Charlotte Journalism Collaborative

How does local media shape public understanding of major community issues?

One of the most talked-about sessions at the 2026 Local News Impact Summit explored the ongoing debate over the I-77 expansion project and the role journalism has played in informing residents, elevating concerns and helping communities engage with the decision-making process.

Join moderator Colleen Murphy of Open Campus along with Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham, WFAE political reporter Steve Harrison and Sustain Charlotte Executive Director Shannon Binns for a thoughtful conversation about infrastructure, public participation and the power of local news.

🎥 Watch the full session: https://youtu.be/R7NbN4UJB20?si=plrTFWCdezQjqcld



📌 This is the first in a series of videos from the 2026 Local News Impact Summit. Stay tuned as we continue sharing conversations on the issues shaping Charlotte and the role local news plays in helping communities understand and respond to change.

Covering Conflict: Local News and the I-77 Expansion Debate From the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative's 2026 Local News Impact Summit. Filmed on May 21, 2026 at Queens University of Charlotte. As debate over the I-7...

Today’s the day. The 2026 Local News Impact Summit kicks off this morning! The fifth annual Local News Impact Summit brings together Charlotte’s communities for a day of collaboration and discussion.

A huge thank you to our sponsors:
North Carolina Local News Lab Fund, Knight Foundation, Robertson & Associates, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and our host sponsor Queens Knight School of Communication.

Celebrate 45 years of independent local journalism with WFAE 🎉

Join us Thursday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. at The Casey by Beau Monde as we honor four and a half decades of public service and look ahead to the future of fact-based, independent reporting in the Carolinas. ✨

Featuring keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien, this cocktail-attire evening is a chance to connect with fellow listeners, supporters and storytellers — and to help sustain the essential journalism our region depends on. With the loss of federal funding, your support matters more than ever. 💙

📅 Thursday, June 4 - 5:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased via the link in bio or at WFAE.org
📍 The Casey by Beau Monde — 1837 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

In the latest video from La Noticia, we hear the story of Carolina Migrant Network, a nonprofit organization that provides legal support and emergency assistance to immigrants in North Carolina. It's one of many stories you'll hear at the CJC Local News Impact Summit.

Read this story and get a preview of sessions at next week's event in today's Shifting Ground in Charlotte newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/charlottejournalism/shiftingground-13900860