Our Stories
At Beacon Media, we focus on tell ing the stories that truly matter to our communities. Our reporting highlights the challenges and successes of North Carolinians, especially those whose voices often go unheard. From healthcare and education to housing and justice, our stories are crafted to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change. We believe in the power of sharing these narratives far and wide. That’s why all our stories are free to republish. We encourage you to use and share our work to help amplify the voices and issues that need attention across our state. Together, we can make a difference.
Read The Latest Stories
Dalton George: How the Hellbender unites North Carolina’s mountains
The Hellbender is currently under review to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, as populations have dwindled due to pollution and overdevelopment. In many ways, its resiliency is part of what makes it so distinctly Appalachian. While development and the gentrification of Appalachia continue to displace historic working families, they’re also pushing out the Hellbender.
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: It’s been time for Southern unions
Amazon worker’s efforts in Garner, N.C., will help workers across the entire state and South. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton While I’ve spent most of my life in the South, and most of that in North Carolina, I did spend a few years in Indiana. There was a lot to get used to....
Jacob Brooks: Mark Robinson has something to teach all of us
As former N.C. Lt Gov. Mark Robinson exits public life, Jacob Brooks reflects on the scandal-plagued former politician. By Jacob Brooks Last fall, I was making my rounds at the county fairs across rural North Carolina. The smell of funnel cakes and the sight of big...
The Rev. C.J. Brinson: The Christian right does not know Jesus
Pastor C.J. Brinson takes on how President Donald Trump and his supporters have used religion in the president’s first days in office. By C.J. Brinson If there is any question about the intentions of the Christian Right, all one needs to do is observe their...
The unheralded heroes of Hurricane Helene
First responders deserve praise for their efforts, but what about others who have made it possible to recover? By Dalton George In the weeks and months after Hurricane Helene, I've seen many good stories about the police and fire departments that sent employees to...
President Jimmy Carter’s Christian legacy
Writer and organizer Stevie Brooks says remembering President Carter’s legacy should prompt some religious reflection in North Carolina.
Dan Crawford: North Carolina needs bold leadership for the environment
N.C. Gov.-elect Josh Stein has shown leadership on environmental issues. He should continue.
Oh, (Sigh) Christmas Tree
Christmas tree farm politics is a real thing in Western North Carolina this holiday season. It shouldn’t be.
A government official encounters disinformation after Helene
A Town Council member fights for people — and the truth. By Dalton George Just a day after Helene passed in late September, I found myself restless to do something to help. An event with that scale of destruction often highlights the skills we lack. But I knew...
The fight for public education
The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.