Our Stories
At Beacon Media, we focus on telling 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
Denzel Burnside: Housing in N.C. is a roadblock to the American Dream
A staggering 86 percent of voters between 30-40 years old say housing costs are impacting their ability to reach other financial goals, like saving for retirement, starting a family, or buying a first home.
I see this data as a call to action—not just for lawmakers, but for all of us.
Ray Hemachandra: North Carolina should show we value everyone — including those with disabilities
More than 14,000 North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive ‘Innovations Waiver’ benefits under Medicaid. My son is among those receiving help.
But thousands more North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities — almost 19,000 of them — are on the “Registry of Unmet Needs,” the waitlist to receive these services under Medicaid.
Rose Hoban: Should teens’ driving requirements be shortened in North Carolina?
As lawmakers in Raleigh consider a bill that would change the required hours for teens’ provisional permits, some are raising concerns. By Rose HobanN.C. Health News Credit: Ron Lach; Creative Commons License One night, not long after I’d graduated high...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Why the costs of childcare shouldn’t be borne alone
As her son graduates high school, the writer realizes the tremendous costs of childcare early in her son’s life have ripple effects well past those years. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Credit: PickPik I’m a heck of a proud mom. My son is graduating next...
Ryan Wegener: How a Confederate monument shows what’s possible
An organizer considers his and his town’s past as he confronts a time of political division. By Ryan Wegener Beacon Media Source: UNC Chapel Hill - Documenting the American South Most Confederate monuments face North to represent defending against the...
Martin Henson: Student loan confusion, delays are stalling dreams
The writer calls on family and communities to rally around those affected by budget cuts and disarray in the federal government that is affecting student loans. By Martin Henson Beacon Media Creative Commons license. Credit: Wikimedia Commons user...
Rev. C.J. Brinson: A time for Democrats to break the silence
Pastor C.J. Brinson says the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., anti-Vietnam speech should encourage Democrats like N.C. Gov. Josh Stein to have more courage. By C.J. Brinson Beacon Media Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1964. Source: Wikimedia Commons In a...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: A love letter to the working class
The writer reflects on her love of all things associated with the working class. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Working Class Storytelling City of Greenville, North Carolina, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons It started in the back seat of my family’s Jeep Cherokee, the...
Dalton George: My personal affordable housing crisis
A young renter — who is also a member of the Boone Town Council — reflects on his and North Carolina’s affordable housing crisis. By Dalton George Beacon Media It took a long time, and it was more money than I imagined spending, but I'm proud to say...
Stevie Brooks: How we turned a protest into our version of a church
A rally held in protest of federal actions, courtesy of Stevie Brooks. Last month, the leader of a protest in Shelby gathered the community and conquered fears and critics. By Stevie Brooks Beacon Media When I got home the night of the big protest I...
Jeremy Markovich: There is no such thing as a Durham accent
People are all up in arms about the North Carolina accents from the latest season of “The White Lotus.” So where exactly did they come from? By Jeremy Markovich Beacon Media Jason Isaacs with Morgana O'Reilly on Season 3 of "The White Lotus." Photograph by Fabio...
Rev. C.J. Brinson: Remembering activist Fannie Lou Hamer can show us the way forward
Greensboro pastor C.J. Brinson says that attacks on marginalized communities should not make anyone despair or tune out. By C.J. Brinson Beacon Media Fannie Lou Hamer, American civil rights leader, in 1964. Credit: Ken Thompson Collection, Global Ministries, The...
Rose Hoban: Amid flu deaths in N.C., warning signs already for next year
The Trump administration’s withdrawal from meetings that establish the flu virus has experts worried.