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 […]
Behind the Beacon
Posted inBehind the Beacon
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 […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
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 & […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
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 […]
Posted inElections
How to find out what’s really happening with 2024 election results (spoiler alert: not social media)
The 2024 election already has viral misinformation. There was a video of someone tearing up votes for Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. It was a fake. Another conspiracy said Georgia voting machines were flipping votes. Also bogus. Finding reliable information on elections isn’t always easy, and social media is often full of lies and misinformation. Here’s […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
How Suzanne King’s reporting highlights local health care gaps
Ever since Suzanne King joined The Beacon as a full-time health care reporter, she’s been diving into critical, underreported issues that affect the wellbeing of millions. King, who stepped into the role last fall, recently published a three-part series investigating the causes and effects of Kansas City-area pharmacies closing. But that’s just her latest. Over […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
A Message to Our Readers: The Beacon’s Evolving Presence in Wichita
Since launching in Wichita in 2021, The Beacon has been committed to delivering trustworthy, community-centered news that highlights key local issues. We’ve continuously adapted and innovated while working closely with all of you to ensure our reporting makes a meaningful impact. Our vision hasn’t changed. We’re thinking beyond our newsroom and want to help foster […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
The Beacon takes home five Missouri Press Association awards
We’re thrilled to announce that The Beacon Kansas City has received multiple awards from the Missouri Press Association, recognizing the work of our dedicated journalists. Our five awards — including four second-place honors and one third place — celebrate our reporters’ commitment to impactful, local journalism that resonates with our community. Mili Mansaray won a […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
How community voice shapes The Beacon newsroom
The Beacon relies heavily on what people in our communities tell us they need to know more about. That brings more impact and credibility to our reporting. The Beacon’s approach comes at a time when local news outlets are declining at a rapid rate. The Pew Research Center reports that 85% of U.S. adults believe […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
A critical moment for election coverage at The Beacon
As we head into a pivotal election, The Beacon is filling a crucial gap in local journalism. We’ve assembled a pop-up election bureau with some of the city’s most respected journalists to ensure our community has access to the comprehensive, reliable election coverage it needs. Chris Lester and Mary Sanchez are joining us for this […]