Local News Roundup: COVID-19 Numbers Up In NC; Vance High Gets New Name; Early Voting; Remembering Judy Williams

On the next Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup:

North Carolina’s coronavirus numbers are creeping back up under Phase 3, and state Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen urges residents to remain vigilant, stating that she’s no longer able to pinpoint a specific location or cause, and that “this virus is everywhere.”

CMS begins its first round of in-person classes this week as Pre-K students return to school. We’ll get an update on how that went as well as other CMS news, including the week’s COVID-19 numbers and the renaming of Vance High School.

Early voting started this week in North Carolina, and candidates are descending on Charlotte and other locations around the state. We’ll give an update on all things “election,” including how potential voters are responding to news of the scandal in Cal Cunningham’s campaign, and record money raised by South Carolina candidate for U.S. Senate Jaime Harrison.

And we remember Judy Williams, the co-founder of Mothers of Murdered Offspring and anti-violence advocate in Charlotte who supported countless families of murder victims. She died last week after a battle with lung cancer.

Mike Collins and our roundtable of reporters bring the week’s top news in the local news roundup.

Guests:

Erik Spanberg, managing editor for the Charlotte Business Journal.

Glenn Burkins, founder and publisher of qcitymetro.com.

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE’s Education Reporter.

Mary C. Curtis, columnist for Rollcall.com, host of the Rollcall podcast “Equal Time” and contributor at WCCB-TV.

POLITICAL WRAP: Mixed Messages on President’s Health; Cal Cunningham Text Scandal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Mixed messages this weekend about President Trump’s health, as he remains hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center.

And North Carolina’s Senate race, upended by revelations Democrat Cal Cunningham sent sexually suggestive text messages to a California strategist, who is not his wife.

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more in the video above.

The legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Mary C. Curtis, a Columnist at Roll Call, talked about the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the fight to replace her on the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

POLITICAL WRAP: Battle Over Filling Supreme Court Opening

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Battle lines are being drawn over the fight to fill the open seat on the Supreme Court. Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis takes a look at the possible scenarios over the weeks and months to come.

Mary C. Curtis: First Debate in a Key Race in North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All eyes are on North Carolina, not just because its 15 electoral votes will be key in what is expected to be a close presidential race. The U.S. Senate contest between Republican incumbent Thom Tillis and Democrat Cal Cunningham is also close, according to polls, and could help determine which party controls the Senate.

Big money has already been spent in the Senate race.

What can voters learn from their first debate? WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in.

Mary C. Curtis: Differences Between Democrat and GOP Stimulus Bills

CHARLOTTE, NC — Lawmakers are debating the next round of coronavirus relief to help struggling Americans.

The senate republicans $1 trillion dollar proposal was released Monday, but how does it differ from what the democrats are seeking.

Here’s our political contributor Mary C. Curtis with a look at the key differences.

Mary C. Curtis: Calls for Police Reform

CHARLOTTE, NC — Calls for police reform continue to grow in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis two weeks ago.

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis discusses the changes happening on the local level and across the country.

Mary C. Curtis: Dr. Fauci, Other Experts Testify on Pandemic Response, Gov. Cooper Calls for More Testing in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The nation’s top health experts issue a warning on the coronavirus pandemic.  Dr. Anthony Fauci, was one of four top health experts who testified virtually before a Senate committee on Tuesday, where he others were pressed on whether the country is ready to reopen.

Meantime, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is calling for more testing as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.

WCCB Political Contributor, Mary. C Curtis has the latest in the fight against coronavirus.

White House and Senate Agree on $2 Trillion Stimulus Deal

CHARLOTTE, NC — The white house and senate leaders reach a $2 trillion dollar stimulus deal to help Americans strained by the coronavirus outbreak.

Political contributor Mary C. Curtis is breaking down what the deal means for you.

Senators try to punt their way out of trouble and Trump’s line of fire

OPINION — Don’t you just hate it when someone uses a sports metaphor to teach a life lesson? So do I, usually. But with the Super Bowl not a week in the rearview mirror, it would be impossible to ignore the concept of the punt — getting out of a tough situation by moving the ball as far as possible toward the opponent’s end zone.

If you’re playing against a Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs, you’re merely buying some time before the inevitable score. But senators using that tactic in an impeached President Donald Trump’s trial are no doubt hoping any payback comes late, or not at all.

For them, it’s a way to satisfy both their consciences and a Trump-supporting voting base.