US@250 Local Journalism Series
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, local news organizations across the country are sharing stories that reflect our country’s history, democracy and what’s ahead. They are telling a fuller story of America, shaped by the communities living it.
Newsrooms in the American Journalism Project portfolio are producing original reporting, public events and multimedia storytelling that explore what this anniversary means at home. Throughout the year, these outlets will surface locally rooted stories and under-told histories that examine present-day civic life — the stories that reveal not just where we’ve been, but where we might go next.
This initiative was made possible through support from the Hearthland Foundation and Acton Family Giving.
Decisions That Defined Us: 250 Years of Belonging and Exclusion in America
The LA Local
This project uses landmark California court cases to explore who has been included in, and excluded from, the promise of America and how communities today can write the next chapter of that story.
Then I breathed freely: A fight for women’s suffrage in Wyoming
WyoFile
July 6, 2026
Not everyone in Wyoming supported equal rights when it came time for women to vote. Still, Wyoming Territory was the first known place where Black women cast a ballot.
Wyoming women and America’s ever-evolving democracy
WyoFile
July 4, 2026
Not everyone in Wyoming supported equal rights when it came time for women to vote. Still, Wyoming Territory was the first known place where Black women cast a ballot.
Cardinal News 250
Cardinal News
Cardinal News 250 is a special journalism and community storytelling project exploring the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and America’s founding through the history, people and culture of Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Why We’re Building a Black Oral History Archive
Capital B
June 29, 2026
“For the Record: A Black Oral History Archive” is a collection of over 100 firsthand stories from Black Americans across regions, generations, and identities.
Where to celebrate America’s 250th in Indianapolis
Mirror Indy
June 23, 2026
Here’s our guide to this year’s Independence Day events, plus all the rules for when you can set off fireworks in Marion County.
America at 250: Examining equality through photos
WyoFile
June 19, 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, WyoFile will be examining Wyoming’s history as the Equality State. We’re planning a series of stories and columns by WyoFile staffers and contributors from around the state.