To the honorable Mayor Quinton Lucas and members of the Kansas City Council: Over the course of the last five years, we, members of the Kansas City media, have grown increasingly concerned about changes in our access to transparent and accurate information from City Hall. We were profoundly disappointed to see this shift confirmed over […]
Behind the Beacon
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What Kansas City nonprofits told us about the shifting federal funding landscape
The Beacon spoke with Kansas City area nonprofits on March 21 about their questions and concerns around potential federal funding cuts.
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Beacon reporting cited in national investigation on police control
The Beacon was recently featured in ProPublica’s investigative report on Missouri’s bid to take control of the St. Louis Police Department.
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A community conversation on ending the school-to-prison pipeline
On Feb. 8, Community Journalism Lab representative Eden Barnes, in partnership with Fringe Benefits of Education, held a community listening session at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Our lab invited college students to discuss their experiences with youth risk factors – and how those factors could lead to future criminality or incarceration if left unaddressed. […]
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The multifaceted work behind the 2024 KC Voter Guide
The 2024 Kansas City Voter Guide was an ambitious, collaborative effort that rallied local media and community organizations under the banner of strengthening civic engagement. Powered by the Kansas City Media Collective (KCMC) in partnership with The Kansas City Star, RevEd, the League of Women Voters Kansas City, and over 200 community partners, the guide […]
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This is how we’re celebrating the holidays – Kansas City Style
The holidays are a hectic and busy time, and at The Beacon, we recognize that it looks a little different for everyone. To help you unwind, relax and take a step back, we’ve put together a list of activities that you enjoy with your family, friends or even by yourself. Support local dining this holiday […]
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The Beacon’s community engagement recap for 2024
The Beacon started a new strategy in 2024 with the Community Journalism Lab, CJL. We learned what worked, what didn’t and where we plan to go in 2025. That included the possibility of building partnerships with local journalism schools. We focused more on hearing more from organizations and community members through various forms of listening […]
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Experts, advocates, and community members unite at homeless shelter listening session
In a world where the gaps between neighbors and communities grow larger, few issues illustrate these rifts more than homelessness. That’s why Kansas City is working to open its first low-barrier shelter — one that provides immediate access with minimal or no requirements. Kansas City officials approved the conversion of Hope Faith Ministries into a […]
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The Beacon is joining AJP’s Product & AI Studio
At The Beacon, we are dedicated to combining trusted journalistic principles with cutting-edge technology. As newsrooms across the country explore AI tools to enhance their reporters’ capacity, we are excited to announce that The Beacon is entering the field with a running start by joining 27 other news organizations in receiving from AJP’s Product & […]
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Your Bet, Your Voice! A nonpartisan community discussion
The Beacon’s Community Lab held a listening session about Missouri’s Amendment 2 that would legalize sports betting. There’s been a lot of chatter within our community wondering what the pros and cons are and whether funding would actually go toward gambling addiction and education. With Election Day around the corner, I thought it was valuable […]