Benjamin Schachtman
@schachtman.bsky.social
News Director at WHQR, former Port City Daily editor. Journalist, writer, food-cooker, metalhead with a Ph.D. Opinions are my own. Jokes may have been stolen.
This week’s column … so much to get to!
Sunday Edition: School bond, bias allegations against the DA's office, and bridge toll
From this week's Sunday Edition: Notes on a few developing, upcoming, and potentially daunting stories: the $320.5 million New Hanover County school bond heads to the ballot, a complicated lawsuit acc...
www.whqr.org
November 23, 2025 at 7:33 PM
This week’s column … so much to get to!
This week’s column: A preview of the 2026 elections as we shift from city politics to county, state, and federal races. Buckle up!
Sunday Edition: The Election Cycle is Over. Long Live the Election Cycle!
From this week’s Sunday Edition: The 2025 election season is in the books. The 2026 election season is already upon us.
www.whqr.org
November 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
This week’s column: A preview of the 2026 elections as we shift from city politics to county, state, and federal races. Buckle up!
This week’s column: Dems swept the local races. Why?
Sunday Edition: Blue Wave
From this week’s Sunday Edition: Did Democrats have a good night, or did Republicans have a really bad one? And what else can we learn from Tuesday's election? Plus, notes on some developing stories.
www.whqr.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:10 AM
This week’s column: Dems swept the local races. Why?
This week’s column: Democrats ran the table on Tuesday. Why? Plus, some notes on evolving stories.
Sunday Edition: Blue Wave
From this week’s Sunday Edition: Did Democrats have a good night, or did Republicans have a really bad one? And what else can we learn from Tuesday's election? Plus, notes on some developing stories.
www.whqr.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 AM
This week’s column: Democrats ran the table on Tuesday. Why? Plus, some notes on evolving stories.
Reposted by Benjamin Schachtman
I have a new series out on WHQR @whqr.bsky.social in Wilmington about industrial animal farming in NC. It's become big business across the state. Today: the view from above, with help from @capefearriverwatch.bsky.social and @southwings.bsky.social Join us for the ride! www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
CAFO Country: Touring NC's hog and poultry operations from the air
North Carolina is a national leader with more than 8 million hogs and close to a billion chickens and turkeys in production. Most are raised on an industrial scale, in what are known as "concentrated ...
www.whqr.org
September 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM
I have a new series out on WHQR @whqr.bsky.social in Wilmington about industrial animal farming in NC. It's become big business across the state. Today: the view from above, with help from @capefearriverwatch.bsky.social and @southwings.bsky.social Join us for the ride! www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
This week’s column: A memorial to Charlie Kirk, painted on one of UNCW’s ‘Spirit Rocks,’ became a flashpoint for political tensions on campus, and then spun out into a social media frenzy, online threats, and a chaotic three-hour hunt for a phantom gunman. Plus, the latest on The Endowment.
Sunday Edition: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
From this week's Sunday Edition: A memorial to Charlie Kirk, painted on one of UNCW’s ‘Spirit Rocks,’ became a flashpoint for political tensions on campus, and then spun out into a social media frenzy...
www.whqr.org
September 22, 2025 at 6:02 PM
This week’s column: A memorial to Charlie Kirk, painted on one of UNCW’s ‘Spirit Rocks,’ became a flashpoint for political tensions on campus, and then spun out into a social media frenzy, online threats, and a chaotic three-hour hunt for a phantom gunman. Plus, the latest on The Endowment.
A long conversation about The Endowment with founding board member Spence Broadhurst. It was a long time coming, and — I hope — a refreshingly transparent look inside one of the most important boardrooms in the region.
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...
www.whqr.org
September 16, 2025 at 10:23 PM
A long conversation about The Endowment with founding board member Spence Broadhurst. It was a long time coming, and — I hope — a refreshingly transparent look inside one of the most important boardrooms in the region.
This week’s column: Thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the responses to it, and what it means for our political moment.
Sunday Edition: The Death of Charlie Kirk
From this week's Sunday Edition: Charlie Kirk, a popular and controversial conservative activist, was assassinated at an event in Utah on Wednesday. What can we say about the brutal murder, what does ...
www.whqr.org
September 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
This week’s column: Thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the responses to it, and what it means for our political moment.
Ok, so, after a couple of weeks of interviews, we now have all the candidates for Wilmington City Council and Mayor online (and available as podcasts)! My thanks to all eleven candidates for making the time to come into the studio and let me pepper them with policy questions!
2025 Municipal Elections coverage and voter information
Here's where you can find all of our coverage of the 2025 municipal elections and important information about how to vote.
www.whqr.org
August 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Ok, so, after a couple of weeks of interviews, we now have all the candidates for Wilmington City Council and Mayor online (and available as podcasts)! My thanks to all eleven candidates for making the time to come into the studio and let me pepper them with policy questions!
This week’s column: Faced with a vitriolic speaker openly expressing hate for the LGBTQ community, some New Hanover County school board members wanted to shut the speech down. That’s both understandable and unconstitutional — so what should the board do?
Sunday Edition: Say Anything
From this week's Sunday Edition: Faced with a vitriolic speaker openly expressing hate for the LGBTQ community, some New Hanover County school board members wanted to shut the speech down. That’s both...
www.whqr.org
August 17, 2025 at 1:42 PM
This week’s column: Faced with a vitriolic speaker openly expressing hate for the LGBTQ community, some New Hanover County school board members wanted to shut the speech down. That’s both understandable and unconstitutional — so what should the board do?
This week’s column: There’s been a lot of confusion and frustration over the recently announced early voting plans for New Hanover County. There are still some loose ends, but I did my damndest to get to the bottom of it — and it seems like there are still some options on the table.
Sunday Edition:
What do we care about when we care about elections?
From this week's Sunday Edition: There has been considerable public pushback after the New Hanover County Board of Elections released its early voting plan for the upcoming municipal elections. Take a...
www.whqr.org
July 27, 2025 at 6:32 PM
This week’s column: There’s been a lot of confusion and frustration over the recently announced early voting plans for New Hanover County. There are still some loose ends, but I did my damndest to get to the bottom of it — and it seems like there are still some options on the table.
This week’s column: A quickie press conference is a terrible way to unpack a mountain of nuanced, ambivalent data. But politicians do it anyway, the press goes along with it, and we’re all dumber for it.
Sunday Edition: We’re Number One!
From this week’s Sunday Edition: CNBC named North Carolina the “Top State for Business." Many officials, including Governor Josh Stein, were eager to celebrate. But when it comes to digging into the l...
www.whqr.org
July 13, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This week’s column: A quickie press conference is a terrible way to unpack a mountain of nuanced, ambivalent data. But politicians do it anyway, the press goes along with it, and we’re all dumber for it.
This week’s column: I love my country dearly, in spite of its flaws and failings, and I show it the only way I know how — by being a relentless pain in the ass.
Sunday Edition: I’m Not Rooting for the Iceberg
From this week’s Sunday Edition: WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman on the cantankerous and clear-eyed patriotism of a journalist.
www.whqr.org
July 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
This week’s column: I love my country dearly, in spite of its flaws and failings, and I show it the only way I know how — by being a relentless pain in the ass.
This week’s column: How we decide whether to report on a death, or leave it to other outlets.
Sunday Edition: Speaker for the Dead
From this week’s Sunday Edition: WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman on the coverage of former New Hanover County Schools superintendent Dr. Tim Markley — and how WHQR covers the deaths of local co...
www.whqr.org
June 30, 2025 at 10:42 PM
This week’s column: How we decide whether to report on a death, or leave it to other outlets.
As promised, a bit more clarity on how the county will eliminate dozens of positions, including layoffs — or as the county calls it, “off-boarding.”
New Hanover County plans retirement incentives, layoffs to address new budget’s ‘workforce reductions’
The county’s new budget cuts nearly $10 million in positions, freezing dozens of vacant positions and eliminating 70 active positions, which the county will accomplish through retirement incentives an...
www.whqr.org
June 30, 2025 at 10:40 PM
As promised, a bit more clarity on how the county will eliminate dozens of positions, including layoffs — or as the county calls it, “off-boarding.”
This week’s column: Is Rail Realignment on the (rail) road to nowhere? Plus, more budget follow-ups: private emails, The Endowment ‘ends’ its Northside Co-op grant, and confusion over Board of Elections funding.
Sunday Edition: Off the Rails? Plus, a few follow-ups from the New Hanover County budget
From this week’s Sunday Edition: WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman has a few updates on the New Hanover County budget. Plus, a look at the uncertain future of the City of Wilmington's ambitious r...
www.whqr.org
June 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
This week’s column: Is Rail Realignment on the (rail) road to nowhere? Plus, more budget follow-ups: private emails, The Endowment ‘ends’ its Northside Co-op grant, and confusion over Board of Elections funding.
This week’s column: A look at New Hanover County’s new budget: what it cuts, what it saves taxpayers, and what’s left uncertain after its 24-hour path to approval. Plus Chef Dean Neff on Shrimpgate.
Sunday Edition: Paradigm Shift; Letter to the Editor
From this week’s Sunday Edition: WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman on New Hanover County’s new budget — what it cuts, how much money it saves taxpayers, and what about it remains uncertain. Plus,...
www.whqr.org
June 15, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This week’s column: A look at New Hanover County’s new budget: what it cuts, what it saves taxpayers, and what’s left uncertain after its 24-hour path to approval. Plus Chef Dean Neff on Shrimpgate.
On Monday evening, a divided New Hanover County board of commissioners opted not to vote on its budget. After previously signaling he supported the proposed fiscal plan for the upcoming year, Chairman Bill Rivenbark now said a vote would be premature.
No NHC budget vote: Commissioners divided, swing-vote Chairman Rivenbark cites unanswered questions
Last month, Republican Chairman Bill Rivenbark surprised both sides of the aisle by siding with two Democrats on a proposed budget. The board's two other Republican commissioners, and the county GOP, ...
www.whqr.org
June 2, 2025 at 10:50 PM
On Monday evening, a divided New Hanover County board of commissioners opted not to vote on its budget. After previously signaling he supported the proposed fiscal plan for the upcoming year, Chairman Bill Rivenbark now said a vote would be premature.
This week’s column: Elected officials often tout their budget priorities, and pay a political price when budget decisions are unpopular. But how does a local government’s fiscal plan actually get made, and who’s doing most of the work of making it?
www.whqr.org
June 1, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This week’s column: Elected officials often tout their budget priorities, and pay a political price when budget decisions are unpopular. But how does a local government’s fiscal plan actually get made, and who’s doing most of the work of making it?
This week’s column: The Endowment had teased “transformational” change ahead of Wednesday’s public meeting. I don’t think that’s what we got — but Endowment CEO and President Dan Winslow believes he’ll prove me wrong. As he told me, “Hold my beer.”
Sunday Edition: "Hold My Beer."
From this week's Sunday Edition: WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman reflects on The Endowment's recent public meeting, its "transformational" new strategy, and the public's attitude towards the $1...
www.whqr.org
May 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
This week’s column: The Endowment had teased “transformational” change ahead of Wednesday’s public meeting. I don’t think that’s what we got — but Endowment CEO and President Dan Winslow believes he’ll prove me wrong. As he told me, “Hold my beer.”
I spent the last month or so speaking with current and former Novant and NHRMC employees, working through federal and independent safety reports, and finally sitting down with NHMRC’s new president.
With safety scores trending down and employees concerned, Novant NHRMC again says improvements are already underway
Ratings from both federal and independent safety monitors have been dropping, and employees say that understaffing has caused safety, hygiene, and morale issues. NHRMC’s newest president acknowledged ...
www.whqr.org
May 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
I spent the last month or so speaking with current and former Novant and NHRMC employees, working through federal and independent safety reports, and finally sitting down with NHMRC’s new president.
This week’s column: The Endowment CEO Dan Winslow said he’d meet people anywhere, anytime.I dropped in on one of his living room meetings to see what that looks like. Plus, folks had strong feelings about our reporting on Josie Barnhart’s book ban request — and that’s raised some good questions.
Sunday Edition: Seed Money; On Book Bans and Parents' Rights
From this week's Sunday Edition: WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman sits in on a coffee meeting between The Endowment and a Creekwood resident who wants to build a community garden. Plus, addressi...
www.whqr.org
May 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
This week’s column: The Endowment CEO Dan Winslow said he’d meet people anywhere, anytime.I dropped in on one of his living room meetings to see what that looks like. Plus, folks had strong feelings about our reporting on Josie Barnhart’s book ban request — and that’s raised some good questions.
This week’s column: It’s no state of love and trust between New Hanover County and the school district. That’s not gonna help tackle a facilities need to-do list with a nine-figure price tag.
Sunday Edition: No Laughing Matter; Letter to the Editor
Sunday Edition is a weekly newsletter from WHQR's News Director Benjamin Schachtman, featuring behind-the-scenes looks at our reporting, context and analysis of ongoing stories, and semi-weekly column...
www.whqr.org
May 11, 2025 at 8:08 PM
This week’s column: It’s no state of love and trust between New Hanover County and the school district. That’s not gonna help tackle a facilities need to-do list with a nine-figure price tag.
This week’s column: Yes, the mayoral race is gonna be messy. But, at the same time, it’s a good opportunity to dig deep on policy issues.
Sunday Edition: Beyond Thunderdome
Sunday Edition is a weekly newsletter from WHQR's News Director Benjamin Schachtman, featuring behind-the-scenes looks at our reporting, context and analysis of ongoing stories, and semi-weekly column...
www.whqr.org
May 4, 2025 at 10:34 PM
This week’s column: Yes, the mayoral race is gonna be messy. But, at the same time, it’s a good opportunity to dig deep on policy issues.
This week’s column: Avelo, the popular ultra-low-cost airline, takes a controversial contract with DHS to conduct deportation flights. And, retired Foreign Service Officers weigh in on proposed cuts to the State Department.
Sunday Edition: Hello, Avelo; Letter to the Editor
Sunday Edition is a weekly newsletter from WHQR's News Director Benjamin Schachtman, featuring behind-the-scenes looks at our reporting, context and analysis of ongoing stories, and semi-weekly column...
www.whqr.org
April 21, 2025 at 10:10 AM
This week’s column: Avelo, the popular ultra-low-cost airline, takes a controversial contract with DHS to conduct deportation flights. And, retired Foreign Service Officers weigh in on proposed cuts to the State Department.