Archives for July 2014

Same Sex Marriage Ruling In VA Affects Politics in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A step forward for supporters of same sex marriage. North Carolina officials say they will stop defending the amendment that bans this kind of union.

Lawsuits challenging the state’s gay marriage ban could be filed within the next week. Mary C. Curtis looks at how the politics in North Carolina are taking cues from Virginia.

Virginia same-sex marriage ruling reverberates in North Carolina

When a federal appeals court based in Richmond struck down Virginia’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage on Monday, the effect immediately moved southward.

In North Carolina, also covered by the 4th Circuit, a similar ban — bolstered by a Constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2012 – is also facing challenges in court. As advocates on both sides reacted and politicians involved in tight midterm races took a stand after this latest ruling, the scene unfolded against the backdrop of a museum exhibit that chronicles LGBT history through a Southern lens.

How The Conflict In Gaza Hits Home In Charlotte


Dozens of people filled into uptown for weekend protests to end conflict in the Middle East. Local demonstrators are calling on the U.S. Government officials to take action. This is a story we’ve been monitoring along with Mary C. Curtis.

HUD settles case alleging housing discrimination against domestic violence victim

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plans to announce Wednesday that it has reached agreements with the owners and managers of two Berlin, N.H., properties, to settle allegations that they engaged in housing discrimination for refusing to rent to a woman who was a victim of domestic violence.

Although most know that the Fair Housing Act from 1968, and the amendments and executive orders that followed, protect against discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability, it may come as a surprise that victims of domestic violence are covered as well. It is a violation of the act to treat victims of domestic violence differently than victims of any other crime.

“These individuals are being victimized twice,” Gustavo Velasquez, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity told She the People — first by the aggressor and then by a landlord who is refusing to renew a lease or threatening to evict. He called the situation both “immoral and illegal,” and said that “HUD remains committed to ensuring and promoting fair housing opportunities for women and men alike.”

Reflecting on TV and movie legend James Garner

Best known for “Maverick” and “The Rockford Files,” actor James Garner starred in over fifty films during his lifetime before passing away on July 19. We are joined by some of his fans to help remember the legacy he left on television and film.

James Garner, with his cynical cool and diverse TV family, was ahead of his time

I can’t get enough of “The Rockford Files,” even the episodes I’ve seen over and over. I watched one Sunday night, and mourned the man who embodied the title character. A writer can go to school on the twisty, witty scripts. But the show wouldn’t work without James Garner as Jim Rockford, the put upon private investigator who could say everything with a casual glance. He made it look so easy, but of course, it wasn’t.

Is mom breastfeeding infant at concert having it all or going too far, and other parenting questions

It’s about more than one mother of a 4-month-old made to leave a stage-side spot at a California Brad Paisley concert. Was it because she was breastfeeding, as she says, or did police officials give her the option of moving to a seated area or getting a refund and leaving because, as they say, they were concerned for the baby’s safety and hearing?

It’s also about how much life does and should change when you have children. Is it fair to the infant, and others who then watch their language, attitude and step when a child shows up in an unlikely place? Should a parent become a hermit when baby-sitting family members are far flung, the child is well-behaved and an evening out could lessen the stress and make everyone a little happier?

Politicking In N.C. After McCrory Divided On Issues


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s Republican versus Republican in Raleigh. Governor Pat McCrory is showing some differences of opinion with members of his own party.

Political contributor Mary C. Curtis answers the question: Is McCrory flexing his independent muscle?

The ‘I have a black friend’ defense – just another bit in Anthony Cumia’s shock jock routine

he dance goes something like this. A Phil Robertson, Jason and David Benham or Anthony Cumia says or tweets something that is controversial, racially charged or just plain rude. His employer (and Dr. Laura and Paula Deen aside, it’s usually a “he”) condemns, and, sometimes, fires him. Fans cry foul and start a petition, boycott or counter-offensive to the original offensive behavior. And away we go. Wait awhile and a black friend eventually enters the picture –an actual picture, in Cumia’s case.

From voting battles to coal ash spills, what’s up with North Carolina?

Heading into the 21st century, North Carolina was that model Southern state — tradition meets moderation, in everything from its manners to its politics. So what happened? Depending on whom you ask, the state has either lost its way or is finding it. It’s difficult to get anyone to agree about anything these days.