Shows / The Newsroom
The Newsroom
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 Newsroom@whqr.org
Episodes
The NewsroomElection 2026: Candidates forum for the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners
Recorded live at Leland Town Hall on Oct. 14, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to two candidates running for the Brunswick…
- The Newsroom
Election 2026: Candidates forum for North Carolina Congressional District 7
Recorded live at UNCW's Burney Center on October 7, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the Democratic and Libertarian…
- The Newsroom
Election 2026: Candidates forum for the NC House 18 and 20, State Senate District 7
Recorded live at UNCW's Burney Center on October 7, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the three Republicans and three…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
"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…
The NewsroomPraying 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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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 Newsroom
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…
The NewsroomPraying 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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
The NewsroomThe 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…
The NewsroomPrimary 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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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 Newsroom
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…
The NewsroomCandidates 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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
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…
- The Newsroom
Unpacking NC Project LEAD's policy forum, and legislative efforts to fund free school meals
On this episode: Rachel Keith recently hosted a panel for N.C. Project LEAD, asking elected officials and community leaders some tough policy questions. We’ll…
- The Newsroom
The third time's the charm for Ted Davis' PFAS bill; NHCS Turnaround Task Force moves on
On this episode, Rachel Keith takes stock of what the New Hanover County Schools’ turnaround task force has accomplished in two years, and what’s next for them…
- The Newsroom
A conversation Curt Farrison, president of Wilmington's Vietnam Veterans of America chapter
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, WHQR's Ben Schachtman sat down with Curt Farrison, president of Chapter 885 of the Vietnam Veterans of…
- The Newsroom
Healthy Opportunities Pilot shows cost savings for Medicaid: “It’s a hand up”
On today’s show, host Rachel Keith talks about the groundbreaking Healthy Opportunities Pilot—one of the first in the country—where some Medicaid recipients…
- The Newsroom
Celebrating Sunshine Week and Blerd culture
On today’s show, Rachel Keith celebrates Sunshine Week, an annual event focused on open government and transparency. In honor of this year’s sunshine week…
- The Newsroom
A conversation with New Hanover County Commissioner LeAnn Pierce about taxes, budget cuts, and spending priorities
On today’s show, I’m sitting down with Republican New Hanover County Commissioner LeAnn Pierce about her thoughts and goals as the county’s budget negotiations…
- The Newsroom
A conversation with New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple about taxes, budget cuts, and spending priorities
On today’s show, I’m sitting down with Democratic New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple to talk about his priorities and perspectives on the county’s…