Black Issues Forum: A Tense Trial, Building Broadband & the Filibuster’s Future

WTVD reporter Tim Pulliam and “Roll Call” columnist and host of the “Equal Time” podcast Mary C. Curtis join Black Issues Forum to discuss the start of Derek Chauvin’s trial, Pres. Biden’s new infrastructure plan, the racial component to the fight over the filibuster, possible redistricting changes in North Carolina, and a new lawsuit targeting a Confederate monument.

Airing: 04/02/21

The Heat: Trump, Biden final debate

US President Trump and democratic challenger Joe Biden are back on the campaign trail, hoping to gain momentum from their last debate. The two men debated each other on a number of issues in Nashville, Tennessee – challenging each other’s views on COVID-19, immigration and racial disparities in the United States.

CGTN’s White House Correspondent Nathan King reports.

Joining the discussion:

  • Mary C. Curtis is a columnist for Roll Call and the host of the “Equal Time” podcast.
  • Joel Rubin is a Democratic strategist and President of Washington Strategy Group.
  • Amy Holmes is a writer for HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and a political columnist.
  • Eric Bolling is a political commentator and Host of “America This Week.”

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: CMPD Tear Gas Video Released; RNC Here And Gone

Video has been released of a June 2 incident in uptown Charlotte where tear gas was used on protesters. We’ll talk about the conversation caught on body cam that led to a suspension for one CMPD officer.

The RNC was in Charlotte this week, but occurred in a much different way than was planned two years ago. The political speeches did happen, the roll call of states did happen, the expected uptown protests did happen, and in a surprise move, President Trump did visit. But area businesses saw little impact. We’ll give a rundown.

CMS continues to work to improve connectivity for students learning online as the school year gets underway, with several drive-up Wi-Fi sites for students access. This is happening as plans are forming on phasing in a return to in-person school, with the youngest and those with special needs coming back first.

And as colleges return and COVID-19 clusters change the way classes resume, we’ll get an update on coronavirus numbers in Mecklenburg County and around the state.

Mike Collins will tackle those stories and much more with our panel of local reporters on the Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup.

Guests:

Erik Spanberg, managing editor for the Charlotte Business Journal

Nick OchsnerWBTV’s executive producer for investigations and chief investigative reporter

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

David Boraks, reporter for WFAE

Opinion: When the World of Politics Collides With the Real One

It is months away from November 2018, but that doesn’t stop predictions not only for the midterms but also for President Donald Trump’s re-election chances in 2020. But while the world of politics is preoccupied with whether a blue wave is inevitable or a figment of hopeful Democrats’ imagination, events outside the bubble might shift the electorate in unpredictable ways.