The Beam, from the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University, investigates how powerful institutions shape everyday life—from classrooms to industries to government. Our professional journalists and student apprentices team with external partners to tell stories no single organization could produce on its own. Going beyond traditional reporting, we are building AI-assisted tools that bring audiences closer to newsmakers. These tools allow users to ask their own questions, search public information, and engage directly with issues affecting their families and communities.