All Beacon Stories
OPINION: Franklin and Granville counties would lose big on tax amendments
Proposed tax amendments on November’s ballot could mean significant revenue losses for Franklin and Granville counties, threatening funding for essential public services. By Alexandra SirotaCounty Beacon Every time lawmakers push another round of tax cuts for people...
Graig Meyer: Don’t be fooled by the tax amendments on your ballot
The constitutional amendments on North Carolinians’ ballot on November 3 promise to lower taxes. They are really about a tax break for the wealthy — not for you, the author writes. By Graig Meyer Beacon Media Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash The North Carolina...
Martin Henson: After Cornell, men are the problem — and the solution
The writer describes an experience trying to confront another group of men on how to address the sexual violence that is too prevalent in the U.S. By Martin Henson Beacon Media It feels like we all have heard this story before. As the world confronts yet another group...
Martin Henson: A Raleigh death evokes strong emotions for the Black community
The Black community should not immediately be dismissed for speculating on the cause of a Black man’s death after he was found hanging from a tree, the author writes. By Martin Henson Beacon Media A Black man was found hanging from a tree in downtown Raleigh last...
Episode 21 – The Mayor Who Still Cleans Bathrooms
It's a special episode all about Preston as Dalton turns the mic on his co-host ahead of election season. They play a short bio piece following Preston as he files for reelection and talk through what filing actually looks like, from the paperwork to picking a...
Episode 20 – News Roundup: Who Picks Up the Tab for Feeding Our Neighbors?
It's another news episode as Dalton and Preston catch up on life outside the mayor's office. Preston celebrates his UNCG Young Alumni Award and recaps taking the police officer physical ability test (and outpacing Attorney General Jeff Jackson), while Dalton heads...
Episode 19 – What can we do to save WNC’s endangered species? w/ Jewel Tomasula
This week, the Dalton and Preston welcome the Policy Director of the Endangered Species Coalition, Jewel Tomasula, in a special episode to address the Trump administration's recent attacks on the Endangered Species Act. They discuss her roots in the American...
Episode 18 – What makes WNC special for artists? w/ Filmmaker Matt Groce
This week, Preston and Dalton welcome WNC-based filmmaker Matt Groce for a discussion on what it means to create art in Appalachia. Matt is a documentary filmmaker and the co-founder of Jewelweed Media, as well as an App State alum. From music festivals to winemaking,...
Episode 17 – Dunk Tank Democracy
It's just the guys this week as Dalton and Preston catch up for the first news episode of season two. They swap dunk tank stories from their recent fundraisers, debate the best school lunch ahead of Preston's panel on no-cost school meals, and preview Dalton's trip to...
Episode 16 – Back to School Special with Kimberly Jones
The guys are back with the SEASON TWO PREMIERE, and this week it's a back to school special. Career education Kimberly Jones joins Dalton and Preston to discuss her recent op-ed for Beacon Media on the recent overturning of the Leandro case by the NC Supreme Court....
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Data center organizing putting candidates on notice across N.C.
North Carolina data center proposals are rousing many to take on local battles across ideological and partisan lines in communities across the state. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash If you drive through...
Kimberly Jones: Educators lost their ‘Leandro’ rallying cry — now we rally around purpose
The court case that North Carolina educators had long been hopeful would prod a reluctant General Assembly to produce a better public education system was dismissed this year by North Carolina’s top court. Those who care about North Carolina’s public schools need a...
Opinion: Working in the shadows, North carolina’s farmworkers deserve to be seen
The farmworkers who legally come to make North Carolina’s farms function are overworked, underpaid and endure brutal conditions. Will lawmakers recognize them?Farm workers and interns from Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) play volleyball after an outreach visit...
Iliana Santillán: From North Carolina to Mexico, the World Cup was a reminder of our humanity
As the World Cup and the atmosphere around it has ended, it’s worth savoring the reminders it gave us. Iliana Santillán (front, left) sits was her father (right, middle) and friends before a World Cup game. By Iliana Santillán Beacon Media I went to Mexico this summer...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: This July 4th, a look back — and forward — at North Carolina’s collective power
North Carolina’s history is replete with examples of how community organizing made life better for so many of our communities. Does N.C.’s past hold the blueprint for a better collective future? Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash By Gwen...
Episode 15 – Season One Finale and America 250
In this week's episode, the guys wrap up season one and prepare for summer vacation as Jeremy Borden, longtime journalist and executive director of Beacon Media, turns the tables and asks them to reflect on the show so far. They share stories from listeners who...
Martin Henson: Juneteenth is my Fourth of July
Juneteenth has always felt to the writer, a Black man, like the day when those who care about the freedom of Black people in America can truly call a day of independence. By Martin Henson Beacon Media Juneteenth is my Fourth of July. It comes with all my favorite...
Reclaiming Masculinity and the WH UFC Fight w/ Martin Henson
BMEN founder Martin Henson joins Preston and Dalton for restorative justice, anime redemption arcs, and Black men's mental health. They also discuss the White House UFC event, Michelle Obama's mistreatment, Juneteenth's politicization, and a sports roundup covering...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: The real reason we’re told to hate Pride
Small town pride events showcase the best of us. Why do some still want to stoke hate? By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Editor’s note: This column, first published in 2024, has been updated from its original version. Photo by Tong Su on Unsplash From...
Bringing Healthcare Home w/ Dr. Laurie Stradley
This week, Dr. Lori Stradley, director of Impact Health, joins Preston and Dalton to talk about what drives health outcomes before anyone ever sees a doctor. From rural transportation gaps to food box deliveries stabilizing families, Lori makes the case that investing...