Ray Hemachandra: North Carolina should show we value everyone — including those with disabilities

Ray Hemachandra: North Carolina should show we value everyone — including those with disabilities

by | May 14, 2025 | Local Organizing, North Carolina, North Carolina Community, North Carolina State Politics, Public Health

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.

Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Why the costs of childcare shouldn’t be borne alone 

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Business, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton, Local Politics, North Carolina Community, North Carolina State Politics, Uncategorized

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...

Mayor Smathers: Let’s come together and deliver for WNC

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Appalachia, Business, Climate Crisis, Environment, Hurricane Helene, Hurricanes, Local Organizing, Local Politics, North Carolina, North Carolina Community, North Carolina State Politics, Public Health, Reclaiming Rural, Western North Carolina

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers calls on lawmakers in Raleigh to deliver for hurricane victims By Zeb Smathers From the moment Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on North Carolina, we’ve witnessed the best of humanity. Neighbors of all beliefs, political parties,...