PODCAST · news
The Newsroom
by Benjamin Schachtman
Hosted by WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman, the program will be an opportunity for local officials and reporters -- the people who make news and the people who report it -- to talk about the issues that affect our community. According to host Ben Schachtman, "Our goal is to have candid, in-depth conversations about the topics that concern our listeners. It will be a chance to dig a little deeper into the news." From WHQR Public Media in Wilmington, NC. Contact us at [email protected]
Episodes
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Election 2026: Candidates forum for the New Hanover County Board of Education
Recorded live at UNCW's Burney Center on October 7, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the eight candidates running for four seats on the New Hanover County school board.
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Election 2026: Candidates forum for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
Recorded live at UNCW's Burney Center on October 7, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the five candidates running for two seats on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.
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Duke's Dr. Justin Leroy on his book, "The Lowest Freedom," a look at racial capitalism and Black thought
On today's show, Rachel Keith talks to Duke University assistant professor Dr. Justin Leroy about his new book, The Lowest Freedom — Racial Capitalism and Black Thought in the Nineteenth Century. We discuss American history in the context of prominent Black authors like Wilmington’s own David...
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Wilmington council members Cassidy Santaguida and David Joyner on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement
Slowly but surely, plans have been moving forward to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge with a new, tolled bridge. As that plan becomes much closer to a reality, the unpopular toll isn't the only concern. On today's show, two Wilmington city council members share their thoughts on the process,...
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CFCC’s nursing faculty exodus, Port City Daily's Brenna Flanagan on film incentives and NHCS town hall
On today’s show, Rachel Keith sits down with me to unpack her latest reporting on over a dozen resignations from Cape Fear Community College's nursing program. Plus, Port City Daily’s Brenna Flanagan stops by to discuss New Hanover County Schools' town hall and the latest on North Carolina’s film...
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The Scene on Radio podcast asks, 'What's really wrong with the news?'
On this episode, WHQR's Benjamin Schachtman and Rachel Keith dig into the latest season of the Scene on Radio podcast. Co-hosts John Biewen and Chenjerai Kumanyika took a long, hard look at why people are upset with the news, what’s really wrong with our media ecosystem, and how things might be...
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The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Media in 1898, and a Kelly Kenoyer retrospective
This week, on The Newsroom, reporters Sofia Dinka and Kelly Kenoyer dig into the current status of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, after a private company’s bid got rejected last month. While the specifics for the replacement aren't nailed down, a toll bridge is looking more and more likely. We'll...
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"America's only coup, then what?" A conversation with author Lauren Collins
On this edition of The Newsroom, author Lauren Collins joins us to talk about her newest book: They Stole A City: Wilmington’s White Supremacist Coup and the Families Who Live with its Legacy, a project that took her a decade to write.
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Praying for Justice, Part II: How one family is contending with police’s use of deadly force
Earlier this year, 21-year-old Edilberto Espinoza Sierra was killed by law enforcement officers in a downtown Wilmington parking deck. WHQR's Aaleah McConnell digs into the decision not to charge officers involved in the shooting and the family's ongoing search for justice.
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Kelly Kenoyer's Wilmington city hall investigation; Rachel Keith on the Upperman scholarship and Endowment nursing grant
On today's show, Kelly Kenoyer discusses her months-long investigation into alleged morale issues in Wilmington City Hall. And Rachel Keith sits down to discuss her recent reporting on the Upperman family’s decision to stop supporting UNCW scholarships over the university’s anti-DEI policy, plus...
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Meeting people where they are: NPR's Tamara Keith on covering people and politics
This year's WHQR luncheon guest was Tamara Keith, Senior Political Correspondent and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Keith spoke about covering the president, the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and her new series, Swing Shift, a long-term project to document the...
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Juneteenth Revisited: A conversation with Joe Conway
WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman revisits his conversation about Juneteenth with Joe Conway, former chief equity and inclusion officer for the City of Wilmington and currently director of community engagement at UNC Health. Three years later, what's changed about the holiday, and how the nation…
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What we learned from the depositions in the Funderburk v. CFCC lawsuit
Cape Fear Community College recently settled a lawsuit filed by former trustee Ray Funderburk, and WHQR’s Rachel Keith has been poring over depositions from the case, including sworn testimony from top college officials. She joins News Director Ben Schachtman to share what she’s learned about the...
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Who was Edilberto Espinoza-Sierra? Plus, the messy world of public school funding
Aaleah McConnell has an intimate look at how the family of Edilberto Espinoza-Sierra is coping with grief and searching for justice, after the 21-year-old was killed by law enforcement in March. Plus, Rachel Keith and Ben Schachtman dig into public school funding, with a look at this year’s…
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Praying for Justice: How one family is contending with police’s use of deadly force
It’s been over a month since the family of Edilberto Espinoza-Sierra learned about his death, which has left them with many questions. In part one of this two-part series, WHQR's Aaleah McConnell breaks down some details of this case, and sits down with the family to learn who Edilberto was and…
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Ray Funderburk on his CFCC settlement; UNCW's Mouhcine Guettabi on the economics of a toll bridge
On this episode, Rachel Keith sits down with Ray Funderburk III, who recently settled with Cape Fear Community College three years after he was ousted from its board of trustees. Plus, Kelly Kenoyer talks with UNCW economist Mouhcine Guettabi about potential economic impacts of a toll bridge over...
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What we've learned about the arrest of Corey Temoney, police use of force, and providing accountability
On this edition of The Newsroom, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman talks to reporter Aaleah McConnell, who has been looking into the arrest of a Wilmington man who claims he was the victim of law enforcement violence — and the laws and policies that govern the use of force by cops and deputies.
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Carolina Public Press series on 'wandering officers,' and a conversation with State Auditor Dave Boliek
On today's show, Lucas Thomae from Carolina Public Press talks about 'wandering officers,' who are fired or resign under suspicion — only to pop up at another agency later. And a conversation with Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek about his vision for the office, applying AI to government...
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The Newsroom: Traveling through America’s history at Black Rock Plantation
On this special edition of The Newsroom, we’re telling the story of the Black Rock Plantation House. At first glance, it’s a mid-19th-century farmhouse. But dig deeper, and it sits at the intersection of multi-generational stories — including the families of enslavers and enslaved people.Over the...
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Primary 2026: Democratic and Republican candidates for the New Hanover County school board
WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith dig into our recent candidates forum for the New Hanover County school board. Five Republicans and six Democrats are running for four seats in each party.
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2026 Primary: Democratic candidates for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
The forum hosted by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featured the four candidates running for two seats: Salette Andrews, Judy Justice, Dr. LaShonda Wallace, and Rob Zapple.
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Primary Election 2026: Rebecca Trammel is pursuing an unaffiliated campaign for NC Senate District 7
On this edition of The Newsroom, we're speaking with Rebecca Trammel, a nonprofit founder, community organizer, and advocate for public education funding who aims to run as an unaffiliated candidate for North Carolina’s Senate District 7. We asked about her decision to run without major party...
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New Year's Special Edition: The WHQR news team looks back at 2025
On today’s show, we’re looking back at the year that was 2025 with my colleagues, Rachel Keith, Aaleah McConnell, Kelly Kenoyer, and Nikolai Mather. From the local impacts of DOGE and the Trump Administration to the struggles over education funding, from rural reporting to community engagement,...
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Invisible Homelessness: Working and unhoused in America
There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of unhoused families who go uncounted in New Hanover County each year. Many of them work, often full-time jobs, while living in motels, cars, or bouncing from couch to couch. Today's episode digs into those problems, and what could be done for them.
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Citizen Warrior: Gene Merritt and John Meyer on advocating for a better Wilmington
Citizen Warrior is an autobiographical account of Gene Merritt’s lifelong efforts to improve Wilmington — work that was at times contentious, creative, and even inspired.Merritt fought to change the downtown nightlife scene, pushing for liquor-by-the-drink while also evicting topless bars and sex...
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Roundtable: Wilmington's anti-camping ordinance and the issue of homelessness
On this special episode, WHQR's Aaleah McConnell shares the highlights and throughlines of a wide-ranging panel on Wilmington's new anti-camping ordinance and the issue of homelessness.
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A conversation with District Attorney Jason Smith after year one in office
On today's episode, we sit down with Jason Smith, district attorney for New Hanover and Pender counties. After a tough race for DA in 2024, Smith faced several challenges: rebuilding morale, adapting to E-courts, new state and local laws, and the perennial challenge of youth violence.
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Candidates Forum: Seven candidates running for three seats on Wilmington City Council
On today's show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer look at the highlights from the recent candidates forum, held by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for Wilmington City Council. We'll add some context and analysis to the seven candidates' answers to some tough...
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Candidates Forum: Bill Saffo, Jonathan Barfield, Jr., and Billy Craig running for mayor of Wilmington
On today's show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer look at the highlights from the recent candidates forum, held by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for Wilmington office. We'll add some context and analysis to the three mayoral candidates' answers to some tough...
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CAFO Country: A closer look at concentrated animal feeding operations
On today's show, WHQR's series CAFO Country, featuring environmental journalist David Boraks, takes a deep dive into North Carolina's hog and poultry industry — it's a major economic driver for the state, but also the source of serious environmental concerns. Plus, we sat down with Inside Climate...
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A conversation about book challenges with New Hanover County school board member Josie Barnhart
On today's show, a slightly overdue conversation with Josie Barnhart, Republican vice-chair of the New Hanover County Board of Education, and a mother of three. Earlier this year, Barnhart challenged the book Blended in the district, leading to some tough questions about the intersecting roles of...
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A conversation with Spence Broadhurst, looking back at five years on The Endowment board
On today's show, a candid sitdown with Spence Broadhurst, who helped steer the hospital sale that led to the creation of The Endowment, served as its first board chair, and has, in his words, acted as a watchdog for its founding documents. We discuss the challenges and debates the board has…
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Rail Redux: Passenger rail's potential return to Wilmington
All throughout the northside of downtown Wilmington, there are little markers of the past — a past filled with the sound of metal wheels clattering down the tracks. The Northside was once home to a sprawling railyard and passenger rail station — and it could be the home of passenger rail again.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Kelly Roberts
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Kelly Roberts.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Chakema Clinton-Quintana
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Chakema Clinton-Quintana.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Clifford Barnett, Sr.
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Clifford Barnett, Sr.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Luke Waddell
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Luke Waddell.
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The Endowment's CEO exits (again), transparency questions, and what's next: A conversation with Derrick Anderson
On this episode, WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman sat down with Derrick Anderson, host of a long-running community affairs show, to talk about The Endowment. From questions about the abrupt departure of CEO Dan Winslow, to the fate of the Northside Co-op grant, to the backstory of why the...
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2025 City of Wilmington Mayoral Elections: Candidate Jonathan Barfield, Jr.
WHQR is sitting down with all three candidates for Wilmington mayor, including the incumbent, and two challengers. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Jonathan Barfield, Jr.
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GenX: Eight years down the line
The chemical GenX has plagued the Cape Fear Region for decades — though we only found out it was in the river eight years ago. Since then, there’ve been myriad fights: for regulation at the state and federal level, for filtration, and for accountability against the polluter. This week, we’ll have...
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2025 City of Wilmington Mayoral Elections: Candidate Bill Saffo
WHQR is sitting down with all three candidates for Wilmington mayor, including the incumbent, and two challengers. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Mayor Bill Saffo.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Cassidy Santaguida
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Cassidy Santaguida
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Sean Guerrero
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Sean Guerrero.
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2025 City of Wilmington Mayoral Elections: Candidate Billy Craig
WHQR is sitting down with all three candidates for Wilmington mayor, including the incumbent, and two challengers. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Billy Craig.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate J.C. Lyle
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger J.C. Lyle.
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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Richard Collier
WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Richard Collier.
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Triple Whammy: A deep dive into New Hanover County Schools' funding predicament
On this edition of The Newsroom, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith unpack the New Hanover County Schools' budgetary needs — for the current year, and for longer-term facility needs. It's hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars — and it's not clear right now where all that funding…
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Do or DEI; Pender County vs. The Pender Post
On this edition, The Assembly’s Erin Gretzinger on the rapidly shifting landscape of DEI policy in North Carolina higher education. Plus, WHQR's Nikolai Mather helps unpack the lawsuit between a Pender County newspaper and county officials — and the political context behind the litigation.
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What employees and safety data say about NHRMC's issues. Plus, understanding FERPA and book challenges
WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman and reporter Kelly Kenoyer unpack some of our recent reporting about Novant NHRMC: staff interviews and watchdog data show some concerning trends at the hospital, but the newest leadership team says things are improving. And, Rachel Keith helps explain FERPA, the...
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Shooting the Messenger: NPR's Leila Fadel on the First Amendment and a free press
Leila Fadel, host of NPR's Morning Edition and the Up First podcast, came to Wilmington last month for WHQR's luncheon. On this episode of The Newsroom, we've got her keynote speech, a Q-and-A session with the audience, and a one-on-one interview with WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman, the program will be an opportunity for local officials and reporters -- the people who make news and the people who report it -- to talk about the issues that affect our community. According to host Ben Schachtman, "Our goal is to have candid, in-depth conversations about the topics that concern our listeners. It will be a chance to dig a little deeper into the news." From WHQR Public Media in Wilmington, NC. Contact us at [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Benjamin Schachtman
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Newsroom have?
The Newsroom currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Newsroom about?
Hosted by WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman, the program will be an opportunity for local officials and reporters -- the people who make news and the people who report it -- to talk about the issues that affect our community. According to host Ben Schachtman, "Our goal is to have candid, in-depth...
How often does The Newsroom release new episodes?
The Newsroom has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Newsroom?
You can listen to The Newsroom on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Newsroom?
The Newsroom is created and hosted by Benjamin Schachtman.
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