Badge with the Kansas Press Association logo and text that says "2026 Awards of Excellence Winner"

The Beacon has won two Kansas Press Association awards for its work in 2025 covering the state.

Thomas White won a second place award in the local business category for his article: Across state line and following historic redlines: Kansas City food deserts expand as grocery stores close.

Blaise Mesa and Calen Moore of Kansas News Service won a third place award in the health story category for their collaboratively reported story: A Kansas hospital sued this family over a $230 medical bill. Some patients went to court for less.

Please join us in congratulating White, Mesa and Moore for their work addressing important issues facing people in the communities we serve.

Chris Lester is The Beacon's interim editor-in-chief. He previously served as managing editor at Kansas City PBS/Flatland. Lester was a reporter, columnist and editor at The Kansas City Star for nearly...