Mel Watt honored as Charlotte Post Luminary
From the halls of the White House to the streets of Charlotte, Mel Watt's impact can be felt -- as a respected lawyer, civil rights champion, legislator and federal housing chief.
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Deirnesa Jefferson joined the WCCB News Rising team in October 2022. She is a native Floridian and University of Central Florida alumna. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in legal studies. During her time at the University of Central Florida, Deirnesa worked as a multimedia journalist for Knightly News, the campus newscast for the University of Central Florida.
After graduation she started her journalism career in radio and landed her first job as a part time reporter for News 96.5 WDBO in Orlando, Fl. After her time there she transitioned to an on air role as a multimedia journalist at CBS 4 in Gainesville, FL. After two years there she continued her career in Augusta, GA at WJBF Channel 6. She’s covered a variety of stories including legislation, public safety, and community impact stories.
Deirnesa is excited to be a part of WCCB’s Rising morning team.
From the halls of the White House to the streets of Charlotte, Mel Watt's impact can be felt -- as a respected lawyer, civil rights champion, legislator and federal housing chief.
Host of the #1 ranked podcast Mick Unplugged Everywhere Mick Hunt joins Rising to talk about his newest book 'How to be a good leader when you've never had one.'
Two high school seniors are at the top of their class – Kyla Hudson and Ajae Purnell are making an impact on and off campus.
A local charter school is equipping kids with the skills they need to become entrepreneurs.
Beginning July 1, 2026, students will not be able to borrow more than $257,000 total across all federal loan programs and during all years of postsecondary education.
As families prepare for the start of a new school year Carlos and Alexa Penavega are teaming up with the Salvation Army to help provide school supplies for families in need.
Now its come full circle -- Watson is a teacher at Ranson Middle School and the founder of the S.T.A.R.S Math & English Academy which provides academic enrichment, life skills training, and mentorship to over three thousand students.
WCCB's Deirnesa Jefferson talks to Charlotte Area Fund President and CEO Nick Wharton about the importance of the event.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency -- for areas impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal earlier this month.
It gives people a chance to connect and enjoy music, but it also serves a deeper purpose -- to raise awareness about the potential elimination of federal funding for the community services block grant.
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