Our Stories
At Beacon Media, we focus on telling the stories that truly matter to our communities. Beacon Media is built around the people who are preserving and strengthening democracy in North Carolina communities. From healthcare and education to housing and justice, our stories are crafted to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change. It is these community leaders and trusted messengers who will shift our collective narrative and show us what is possible — and then they are the ones who will make it a reality. We share their words and voices far and wide. That’s why all of our commentary is 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.
Read The Latest Stories
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...
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,...
Shannon Moretz: Why my rural community needs a new community news site
Many rural counties across North Carolina have suffered a loss in the quantity and quality of community news. In Caswell County, Shannon Moretz is working to change that.
Melissa Castillo: In North Carolina fields, a ministry of tamales
An underground economy helps immigrants survive, sometimes with a little humanity. Can we learn from that to reform our immigration system so it recognizes reality? By Melissa Castillo Beacon Media It’s Wednesday afternoon in Sampson County, and I watch as Juana’s...
Opinion: A year after Helene, N.C. Christmas tree farms are rebounding
Hurricane Helene did a number on the five counties that make North Carolina the second-largest Christmas tree producing state. But today there is already a sense of optimism from local farmers.
Sam Grote: Duke Energy’s rate hike exposes a broken system
Duke Energy’s latest request to the state to increase our power bills even more exposes our broken regulatory system. Learn why it’s happening—and how you can fight back. By Sam Grote N.C. Business Impact Forum In October, Duke Energy told regulators and the public...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: On Black Friday, honoring the retail workers
As millions hunt for deals and fill their carts on Black Friday and during this holiday season, remember and honor the people who make it possible.