opinion
We Won't Publish Guilt-by-Proximity Headlines
When an unaccepted invitation becomes a headline, journalism slips into insinuation. Here's why The Charlotte Mercury won't publish proximity stories without evidence.
Feb 4, 2026
Peter Cellino
Publisher · Founder, Mercury Local
Peter Cellino is the publisher of The Charlotte Mercury and founder of Mercury Local, the platform that runs it. He writes on agentic AI, platform economics, and the future of independent local journalism.
5 Articles
opinion
If You're Not Reading, You're Not Ready To Vote
In the so-called Information Age, citizens are swimming in data and drowning in ignorance — and that has consequences at the ballot box. A city that won't read shouldn't trust its own opinions.
Dec 1, 2025
opinion
Old Pizza, Old Media: Why The Charlotte Mercury Will Not Serve This Slice Of "News"
A Texas pizza franchise's bankruptcy just ran as "Charlotte business news." Here is why that old attention-merchant model is breaking down and what The Charlotte Mercury is doing instead.
Nov 24, 2025
opinion
Charlotte Spent $25,000 Investigating Corruption Claims That Proved Baseless | Mercury Local
Councilmember Watlington's corruption allegations have cost Charlotte $ 25,000. Investigation found nothing. She has no regrets. That's the problem.
Oct 15, 2025
government
How Charlotte Transit Leaders Botched Their Crisis Response After Blue Line Murder
Charlotte's transit leaders turned a tragedy into a communications disaster. Here's the crisis management playbook they ignored—and what they should have said instead.
Oct 3, 2025