CHARLOTTE, NC– Repealing House Bill Two is enough to bring NCAA games back to North Carolina, but Charlotte didn’t make the roster cut for tournament games past 2018. Raleigh, Greensboro, Cary and Winston-Salem will host dozens of NCAA tournaments from 2019 to 2022. WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in.
Opinion: In North Carolina, the Good and Not-So-Good News
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s North Carolina, so, of course, the good news is followed by that pesky dark cloud every time.
You would think everyone in the state would welcome the end of the long saga over House Bill 2, the so-called bathroom bill, which was repealed recently in a compromise. That bill, which had compelled people to use the bathroom that corresponded to the gender on their birth certificates, also said cities could not follow Charlotte’s lead and enact their own anti-discrimination ordinances or a minimum wage and much more.
Apr132017
Same-Sex Marriage Ban Filed in N.C. House
A bill filed Tuesday by four North Carolina House Republicans would reinstate the ban on same-sex marriage, defying a 2015 Supreme Court ruling. The bill titled “Uphold Historical Marriage Act,” comes just two weeks after lawmakers repealed North Carolina’s HB2.
WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in.
Apr122017
Jeff Sessions-Style Policing Makes Everyone Less Safe
The Trump administration is most comfortable with power and the powerful.
On the world stage, this attitude has taken the form of a relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin that is cozier than ones with traditional allies such as Germany’s Angela Merkel. That sentiment trickles down within America’s borders, as well, to Trump’s words on policing, where for the self-proclaimed “law and order” president, force wins out over conciliatory tactics every time — including in his own “get ’em out of here” rally cries that have resulted in his own legal headaches.
It’s no surprise, then, that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is following the Trump lead.
Apr062017
Donald Trump Faces Foreign Policy Tests
CHARLOTTE. NC– President Trump’s administration is being tested this week – with visits from the leaders of China, Egypt and Jordan, missile tests from North Korea and chemical attacks in Syria. What Does Trump’s ‘America First’ Message Mean for Foreign Policy? WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in.
Apr052017
Opinion: Not So Fast, Democrats. You Had a Good Day, but Now What?
As the Republican Party has learned, it’s much easier to be the party of “no” than to actually have a plan to lead. So while Democrats are celebrating a GOP in disarray, the party out of power needs a message and a plan.
Understandably, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosicelebrated as the GOP’s new-and-improved health care plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act failed. But long term, she must truly want to experience a return to the speaker’s post. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer knows just how to rile Donald Trump, his fellow New Yorker. But he still has to call Trump Mr. President.
So what happens the morning after the party, when all that remains are empty champagne bottles and a headache? f
Mar302017
NCAA Deadline Looms, Confusion Over HB2 Repeal Efforts
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Another effort to craft legislation to get rid of North Carolina’s “bathroom’s bill” and halt more economic losses appears gone as Republicans and Democrats point fingers over whether an agreement ever existed. The GOP-controlled legislature and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper have been trying to find a way to repeal House Bill 2 before the NCAA decides to leave the state out of hosting championship events through 2022. The NCAA had mentioned a deadline this week. House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger said Tuesday evening that they had agreed to a plan from Cooper’s office that would repeal HB2 but include other provisions. Berger said Cooper backed out of that plan. The House Democratic leader said later there had been no formal offer and called the Republican leaders’ news conference a stunt because the GOP lacks the votes to pass a bill.
WCCB Political Contributor, Mary C. Curtis, weighs in.
Mar292017
The Heat: Previewing Donald Trump’s First 100 days
New legislation is a crucial part of any president’s first 100 days. It’s not been easy for Donald Trump.
A divided Republican party is trying to recover from a failed healthcare bill; Democrats have delayed a vote on Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nominee and leaders are vowing to block a $12 billion request to fund a Mexican border wall.
The administration is now turning its attention to the energy sector and providing middle class tax relief. Trump’s popularity is taking a hit, and the question is “Can any legislation be passed to salvage the president’s image during the crucial first 100 days?”
Mar282017
Opinion: Art as Soul Food – A Tough Yet Essential Case to Make
… when most people think arts and humanities, it usually conjures something a little snooty, out of reach and not at all essential. Cue video of the Broadway “Hamilton” cast, with the approval of audience members who have paid hundreds of dollars for a ticket, lecturing Vice President Mike Pence, and it certainly confirms a stereotype.
Truly, though, as someone who has sat in those orchestra seats — and that’s a show that needs no help surviving — the road there was paved with more than a few federal dollars.
Mar232017
Rex Tillerson’s Plan to Skip NATO, Visit Russia Puts Allies on Edge
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The State Department scrambled Tuesday to suggest new dates for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers after his plan to skip the annual gathering, but travel to Russia came to light. Tillerson’s decision to miss his first NATO meeting but visit Russia a week later plunged his department into damage control, frustrated allies and left analysts scratching their heads at an administration that once again is rubbing Europe the wrong way and raising questions about its commitment to its Western allies. WCCB’s Political Contributor Mary Curtis weighs in.
Mar222017
