Featured Story
Psychologist works with Wichita Catholic Diocese to fight stigma around suicide
Jessica Provines says the Catholic Church she left as a teen has welcomed her back in a joint effort to show mercy – not condemnation – to prevent deaths of despair
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Elections
Automatic mailing of mail-in ballot applications cut from Sedgwick County’s $3.5 million 2024 election budget
Commissioners instead opted to fund more polling sites and postcards promoting advance in-person voting locations and giving instructions to apply for mail-in ballots online.
A tale of two campaigns: Wichita’s school board candidates can’t match large sums raised by mayoral candidates
The Wichita School Board manages a nearly $1 billion a year operation, but donors pay little attention. Few candidates managed to raise more than $5,000 from contributors.
Wichita general election ballot takes shape for Nov. 7
After the primary election results, Wichita now has its list of likely candidates for mayor, three city council and three school board seats.
State Government
Featured Story
Kansas Supreme Court to decide if Wichita’s ‘noisy conduct’ ban violates First Amendment
The state’s high court will decide if a law used to prosecute a Wichita protester runs afoul of the U.S. Constitution.
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Local Government
What should voters know about the Wichita 2023 primaries?
Q&A with Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County’s newest election commissioner. She discusses what voters should know before the Aug. 1 city primaries for mayor, City Council and school board.
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.
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.
DIY Democracy
Not old enough to vote? Here are seven civic engagement opportunities for teens
Andrew Le, a recent Wichita Southeast High graduate, found many ways to get involved in Wichita’s community while a teen. Now he plans a degree in political science and a career in public service.
DIY Democracy: How to follow the Kansas Legislature
From committee hearings to floor debate, The Beacon shows you how to follow along from home.
Know your rights: How to protest in Wichita
What you can do depends on where you protest. Learn about local ordinances, the cost of permits and more. Here is a quick guide.
About Us
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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.
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Wichita Beacon News
What happens when 911 doesn’t speak your language?
Sedgwick County’s director of emergency communications wants more bilingual staff, but that comes at a cost the commission didn’t want to pay.
A Black parent’s guide: How to help protect your kids from racism at school
Experts say reporting racist incidents is key to ensuring students are free from discrimination in public school — a right they’re guaranteed by federal law.
Language barriers shut some Wichitans from local government services
Lack of language access leaves some in Wichita out of conversations that should involve them. Spanish language advocacy groups say it’s more people than you’d expect.
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