, both peaceful and violent, after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. The protests have involved clashes with CMPD and many complaints about how the police have handled the protesters, but several police officers hope to have constructive conversation with the protesters. Thousands have hit the streets of Charlotte to protest, from Beatties Ford Road to uptown to Myers Park. We’ll talk through the demonstrations, the protesters, the chaos and the police response.

President Trump and the Republican National Committee are exploring other cities to hold the RNC this year, after Trump said this week that he’d move the convention out of Charlotte. We’ll talk about Gov. Roy Cooper’s negotiations with the RNC about having a safe convention in the midst of the pandemic and what options there still are to hold a part of the convention in the city.

We’ll give the latest on the coronavirus, as officials worry that the protests in Charlotte and the recent Phase 2 opening will result in a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Plus, we’ll have an update on the Mecklenburg County budget, which was approved this week, forcing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour. We’ll have more on the discussions at that meeting as well.

Guests:

Erik Spanberg, managing editor at the Charlotte Business Journal

Glenn Burkins, founder and publisher of QCityMetro.com 

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

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE education reporter

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Jun052020 TAGS: , , , , , , , ,

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Phase 1 Begins; NC Behind On Testing; Proposed City Budget

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On the next Charlotte Talks local news roundup …

We take a look at the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and its impact in Mecklenburg County and beyond.

Today is May 8, the day Gov. Roy Cooper has declared an end to North Carolina’s stay-at-home order as we currently know it. Stay-at-home is still in effect, but with fewer restrictions. At 5 p.m., we begin Phase 1 of the governor’s plan to reopen the state. We’ll talk about what that means here in Mecklenburg County and beyond, and how local businesses are preparing to get back to work.

And while we’re making moves to open up the state again, a COVID-19 tracking project shows that North Carolina does not rank well when it comes to testing for the virus — and experts say testing is the key to stopping the spread. So what does the state say about our 45 out of 50 ranking? We’ll discuss.

Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones recommended the city budget for next year, and included no tax increases or furloughs or layoffs for city workers. The plan also includes no losses in city services. We’ll go over the details.

Although the announcement was made in recent weeks that schools in North Carolina were closed due to the coronavirus, distance learning has continued across the state — for some. How are educators and school officials reaching those students who may otherwise fall through the cracks?

Schools in North Carolina will open a week earlier next year, on August 17. That announcement was part of a COVID-19 response plan signed by the governor this week. What will that mean for educators and families here and around the state?

Host Mike Collins brings those stories and much more along with area journalists.

Guests:

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

Jonathan Lowe, anchor/ reporter for Spectrum News

Joe Bruno, WSOC-TV Reporter

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE Education Reporter

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May082020 TAGS: , , , ,

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

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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

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Apr172020 TAGS: , , , ,

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Coronavirus Now Present In Mecklenburg; Mass Cancellations

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There are more diagnosed cases of the coronavirus (which has now been officially named a pandemic by the World Health Organization) this week, including two so far here in Mecklenburg County.

President Trump has halted travel from most European countries. Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina, and the Mecklenburg County Health Department is making preparations. Airlines are slashing the number of flights, and several entities are talking about intensifying their cleaning efforts (including Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte Area Transit System and Charlotte Douglas International Airport).

Universities in North Carolina and around the country are suspending classes or moving them online, and CMS has stopped all field trips. We’ll give you the latest.

The Hawthorne Lane Bridge has an estimated completion date for later this month, but the project looks months away from being ready. What are officials saying?

And we’ll have local reaction to this week’s primaries.

A panel of local journalists will discuss these stories and more on the local news roundup.

Guests:

Glenn Burkins, founder and publisher of Qcitymetro.com

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

Joe Bruno, WSOC-TV reporter

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE education reporter

Claire Donnelly, WFAE health care reporter

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Mar132020 TAGS: , , , ,

Charlotte Talks: After Biden’s Comeback, 2020 Race Faces Super Tuesday Lightning Round

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While the voting was still underway in South Carolina on Saturday, the former vice president made a quick side trip to Raleigh.

“Put me in coach, I’m ready to play,” Biden said at a rally at St. Augustine’s University.

If North Carolina voters on Tuesday give him back-to-back Carolina victories, Biden said “it’s a straight path to a nomination for president of the United States of America.”

But recent polls indicated a close race in North Carolina between Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Biden also appeared to be out-organized and lacking resources in many Super Tuesday states, particularly delegate-rich California.

What will the South Carolina results do to the Democratic landscape with so little time before Tuesday’s vote?

GUESTS

Mary C. Curtis, Roll Call columnist, WCCB News contributor (@mcurtisnc3)

Jim Morrill, the Charlotte Observer, political reporter (@jimmorrill)

Gibbs Knotts, College of Charleston, professor of political science; co-author of “First in the South: Why South Carolina’s Presidential Primary Matters” (@GibbsKnotts)

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Mar022020 TAGS: , , , , , ,

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Biden Seeks Comeback In SC Primary; CMS Irks Parents With Survey

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The caucus results in Nevada had barely been tallied before the Democratic candidates for president packed their bags for South Carolina and Saturday’s “first in the South” primary. So Charlotte Talks has set up shop, too, at Amelie’s French Bakery in Rock Hill.

Former Vice President Joe Biden put all his chips on South Carolina in an attempt to retake frontrunner status from Sen. Bernie Sanders. The tide might be in Biden’s favor as polls show him with a commanding lead, and the state’s top African American official, Rep. Jim Clyburn, endorsed Biden.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools found itself having to explain why students in grades 6-12 were given a survey about their gender identity and sexual orientation. The school board, meanwhile, had to scale back the size of three high schools that were part of a bond package voters approved in 2017.

Also, the will-he-stay, won’t-he-stay question about Cam Newton seemed to be resolved this week, and the CIAA tipped off it’s last (for now?) tournament in Charlotte.

GUESTS

Mary C. Curtis, Roll Call columnist and WCCB News contributor (@mcurtisnc3)

Cailyn Derickson, The Herald, reporter (@cailynderickson)

Steve Harrison, WFAE political reporter, co-host of the “Inside Politics” podcast (@Sharrison_WFAE)

Jonathan Lowe, Spectrum News, reporter and anchor (@JonathanUpdates)

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE education reporter (@anndosshelms)

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Feb282020 TAGS: , , , , , , , ,

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Severe Weather in CLT; Trump To Visit; CMS Update

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On this week’s “Charlotte Talks” local news roundup…

President Trump is on his way to the Queen City. His Friday visit, along with HUD Secretary Ben Carson, is for the North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit at CPCC. We’ll share what we know.

CMPD is putting more resources into de-escalation training for officers. A new training facility dedicated to de-escalation broke ground this week in Charlotte. What this investment will mean for officers and the commitment by CMPD to increase efforts in providing this kind of training.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ retreat this week included a lot of “team building” exercises…. And much discussion—but no decision—on a new compliance officer to oversee the superintendent and other key school officials. We also take a look at the school system’s effort to pair schools in Charlotte with the goal of increasing diversity AND a report that the system changed bond funded projects without alerting the public OR the board.

After November’s “no” vote for the Arts and Science Council tax, some arts organizations in the region have announced cutbacks and critical financial problems. The latest include longtime mainstays Opera Carolina and Actors Theatre.

And Wells-Fargo scandal appears to have been even worse than we previously knew. Our roundtable of reporters details these stories and more with Mike Collins on the local news roundup.

Guests:

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE Education Reporter

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

David Boraks, reporter for WFAE

Jonathan Lowe, anchor/ reporter for Spectrum News

Joe Bruno, WSOC-TV Reporter

 

Read the rest atWFAE
Feb072020

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Luke Kuechly Retires; No Raise For NC Teachers; Council Retreat

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On this week’s Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup…

Shockwaves went through Panther fans around the city this week as Luke Kuechly, only 28 years old and a star Panther linebacker since his first season in the NFL 8 years ago, calls it quits.

This while many questions remain about the future of the Panthers, including the future of Cam Newton, just as Newton receives honors for his charity work in the Charlotte region.

There was no vote by state lawmakers in Raleigh this week about overriding Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of the budget. The no-vote means North Carolina teachers did not get a raise. The General Assembly is now adjourned till late April.

And City Council held its annual retreat in Durham this week, which was to help the council outline their 2020 goals. Topics discussed included the budget, transportation, affordable housing and growth, among others. We’ll give you a recap.

Mike Collins is joined by local journalists to fill you in about those stories and much more on the Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup.

Guests:

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

David Boraks, reporter for WFAE 

Joe Bruno, WSOC-TV Reporter

Annie Ma, reporter for The Charlotte Observer

Read the rest atWFAE
Jan172020

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: MLS Announcement Coming Tuesday; Murder Of NoDa Business Owner

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Some of the stories we’ll cover on this week’s Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup…

A dual announcement about Major League Soccer in Charlotte is expected on Tuesday by Mayor Vi Lyles and Panthers owner David Tepper. Charlotte is widely expected to receive the newest expansion team for MLS. We’ll talk about the week’s latest developments on soccer, including some possible team names.

The newly formed Truist Financial Corporation (formerly BB&T and SunTrust) is quickly making its mark on Uptown. The bank’s Charlotte headquarters will be in what’s now the Hearst Tower. They’ve bought the high rise for more than $450 million and will rename it the Truist Center.

Elyse Dashew is the new chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board. The vote was unanimous to make Dashew the new chair, after two terms as vice chair of the board.

The beloved co-owner of a favorite Charlotte sandwich shop was murdered this week in Charlotte, with robbery a likely motive, leaving family, friends and former customers to looking for answers, and remembering Scott Brooks. The killing is Charlotte’s 104th homicide of the year.

Although the Charlotte Catholic Diocese’s list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse has not yet been released, several announcements by the Diocese have been made in recent weeks involving accusations of misconduct by Charlotte clergy- including one this week from St Matthew Catholic Church, the Rev. Patrick Hoare, who has been placed on administrative leave following the announcement of the allegation.

Mike Collins and a panel of local journalists will fill you in on these stories and much more on the Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup.

Guests:

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

Jonathan Lowe, anchor/reporter for Spectrum News

Joe Bruno, WSOC-TV Reporter

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE Education Reporter

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Dec132019 TAGS: , , , , ,

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: ASC Layoffs; I-77 Toll Lanes Open; Truist Coming In December

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On this week’s Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup…

Impeachment proceedings in Washington may lead the national headlines this week, but Charlotte has still managed some headlines of its own, beginning with David Tepper and his candid comments after Sunday’s Panther loss at home to Atlanta and his thoughts on Charlotte’s bid for a Major League Soccer expansion.

The Arts & Science Council begins layoffs in the aftermath of the local elections earlier this month in which the proposed sales tax increase for arts, parks and education was defeated.

The I-77 toll lanes were fully opened over the weekend, but there’s still work to do on the project. Work is continuing and fines are still accumulating.

Clayton Wilcox is back in the news in a new report from the Charlotte Observer, where the former CMS Superintendent is said to have pushed a contract with a tech company and then asked that company for a job.

The $66 billion merger between BB&T and SunTrust banks was approved this week by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, and the banks are set to finalize the creation of their new bank Truist coming up next month.

And some new zoning along the LYNX Blue Line was approved by City Council Monday night- will this be a positive move for affordable housing in Charlotte?

Those and other stories on the local news roundup.

Guests:

Annie Ma, education reporter for the Charlotte Observer

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

Jonathan Lowe, anchor/ reporter for Spectrum News 

Joe Bruno, WSOC-TV Reporter

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE Education Reporter

Read the rest atWFAE
Nov222019
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