All Beacon Stories
Shannon Moretz: Why we need to tell the stories of rural North Carolina
The writer reflects on why she’s committed to telling stories of struggle, hope and progress in rural North Carolina.
Martin Henson: Let’s talk about HIV — and getting tested
The author, who leads discussion groups with Black men, writes about why he’s pushing himself and others to talk about HIV and take away the stigma from getting regularly tested.
Opinion: High Duke Energy bills and rate hikes force difficult choices
Anita Yates, a retiree living in Mt. Airy, N.C., argues that Duke Energy’s plans cost people like her too much every month.
Rose Hoban: Considering Artificial Intelligence for local news reporting
The Editor-in-Chief at the local newsroom N.C. Health News considers the ethical use of AI in a local newsroom — and finds AI won’t soon replace humans in many respects.
Preston Blakely: My grandmothers couldn’t vote freely. I’m now the Mayor.
Mayor Preston Blakely of Fletcher, N.C., reflects on his legacy and the struggle for Civil Rights that he inherited from his family.
Kimberly Jones: Public education is a sacred obligation
In a column based on a speech given as the outgoing N.C. Teacher of the Year, educator Kimberly Jones reflects on the importance of public schools.
Crystal Barnes: N.C. does not need massive, expensive Duke Energy pipelines
The writer raises concerns about a proposed pipeline planned for central North Carolina, particularly high costs passed onto ratepayers.
Rev. Della Owens: Lawmakers should kill the ‘Big Deadly Bill’
Rev. Della Owens, who organizes with the N.C.-based faith movement Repairers of the Breach, argues the budget bill being considered in the U.S. Congress will have deadly consequences for North Carolina if it is passed.
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: The real reason we’re being told to hate Pride
Small town pride events showcase the best of us. Why do some want to stoke hate?
Debbie DeWeese: Don’t cut our healthcare to give tax breaks to the rich
A bill making its way through the U.S. Senate would be devastating for the millions of people on Medicaid in North Carolina.
Preston Blakely: Political assassinations in Minnesota call for a reminder of our shared humanity
A small town North Carolina mayor reflects on the recent violence and how we can change the tide of growing violence and intimidation against our leaders.
Scott Peoples: A Shameful Week for the 82nd Airborne Division
President Donald Trump is politicizing our military, U.S. Army veteran Scott Peoples writes.
The stories of Hurricane Helene through comics
The Appalachia Comics Project is working to produce its first book, “Islands in the Sky” (which will be available in digital and print formats) about Hurricane Helene.
Melissa Castillo: Let’s stop breaking our promise to migrant workers
The deportations happening in North Carolina are the continuation of a long line of broken promises to our migrant workforce.
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Congress is pushing to drastically cut food aid. Why?
Devastating cuts are on the table for communities across the country and the more than 1.4 million North Carolinians who rely on food stamps.
Martin Henson: The unfulfilled promises of George Floyd’s legacy
Five years after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police, Black Lives Matter activist Martin Henson reflects on Floyd’s legacy and the change that hasn’t come.
Martin Henson: It’s time to address ‘church hurt’
The church can play an important role in American society again but both the church and those who might attend have a responsibility in addressing harms.
Dalton George: Psst, elected officials — get out there and talk to people
The Boone Town Council member says that talking to people in real life is a simple, important way to restore faith in government and democracy.
Billy Corriher: N.C. can’t let sore loser candidates undermine our democracy
The N.C. courts expert writes about the threats to democracy after the recent state Supreme Court race between Justice Allison Riggs and Judge Jefferson Griffin.
Ernestine Ledbetter: Duke Energy’s costly plans don’t help bills or the environment
The 74-year-old retiree wants Duke Energy to stop raising her bills and endangering the planet.