CHARLOTTE, NC — Hillary Clinton got a campaign boost from President Obama when the two made a stop at the Charlotte Convention Center on Tuesday. Donald Trump stumped in Raleigh, hoping to rally enough support to take North Carolina come November. WCCB Political Contributor, Mary C. Curtis, weighs in on what’s next for Campaign 2016.
In a police shooting case in Charlotte, fewer headlines but familiar call for justice
CHARLOTTE — Now it’s Charlotte’s turn in an unwanted spotlight. The story is familiar – white police officer, unarmed black man, a shooting and the one without the gun dead in the street. Loved ones grieve, a mother holds a Winnie the Pooh doll from a childhood not too many years past and protesters demand action.
Charlotte is not Ferguson, Mo., or New York City – not this time. Randall Kerrick, the 28-year-old officer who killed 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell in September 2013, was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter. And now the public waits for a resolution. Kerrick made his first, brief court appearance on Thursday. The next is scheduled for early next year – this will take a while.
Dec122014
LGBT equality is an ‘American value’ — the theme of HRC North Carolina gala
CHARLOTTE – The scene looked like any formal event, from prom and beyond, with couples patiently waiting in line, ready to take a turn posing and smiling in front of a backdrop and getting that photo snapped to show they were there. On Saturday, that event was the Human Rights Campaign 2014 North Carolina Gala, and the more than 1,000 in attendance wanted to show they were there, supporting LGBT equality.
The star-studded crowd was a mix of politicians, celebrities — in the case of congressional hopeful Clay Aiken, a bit of both — visitors from across the country, many with North Carolina connections, and citizens of a Southern state that illustrates progress and challenges when it comes to working toward HRC goals.
The theme was how those goals reflect North Carolina and American values, as speaker after speaker emphasized.
Feb242014
Grand jury decides not to indict officer in N.C. shooting, but questions remain
CHARLOTTE – It’s a situation that won’t end quickly or easily. In a case that has drawn national attention, a Mecklenburg County grand jury did not indict a police officer on Tuesday on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in the killing of an unarmed man.
Jan222014
Grand Jury Won’t Indict Officer Randall Kerrick, but Case Is Far From Over
Charlotte, N.C.- A Grand Jury decides not to indict the CMPD officer, accused of killing unarmed man Jonathan Ferrell. Tuesday’s decision leaves mixed emotions for both sides. Washington Post Columnist Mary C. Curtis joined Rising to break down what’s next in the case.
Jan222014
The changing of the guard in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, NC: Mayor-Elect Patrick Cannon takes over city leadership next Monday. What issues are awaiting him in office? Mary C. Curtis gives a preview.
Nov272013
On Charlotte mayor’s election, and the future of N.C. Democrats and Republicans
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Washington Post columnist Mary C. Curtis is examining the election results. She was there when Mayor Patrick Cannon declared victory.
Democrats now hold a 9-2 majority in the City Council. Is Charlotte becoming a Democratic city?
And did dissatisfaction with GOP Governor Pat McCrory hurt Edwin Peacock’s campaign?
Nov062013
It’s Election Day!
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The polls are open and 23,000 people voted early for the Charlotte mayoral race.
Terrance is breaking down what’s at stake on Election Day,
Mary C. Curtis is putting it all in context – including how one candidate mixed things up by crashing his opponent’s press conference!
Nov052013
Who will be the next Charlotte mayor?
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Election Day is less than a week away. We’re talking with Mary C. Curtis on her thoughts regarding the race for mayor.
She’s got all you need to know on the race and the candidates.
Curtis says there’s no clear winner at this point.
Oct302013
GOP launches minority outreach in N.C., defends voter law in court
CHARLOTTE — Republicans were busy in North Carolina and Washington on Monday. Did the activity in the courts and on a conservative stage have the effect of muddying the welcome mat the GOP rolled out for minority voters in the state?
Earlier in the day, Republican state officials filed to urge a federal court to dismiss two lawsuits challenging changes in North Carolina’s voting laws, changes opponents contend disproportionately harm African American voters. A third challenge by the U.S. Department of Justice is waiting in the wings.
Monday evening in Charlotte, at the opening of the Republican National Committee’s African American engagement office in North Carolina, Earl Philip, North Carolina African American state director, said he believed in the message he has been taking to churches, schools and community groups.
Oct222013
