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Featured Story
Here are Wichita’s USD 259 school board, mayor and City Council candidates for the 2023 election
There will be primary elections for USD 259’s at-large seat, mayor and City Council candidates due to a large number of filers.
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The Wichita Beacon listens to diverse perspectives and investigates systemic issues — and potential solutions — through original, fact-based reporting. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on donations. You can help keep our journalism free for all readers by becoming a monthly member.
State Government
Featured Story
Fentanyl test strips will finally be legal in Kansas. Here’s why that matters.
Kansas joins dozens of states in decriminalizing fentanyl test strips. But other harm reduction policies remain out of reach, for now.
The Beacon Newsletter
Public service journalism delivered every Tuesday and Thursday, straight to your inbox.
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Housing
Half of retirees downsize their homes. What should they consider?
The task of getting rid of a lifetime of accumulations “is like having another job,” one retiree said. Experts suggest allowing one to five years for the process.
Wichita’s homeless population grows to highest number in 12 years
The 2023 “point-in-time” count recorded 702 unhoused Wichitans. Most are unaccompanied white males over the age of 25, but all demographic groups are affected.
Why Wichita’s work on homelessness means redefining who is impacted
Some of the 2006 task force’s recommendations were implemented but then lost funding. Now, the city is widening its scope.
Local Government
‘It’s a terror to the community’: How Wichita police training in public housing affects the neighborhood
A new partnership with the city allows Wichita police to train in old public housing units, but some say it causes more harm than good.
Surprised? Wichita Animal Shelter now meets ‘no kill’ rates for euthanasia
In 10 years, the local animal shelter has used a new strategy to dramatically reduce its rate of euthanasia. Its reputation has not kept pace with reality.
Struggling with your water bill? Help is available
Wichita’s H2O Care Fund and Rate Relief Water Assistance Program make it more affordable for residents to pay to keep their water on.
DIY Democracy
DIY Democracy: How to run for City Council or mayor in Wichita
The Wichita Beacon talked with previous and current local candidates to learn how to run for mayor or City Council.
DIY Democracy: How to run for school board in Wichita
What should you consider before you run a school board campaign? Here are rules and tips on how to run for public office.
Kansas Legislature asked to focus on life-and-death issues
When the Kansas Legislature returns in January, some people want lawmakers to focus on preventing deaths from gun violence, overdose, DUIs and excessive force by police.
About Us
Wichitans deserve a trusted source for unbiased, independent local news. And we’re here to provide it.
The Wichita Beacon is the city’s first nonprofit, community-supported digital news organization. And we’re partnering with you – our neighbors – to make it happen.
This is your newsroom.
Wichita News
A surge in fake pain pills is fueling a deadly epidemic among Wichita’s teens
The DEA says 60% of fake Percocet pills contain enough fentanyl to cause accidental death. Teens are leading a community response to the crisis.
2023 Kansas legislative session: What passed, what didn’t, what was vetoed
The Legislature overrode several of Gov. Laura Kelly’s vetoes on abortion and trans bathroom access, but couldn’t agree on taxes or Medicaid expansion.
Refugee from the Congo escapes violence to build life anew: ‘Wichita is my home’
Gédéon Bahemuka Jino started life 8,000 miles away, but he now joins nearly a thousand Congolese refugees finding community in Kansas since 2018.
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