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
North Carolina expanded Medicaid. Now what?
Medicaid expansion is a lifeline, but in rural North Carolina, a lack of healthcare providers leaves many still struggling for care. How can we bridge the gap?
When a monster truck crossed the Currituck Sound
On July 4, 1994, Dennis Anderson drove the legendary monster truck, Grave Digger, across the Currituck Sound, making history.
Great Dismal Swamp isn’t as great, dismal or swampy as it used to be
Once vast and wild, the Great Dismal Swamp is now wooded, restored, thriving, and perfect for solitude seekers.
For Latinos, ‘parent’s rights’ should be about support and respect
Growing up, I aimed to leave rural North Carolina, but now I help Latino families navigate education through Casa Azul.
The stats that really matter in assessing K-12 education funding
North Carolina’s school funding ranks low in adequacy and equity, despite legislative focus on irrelevant state versus local sources.
How N.C. workers are changing the narrative on climate
Johnston County residents are organizing to secure Inflation Reduction Act funds for energy-efficient homes, addressing rising electric bills and climate impacts.
Ask politicians: What are you doing for renters?
North Carolina renters face rising costs, fees, and displacement, threatening community stability, while lawmakers continue to overlook tenant protections.
School vouchers are un-American
North Carolina’s expanded private school vouchers divert funds from public schools, weakening bonds and democracy. This threatens the shared values public schools instill in our communities.
Lessons for the rural housing crisis from Western N.C.
In Watauga County, realtor Sarah Davis is fighting back against soaring housing costs and LLCs, organizing locals to protect homeownership.
A sixth-grader created the greatest “I voted” sticker I’ve ever seen
A Wake County sixth-grader designed the new “I Voted” sticker featuring a unicorn, capturing attention and sparking excitement about voting.