Archives for February 2020

POLITICAL WRAP: Democrats Trying to Re-Group for New Hampshire After Chaotic Iowa Caucus

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – DNC Chair Tom Perez is urging patience, following a chaotic week for Democrats.

His party’s field of presidential candidates, are trying to re-group, as they prepare for Tuesday’s primary in New Hampshire.

All of this coming, after confusion in the Iowa caucuses led to a delay in results, and left two candidates declaring victory.

Click above for more with WCCB Charlotte Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.

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

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 HelmsWFAE Education Reporter

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

David Boraks, reporter for WFAE

Jonathan Lowe, anchor/ reporter for Spectrum News

Joe BrunoWSOC-TV Reporter

 

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.

State of The Union & Iowa Caucus

CHARLOTTE, NC — President Trump touts the economy and what he calls a “Great American Comeback” in his state of the union address Tuesday night. Political contributor Mary C. Curtis breaks down the president’s message and gives her thoughts on the Iowa caucus.

POLITICAL WRAP: Iowa Caucuses, State of the Union, Impeachment Trial Vote

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Another busy week in politics is ahead. Monday is the Iowa Caucuses. Tuesday, President Trump delivers the State of the Union address. And Wednesday, Senators will vote whether to acquit President Trump in the impeachment trail.

Click above for more from WCCB Charlotte Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.