All Beacon Stories
Martin Henson: Targeting “DEI” is costing life-saving programs and research
When many people think of “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” efforts, they think of a workplace training. However, targeting of those initiatives has resulted in harm far beyond that, affecting the health of many Americans, the writer says. Photo...
Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter
Episode 6: Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter In this episode, we sit down with Todd Carter—Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, Dalton’s right-hand man, and Chief Development Director at Hospitality House of WNC—for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in...
Episode 5 – ACA, Graig Meyer, and March Madness
In our second news episode with just our two hosts, Preston and Dalton, touch on an ongoing healthcare challenge related to a hospital in WNC, the replacement process for NC Senator Graig Meyer's seat, their own controversies, and wrap it up talking about March...
Iliana Santillán: What we can all learn from Suzy Geronimo
A transgender woman, Geronimo is a Henderson resident who has been detained by immigration authorities. Geronimo’s bold activism and standing in support of Latino and LGBTQ communities demands support from a broader community now, the author argues. By Iliana...
Episode 4 (PT 2) – Petey Smith McDowell: Belle Chere, Reddit, North Carolina Ghost Busters
Here's part two of our conversation with Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more,. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows @peteysmithmcdowell. Big shoutouts to Preston's family business, Quality Janitorial Group Inc....
Iliana Santillán: This César Chavez Day, encouraging the whole truth
After many came forward to tell stories of abuse at the hands of the celebrated Latino organizer of farmworkers, the author tells us how to honor this complex legacy. By Iliana Santillán Beacon Media A decade ago, when I was teaching fourth grade in Apex,...
Episode 4 – Petey Smith McDowell: AVL, Comedy, and Reading the Room
So excited that we had the Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more, join us for our first in person episode! Together we talk comedy, politics, and Western North Carolina. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows...
Episode 3: Preston and Dalton talk Data Centers, Costco, and Primaries
Welcome to episode 3, where Preston and Dalton switch gears and talk to each other about ongoing events in Boone, Fletcher, and across North Carolina. Together, they talk about Data Centers and their impacts, what they do as local leaders to provide protections, the...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: This small town drag brunch brought threats — then sparked long-term activism
In 2022, restaurant owner Tiffany Dahle in Stanly County, N.C., hosted a drag brunch that drew threats. Here’s why she’s still fighting for her community. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Working Class Storytelling Photo by Nico Ruge on Unsplash...
Episode 2 (PT 2) – Andrew Aydin: Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and Comics
Welcome back to Do You Even Live Here? This is part 2 of our chat with Andrew Aydin. We had a lengthy conversation that we're sure you'll enjoy. In this episode, Andrew shares some Jesse Jackson stories honoring the late civil rights hero and spills about some comic...
Opinion: Restricting registration forms punishes North Carolina voters
By Kate Fellman You Can Vote Photo by Ernie Journeys on Unsplash Following a successful primary election with energetic voter participation all over the state, we expect voters to be even more eager to make their voice heard in the fall. North Carolinians have a...
kimberly jones: Rural public schools don’t want a handout. They want access to opportunity
Former teacher of the year Kimberly Jones, once a rural area public school student, says state lawmakers should offer the same opportunities to rural students that are offered to those from wealthier By Kimberly Jones Beacon Media Photo by Nathan...
Episode 2 – Andrew Aydin: Rushing the Mound, Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and Comics
For our second episode, we're excited to host Andrew Aydin, John Lewis's former Digital Director and Policy Advisor, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a comics writer. We touch on a bit throughout these two parts. We hope you enjoy and look to support Andrew...
Billy Ball: How Jesse Jackson was vilified — and ultimately redeemed
The white South made a villain of a native son, but the region never had a better champion for it on the big stage than the Rev. Jesse Jackson. By Billy Ball The Living South Photo by Fine Photographics on Unsplash In 1984, the Rev. Jesse Jackson lost...
Episode 1 (Pt #2) Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Taking Back Storytelling
Friend of the show, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton continues the conversation about her work, AI, organizing, and much more in this part two of our episode one. Preston and Dalton stick around after and re-cap and touch on their first jobs. Special thanks for this episode goes...
Opinion: Why we are asking ‘Do You Even Live Here?’
Two mayors from Western North Carolina are launching a new podcast, in partnership with Beacon Media, to answer a big question about the future of North Carolina. Preston Blakely (left) & Dalton George (right) By Preston Blakely and Dalton George Beacon Media Last...
Episode 1 – Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Taking Back Storytelling (Pt #1)
Welcome to our first episode, everyone! Friend of the show, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton joins us for a conversation about her work, AI, organizing, and much more. Gwen is a writer and organizer dedicated to amplifying the voices of working-class people in rural communities...
Opinion: A child of immigrants, no longer alone in fear
Growing up as the daughter of undocumented immigrants, the author knew fear and uncertainty. Now, amid a federal crackdown aimed at Latino immigrants, she felt that again — until she saw her community respond. A protest in Wilson, N.C. Photo courtesy of Andressia...
Opinion: Small particles, big impacts for our air
The editor of N.C. Health News tracks the repeal of an environmental regulation by the EPA and explains how changes to seemingly small regulations have big health impacts. By Rose Hoban N.C. Health News Breathe in. And out. Do it a few more times. Then think...
Martin Henson: Resisting ICE is not just about immigration
From the death of a woman in Minnesota to federal immigration raids in North Carolina, resistance is an awful reminder of a society once governed by slavery. Image created by AI. By Martin Henson Beacon Media I can imagine the scene: Locked shoulder to shoulder,...