Tonight, Laverne McGee, BNC chief medical editor Dr. Corey Hebert, MD and podcast host Mary C. Curtis discuss #omicron. The variant is surging and we’re starting to repeat the same worrying events that occurred in earlier #COVID days. #PRIME
What keeps the White House COVID-19 task force chair up at night?
ary C. Curtis, host of the Equal Time podcast, usually ends her show by sharing what’s keeping her up at night. This past week, she posed the same question to Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, chair of the White House’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and associate dean for health equity research at the Yale School of Medicine.
Here’s a transcript of that conversation, edited for clarity and brevity, on the latest on COVID-19 and equity:
Oct122021
‘White folks don’t care about dead Black and Brown people like they ought to’
It has been more than a year since the killing of George Floyd sparked cries for police reform and even defunding. But it has all but stalled on the national level as time has passed and as the FBI reports a historic rise in murder rates.
Mary C. Curtis speaks with author and professor David Kennedy, director of the National Network for Safe Communities, to understand why and what the next steps should be. Also, ‘Equal Time’ checks in on COVID-19 vaccine equity with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, who leads President Joe Biden’s health equity task force.
Oct072021
Why do Black American women die having babies?
The United States has the highest — yes the highest — maternal mortality rates in the developed world. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women. That is in keeping with other sobering statistics of racial health inequities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary C. Curtis sits down with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, President Biden’s pick to lead the task force on health equity. They discuss why Black people suffer disproportionately and what is being done to change the equation.
Jun032021
Mary C. Curtis: North Carolina Expands Vaccine Rollout, Pres. Biden Steps Up National Goal
CHARLOTTE, NC — President Joe Biden says all adults will be eligible to receive a covid-19 vaccine by April 19.
The date is almost two weeks earlier than the previous deadline may first.
The news comes as North Carolina makes vaccinations available to anyone 16 and older starting Wednesday, April 7.
WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis has more.
You can catch Mary C. Curtis on Sunday nights at 6:30 PM on WCCB Charlotte’s CW discussing the biggest issues in local and national politics and also giving us a look at what’s ahead for the week.
Apr072021
Pandemics and gun violence are real life, not ‘theater’
Perhaps Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky needs a refresher course on the meaning of the word “theater.” His GOP colleague Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas could listen in.
The former recently initiated a verbal brawl with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease specialist who has been providing information and advice to guide Americans dealing, along with the rest of the world, with a deadly pandemic. The latter accused anyone proposing the consideration of gun restrictions, in light of two horrific mass shootings in the space of a week, of “ridiculous theater.”
Now, I realize the term “theatrical” can be used as an insult hurled at someone accused of exaggeration, but what is happening in America is a fact. So let me offer my own definition: “Theater” is the thrill of escaping from it all in a darkened hall with a group of strangers, to see and hear professionals act or sing or dance, and to be uplifted by the experience, if only for an hour or two.
And it’s something we’ve been deprived of during this past, very long year amid the pain of COVID-19, with deadly gun violence that has not abated as a backdrop, and so much more.
Mar262021
Local News Roundup: Vaccine Eligibility Increases But Finding Appointments A Challenge; Atlanta Killings Reaction; Arrests In Capitol Riot
This week, more people are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and more appointments are being made available throughout the county to help people get their first dose of the vaccine. We’ll talk about who is eligible.
Once you’re eligible for the vaccine, some finesse and persistence may still be required to find a place to get vaccinated. We’ll talk about some mass vaccination events and where to look for appointments.
This week’s killing of six Asian American women in Atlanta brings the rise in violence against Asian Americans to the forefront in the Southeast. We’ll hear local reaction.
GOP lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are working to put a limit on the governor’s emergency power during long-term emergency events. We’ll talk about what they’re trying to do and how that will affect Gov. Roy Cooper’s ability to manage the pandemic in the state.
And two York County, South Carolina, men are arrested for their alleged role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. We discuss how they were identified and their role in the violence.
Mike Collins and our roundtable of reporters delve into the week’s top news on the Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup.
GUESTS:
Nick Ochsner, WBTV’s Executive Producer for Investigations & Chief Investigative Reporter
Mary C. Curtis, columnist for Rollcall.com, host of the Rollcall podcast “Equal Time” and contributor at WCCB-TV
Katie Peralta Soloff, reporter for Axios Charlotte
David Boraks, reporter for WFAE
Mar192021
POLITICAL WRAP: COVID Relief Plan Passes Senate; Latest on Vaccine Distribution
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Senate has passed the latest COVID relief bill.
Next, it heads back to the House for approval, before it lands on President Biden’s desk.
And the latest on COVID vaccination, as North and South Carolina enter new phases, while some states reopen without restrictions.
Our political contributor, Mary C. Curtis, gives us her take in the video above.
Mar072021
POLITICAL WRAP: U.S. COVID Deaths Nearing 500,000; Texas Power Grid
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Another grim milestone nearing, as the U.S. prepares to reach 500,000 COVID deaths.
The latest as health officials stress the battle is far from over and remind the public to remain vigilant.
And a week of no power for many in the Lone Star State.
While Texas is the only state to have its own power grid, what are the vulnerabilities for North Carolina and the rest of the country?
Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis gives us her take in the video above.
Feb212021
POLITICAL WRAP: President Trump 2nd Impeachment Trial; COVID Rollout Improvement Efforts
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Senate plans to begin former President Trump’s trial next month.
The article will be presented Monday, and Senators will be sworn in as jurors Tuesday.
Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more on this in the video above, along with the latest on efforts to improve the COVID vaccine rollout.
Jan242021
