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 second-place award for Best News or Feature Series for her piece “ As Black women go missing in Kansas City, Black community looks to itself for solutions .” Her article explored how, as a result of a strained relationship with police, community members are establishing their own networks and methods to look for missing people.

“Oh my goodness! These stories are so compelling,” judges’ comments said. “They’re well written and factually told, though the story about the missing women and lack of police response is appalling. This is vital, important journalism and I hope it results in change.”

Mansaray, who covers housing and labor for The Beacon, also placed third in the Best Feature Story category for “ Afghan refugees still adjusting to life in Kansas City — and wondering if they can stay .” The story looked at how refugees from Afghanistan, hundreds of whom arrived in Kansas City in 2021 after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, were still in search of stable housing as the question of their immigration status remained in the air.

Meg Cunningham’s reporting earned a second-place award for Best News Story for her piece about lack of air conditioning in some Missouri state prisons, “ We’ve got hell coming’: Missourians in state prisons fear consequences of summertime heat. ”

“Good reporting on an issue that few probably consider as temperatures rise,” judges’ comments said. “Strong reporting and strong writing make this entry stand out.”

In the Best Story About Education category, Maria Benevento took second place for her story on Avila University’s financial struggles, “ Avila University asks a court to override donors’ restrictions amid money challenges .” Judges described it as “very informative.”

Benevento was also recognized with a second-place award for Best Story About Religion for her coverage of the Herzog Foundation, “ The foundation seeking to spread Christian education with state support .”

“Well researched, well written, clear, this entry could have also placed well in the investigative or news category,” contest judges wrote. They said the reporter “was able to give some context to this complex story.”

A heartfelt thank-you to the Missouri Press Association for recognizing the work of The Beacon’s hard-working reporters, and to our community for the overwhelming encouragement.

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