Watchdog and investigative reporting archives

Kristin Peterman stands at a podium at Cedric Lofton task force.

Highlights, progress, stagnation: A one year check-in on the CJ Lofton task force

by Trace Salzbrenner May 25, 2023May 25, 2023

After 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton died in law enforcement custody in September 2021, the community wanted answers. How did this happen? What went wrong? What could be changed to prevent such a thing from happening again? A community task force of 23 members was convened to find those answers and make recommendations for systemic change. […]

Watchdog

In Wichita, a bad headlight can lead to jail

by Trace Salzbrenner March 15, 2023April 6, 2023

Ruby Ligon did not know of the toxic chemical in Wichita contaminating groundwater in her neighborhood. She is surrounded by photos of the family she raised in her home.

State Government

‘I’m just so angry’: Wichitans feel state neglected to warn them of danger

by Trace Salzbrenner and Celia Hack January 26, 2023January 25, 2023

Department heads from the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, Wichita police, COMCARE and 911 sit at the front of a meeting room.

Watchdog

A few steps forward, a few steps back: Update on the Cedric Lofton task force recommendations

by Trace Salzbrenner December 20, 2022May 25, 2023

DIY Democracy

Know your rights: How to protest in Wichita

by Trace Salzbrenner December 9, 2022December 9, 2022

Mark Teetz in the middle of a crowd. All wear shirts with Cedric Lofton on them.

Watchdog

Cedric Lofton’s missing headstone and the slow road of justice

by Trace Salzbrenner November 23, 2022November 28, 2022

Gennieve Floyd, prima de Cedric Lofton, y Mark Teetz, hermano de Lofton, en una vigilia celebrada fuera del Centro de Evaluación y Admisión de menores el 26 de septiembre del 2022, marcando el aniversario de la muerte de Lofton. (Trace Salzbrenner/The Beacon) 60 recomendaciones

Civic Engagement

Un año después, Wichita trabaja en base a 60 recomendaciones para evitar otra tragedia como la de Cedric Lofton.

by Trace Salzbrenner November 9, 2022November 28, 2022

Sedgwick County District 4 candidates Lacey Cruse and Ryan Baty

Elections 2022

Who’s behind the big-money push to retake Sedgwick County District 4?

by Polly Basore Wenzl November 3, 2022November 3, 2022

Three fishing poles cast at the k 96 fishing lake.

Environment

Community members want fishing lake near toxic site tested, but state says it’s not necessary

by Trace Salzbrenner and Celia Hack October 13, 2022February 20, 2023

Gennieve Floyd, Cedric Lofton’s cousin, and Mark Teetz, Lofton’s brother holding each other in a parking lot in front of JIAC.

Local Government

Cedric Lofton’s brother wants accountability from Wichita police and Sedgwick County

by Trace Salzbrenner October 10, 2022October 10, 2022

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