The Newsroom: Recent Episodes
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 Newsroom@whqr.org
On this episode, we unpack the evolving electorate and their unpredictable down-ballot choices. Plus, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over New Hanover County races with a growing number of uncounted absentee ballots that count easily swing the race for school board and commissioner seats.
On today’s show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Nikolai Mather are unpacking the forum we put on earlier this month with WECT and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for the North Carolina House and Senate. We'll dig into what the candidates had to say, with context, analysis, and some fact-checking.
On this episode, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman sat down for a long-form interview with Marlando Pridge, Democratic challenger for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. Topics included domestic policy issues like healthcare, affordable housing, crime and drugs and foreign policy topics like Ukraine and the Middle East.
On today’s show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer are unpacking the forum we put on earlier this month with WECT and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. We'll dig into what the candidates had to say, with context, analysis, and some fact-checking.
On this episode, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith and Port City Daily's Brenna Flanagan break down what New Hanover County school board candidates had to say during our recent town hall forum, with context, analysis, and fact checking.
Reconciliation and restoration are key to relationships: but they rarely come up in the criminal justice system. That may soon change, as North Carolina makes Restorative Justice an integrated part of the Department of Public Safety.
On this episode, we sit down with Republican candidate Jason Smith and Democratic Candidate Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson, who are both running to replace recently retired District Attorney Ben David, who represented Pender and New Hanover counties for 20 years.
On today’s show, we’re discussing the Freeman family's land — including the community known as Seabreeze.We’re sitting down with descendants of the Freeman family, Christopher Eaton and Dorian Cromartie, to learn how patriarchs Alexander and Robert Bruce Freeman amassed large amounts of land in the southern part of New Hanover County. We'll also discuss how they hope their family’s history is taught to future New Hanover County students with nuance — including the family's successes and challenges.
On this week's episode, we ask one of toughest questions defining our time in the Cape Fear Region: Why are there so many apartments going up? We spoke to a concerned resident who shared some very common questions with us — and then put them to one of the top officials in the City of Wilmington's development-approval process.
On this episode, we’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at an upcoming project from WHQR. In the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that pulled back on the rights of the unhoused, we’ll take an intimate look at the inner lives of our homeless neighbors, with insights from the people who serve them.
On this episode, we sit down with Scott Simon, longtime journalist and host of NPR's Weekend Edition to talk about the state of the news — plus highlights from Simon's remarks at the recent WHQR 40th anniversary luncheon.
This year, WHQR's Cape Fear Conversation series is taking a closer look at the four focus areas of the New Hanover Community Endowment. On this episode: health and social equity.
New Hanover County's anti-violence department — Port City United — has been mired in criticism and bad press, and will likely be shuttered at the end of June. But the social issues that inspired its creation still exist, so it's worth talking about where the program came from, the good work it did do, and what the future could hold.
On this episode, it's a conversation with Jon Martell, a retired doctor and former hospital administrator who says he nearly died at New Hanover Regional Medical Center — not because of a mistake made by a nurse or doctor, but because of systemic issues at the hospital. The experience led him to found a new nonprofit to push for a safer, higher-quality hospital. WHQR also spoke with top Novant medical administrators to work through some of Martell's systemic concerns.
Former state senator Harper Peterson recently founded Heal Our People's Endowment, a nonprofit that's calling on North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein to exercise more oversight and authority over the New Hanover Community Endowment. On this episode, we sit down to talk through his concerns — and what he'd like to see done about them.
The affordable housing crisis is national in scope, but it’s uniquely painful in the South because of low wages and surging demand. So what are some creative solutions to this rapidly growing and intractable problem? Backyard cottages? Flipping hotels into rental housing? Or building out job training programs? We asked smart people in the housing space what they consider the most effective strategies to improve housing with help from the New Hanover Community Endowment.
On this episode, Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith sit down with John Biewen and Michael Betts, writers and co-hosts of Echoes of a Coup — the sixth season of the Scene on Radio podcast from Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics. The five-part series takes a deep dive into Wilmington’s 1898 coup and massacre.
Last year, we reported on the abrupt closing of the Career Readiness Academy at Mosley — a little-known but beloved program in the New Hanover County Schools district. Public pushback saved the Mosley program, but developed into a debate over a 'newcomer school' for immigrants who had recently arrived in the United States, introduced as a possible replacement for Mosley. On this show, we unpack some of the narratives and misinformation that became part of that debate.
In honor of Sunshine Week — an annual event focused on government transparency and reporters who work to hold governments accountable for being open to the public — WECT, Port City Daily, and WHQR took a look at warrants and domestic violence protection orders. WHQR also took a closer look at a new policy aimed at giving New Hanover County school board members first crack at public documents — something that definitely isn't in keeping with the spirit of Sunshine Week.
North Carolina is the tenth most religious state in the union, according to U.S. News and World Report — but what does that mean for solving one of the most serious crises facing our community? In light of that question, One Christian Network came together in February to host a panel on solving the affordable housing crisis, and the role the church and people of faith can take in it. On today's show, highlights from that forum.
On this episode, we unpack the recent forum for Republican primary candidates running for the New Hanover County Board of Education. We’ll look at how each of the candidates tried to position themselves among their fellow conservatives. We’ll also look at some of the issues facing the district, including a staggering $20 million budget shortfall, the ongoing debate about DEI, learning loss and low-performing schools, and calls to fire superintendent Dr. Charles Foust.
On this episode, Republican State Senator Michael Lee sits down to discuss two pieces of major education legislation: a significant expansion to the 'Opportunity Scholarship' program, and the Parents' Bill of Rights.
This year, WHQR's Cape Fear Conversation series is taking a closer look at the four focus areas of the New Hanover Community Endowment. First up, community development. It's a board area that includes a lot of different facets, but for this forum we focused on housing.
On this episode, WHQR's Rachel Keith helps unpack the latest work from New Hanover County Schools' Turnaround Task Force. The group has been generating some actionable ideas that could see local funding — but the district as a whole still faces challenges, including increased market pressures as it struggles against charter and private schools for public funding. Plus, we hear from some student leaders who are trying to bring their own perspective — and some valuable data — to tough conversations in the district.
Walk-on Day? Falling Cadillacs? Multi-million dollar politics? There's a lot to unpack when it comes to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (in fact, when it comes to bridges over the river, in general). On today's show, as we brace for a traffic nightmare, we add some context and historical backstory to the weedy world of bridges.
In the past year or so in New Hanover County, we’ve seen public officials pushing back on the homeless population, even as it grows because of our housing crisis. As homeless individuals are pushed into the margins of the community, and into the woods, the justice system continues to interact with the unhoused.On this week's episode, we’ll dig deep into the many ways the police, courts, and judges interact with the unhoused, in ways that help, and in ways that harm. It’s an exploration of the criminalization of homelessness, and the compassionate court systems that may offer a helping hand, and not just shackles.
On this episode, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman reflects on the past year with Kelly Kenoyer, Rachel Keith, Nikolai Mather, and Camille Mojica.
On Monday, the New Hanover Community Endowment announced its second grant cycle: this round features much larger, multi-year grants that take on systemic issues. But the rollout was not without criticism. In this episode, we dig into those concerns and how the Endowment is responding.
Ben David has served as District Attorney for New Hanover and Pender counties since 2004. Next year, he’ll leave office, setting up an election for his replacement. WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman sat down with David to talk about why he’s leaving, how he sees his legacy, and what comes next.
On this episode, Rachel Keith digs into voter turnout and the beach town elections, Kelly Kenoyer talks about Wilmington's city council race, and New Hanover County Democratic party chair Jill Hopman talks about her party's success this year and the challenges it will face next year.
On this edition, WHQR's Kelly Kenoyer and Ben Schachtman break down the highlights from this week's forum for City of Wilmington Council candidates, hosted in partnership with WECT and Port City Daily.
On this episode of The Newsroom, WHQR's Rachel Keith shares what she heard at a recent roundtable event, held by New Hanover County Schools' Turn Around Task Force, charged with getting to the bottom of what ails the district's lowest-performing schools. At the most recent meeting, task force members heard from teachers — who spoke unsparingly about what they really need to help students succeed.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Kathryn Bruner.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger John Lennon.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger David Joyner.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Kevin Spears.
On this episode, WHQR's Kelly Kenoyer breaks down how — and why — we've been running our Community Agenda program. Plus, excerpts from our interviews with three of the candidates running for Wilmington City Council.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Salette Andrews.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Marlowe Foster.
WHQR sat down with all seven candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and five newcomers who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Neil Anderson.
On today’s show, highlights from our most recent Cape Fear Conversations event. This is our third event, this time focusing on the issue of homelessness — looking at what factors are pushing people out of housing, what we get wrong about them and what they’re going through, and about how we might help get them back on track.Our panelists for this event were Katrina Knight, Clayton Hammerski, Karen Garcia, Katelyn Mattox, and Pastor Meg McBride. WHQR reporter Kelly Kenoyer hosted.
On this episode, Kelly Kenoyer sits down with Wilmington Mayor Pro-Tem Margaret Haynes to talk about what's actually with the city's power to do — an important thing to know ahead of this year's municipal elections. Plus, Ben Schachtman talks to a 'blue' and a 'red' from Braver Angels, an organization dedicated to repairing the political divide in the United States.
On this episode of the Newsroom: how one parent’s efforts to remove a single book from a New Hanover County school curriculum became a proxy for the culture wars.In a five-hour hearing, both sides argued the fate of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. It’s a book based on the work of Ibram X. Kendi — but the debate went way beyond this one book, and said a lot about our current political moment and the state of public education.To unpack this story, we're joined by WHQR's Rachel Keith, who has been covering the debate over Stamped for months
The North Carolina grand jury indictment process is shrouded in absolute secrecy — or, almost absolute secrecy, because in one very rare case, we have a glimpse inside that Black Box. What defense attorneys found inside is disturbing, but the system is rigged against addressing the problem.
On this episode of The Newsroom, a conversation with UNCW Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Tift about his recent research trips to Antarctica to study the most populous seal species on Earth: crabeaters. On his most recent visit, Dr. Tift saw firsthand the devastating loss of ice — an area equal to the size of Greenland.We'll discuss Dr. Tift’s other research on how medical doctors can use carbon monoxide in minimizing damage to organs during surgeries or after injuries.Plus, we’ll talk about Tift’s work with UNCW’s Marine Mammal Stranding Program. Just recently, Tift and his team responded to a pilot whale that washed up on shore in the Outer Banks.
Today, we're sitting down with members of Glitterpill, LLC, a company that focuses on threats to democracy and what founder Bjorn Ihler calls "the violent denial of diversity." We’ll look at how extreme beliefs work — across international boundaries, between the not-so-meaningful divide between online and real life, and in the many subtle spaces between acceptable politics and extreme beliefs.We’ll also check in on a petition to ban harmful chemicals from Wilmington and New Hanover County parks.
On this episode, WHQR's Rachel Keith helps unpack the work of the Turnaround Task Force — a group charged, as the name implies, with turning around 12 of the district's 12 lowest performing schools. At a political moment when redistricting (that is, desegregating) the district's schools seems implausible, that means embracing a host of other strategies.
On this episode, Kelly Kenoyer takes a deep dive into what actually happens when a tenant gets evicted — and what their rights are during the process. Plus, a look at 'hydric soils,' and why they mean more flooding than some would expect in the northern part of New Hanover County.
On today's show, a look at New Hanover County's 12 low-performing schools. It's a perfect storm of segregation, childhood trauma, systemic poverty, and changing workforce dynamics — but despite that daunting challenge, New Hanover County has established a task force to help deal with the problem. WHQR's Rachel Keith attended the first meeting and joins us to unpack some candid conversations, a lot of data, and some possible solutions.
WHQR's second Cape Fear Conversation is focused on the queer community — just in time for Pride Month.
On today's show, we sit down with New Hanover County Schools district Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust about his reaction to an increase in guns and drugs on school campus. Then, WHQR's Kelly Kenoyer has an exit interview with Marie Parker, who helped right the ship at WAVE as executive director for the last two years.
On today's show, we sit down with Jill Hopman and Nevin Carr, the newly-minted chairs of the Democratic and Republican parties in New Hanover County. Plus, excerpts from our recent interview with Dane Scalise, who was recently appointed to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.
On today’s special episode, an in-depth conversation with Dane Scalise, who was recently appointed to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.
The mental health care system in North Carolina has been failing for years. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than those who get caught up in the criminal justice system, out of sight, therefore out of mind for the general public and policymakers. But their plight — and the brokenness of the mental health system — affects everyone in the state.
On this episode, we take a closer look at trauma-informed approaches to education, criminal justice, and even our everyday lives. WHQR's Rachel Keith, who just published a three-part series on ACEs, joins us to dig deeper into the issue.
On this episode, UNCW Provost James Winebrake on this week's big news — the restructuring of the College of Arts and Sciences into two new separate colleges. And, on a related note, we’ll get into the tension between two visions of the university: one, as an institution for workforce development, and the other, as a place of personal exploration and growth.Then, we’ll talk to Dorian Cromartie, a volunteer at Rachel Freeman Elementary, a school named for Dorian’s grandmother. For years, the school has been in chaos — with high administrative and faculty turnover, and some very challenging student misbehavior. We’ll unpack what’s causing these issues and how to address them.
For years, the state of North Carolina has struggled to balance economic interests, environmental concerns, and the public's right to recreational access to natural resources — that is, fish. The issue is complicated by the difficulty of knowing the exact status of many of the state's most popular fish species. On this episode, WHQR's Grace Vitaglione unpacks months of reporting to try and get to the bottom of things.
Less than a year after he was appointed, Ray Funderburk was ousted from the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees. In his brief time on the board, he stepped out of line three times, starting with his vote against President Jim Morton's raise — the only dissenting vote. On this episode, a look at the trial to remove him and what we've learned in the aftermath.
If you missed WHQR's February 11 Black History event, you're in luck: We have the highlights from our panel of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion experts.
If you missed WHQR's February 11 Black History event, you're in luck: We have the highlights for you in this episode of The Newsroom. Hear from great speakers about local history, and tune in next week for an episode on our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion panel.
On this week's show: Tracey and Girard Newkirk on Genesis Block's work with minority entrepreneurs, WHQR's Grace Vitaglione on the maze of federal, state, and local disaster recovery efforts, and WECT's Michael Praats on the region's public-private partnerships.
On today’s show, we’re talking about the crucial and sometimes contentious relationship between journalists and public information officers. At stake: the ability of a free press to function — and of the public to stay informed about what their government is doing. So, no pressure.
On this episode, a closer look at WHQR’s One Small Step project — part of our longtime relationship with StoryCorpsOur past StoryCorps conversations have been between close friends and family members, but One Small Step was something different, and a little more challenging: putting two strangers with two very different political backgrounds together for a conversation.The goal? Have a civil conversation, explain where you’re coming from without trying to fight or win over the other person, and maybe connect a little as a human beingAs daunting as that might sound in our fraught political climate, the conversations were surprising, and educational, and sometimes even inspiring.
On today’s show, we’re bidding farewell to 2022 with a look back at the work WHQR's team of journalists did this year, and a look ahead at what’s in store for 2023. Host Benjamin Schachtman sits down with Camille Mojica, Grace Vitgalione, Kelly Kenoyer, and Rachel Keith.
Gentrification is washing over downtown Wilmington, accelerating as it moves North to South. On this week's episode of The Newsroom, we'll dig into the history that led us here, the data proving it's happening, and how it feels on the ground. We'll also hear about potential solutions- however complex those answers may be.
On this episode, Reporter Kelly Kenoyer brings us the first of two shows focused on gentrification in downtown Wilmington. This is an in-depth conversation with two guests: Cierra Washington and Qailinn Bowen of the Northside Food Co-op. Both are working hard to fulfill a decades-old promise to bring a grocery store to the Northside — a historically Black and underserved segment of the city. But they're watching the neighborhood change before their eyes, even as they work to unite it.
On this episode: Rachel Keith helps unpack the Republican's sweep of the New Hanover County Board of Education. The four GOP candidates will effectively be able to make policy in the coming years — what might that look like? Then, Kelly Kenoyer joins us to get Republican and Democratic political perspectives on the 2022 election from Chase Horton, who ran Michael Lee’s campaign, and Carter Jewell, who ran Amy Block DeLoach’s campaign.
On this episode, we unpack our town hall for state representative candidates from the Cape Fear region. We put questions from our newsroom — and the public — to eight candidates in four races, pushing them on tough topics like abortion, gun control, inflation, and more.
Our town hall featured questions for the four candidates — two Democrats and two Republicans — facing off for two seats on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. On this episode, we'll unpack their responses to tough questions from reporters and the public, and provide some analysis, context, and fact-checking.
On this episode: the race for New Hanover County Sheriff, which is seeing a contested seat in the general election for the first time in eight years.
Our town hall featured questions for the eight candidates — four Republicans and four Democrats — running for four open seats on the New Hanover County Board of Education. On this episode, we unpack their responses to everything from evaluating the performance of superintendent Charles Foust to funding pay raises for teachers and staff to serious, and sometimes specious, allegations about what’s going on in the district.
The Wilmington Branch of the North Carolina Food Bank has outgrown its old facility. But they still need about $100,000 in donations to close the funding gap for a new, expanded one. We take a deep dive into the problem of hunger in our region and what the Food Bank hopes to do about it.
The Nov. 8 election will include a ballot initiative for a 1/4 cent transit tax. But what does that mean? We've got all the details for you in this hour-long special, which kicks off our month of election coverage on The Newsroom.
On this episode, we're joined by WHQR's own Rachel Keith to unpack her most recent investigative series looking at issues at Cape Fear Community College — and at the administration of President Jim Morton.
Over the last year and a half, The Newsroom has tackled some of the toughest stories in the region, powered by the reporting of WHQR's journalists. We're grateful to our community for making this work possible— and we're asking you, during WHQR's Fall pledge drive, to join those who are already supporting the WHQR news team.
If you ask law enforcement, the North Carolina Unauthorized Substance Tax provides valuable revenue without burdening taxpayers, and only punishes people participating in criminal activity. But the reality is more complicated. Sometimes, yes, it’s a drug trafficker, rightfully convicted, who ends up paying these fines. But sometimes, it’s a family member that suffers — and sometimes it’s a totally innocent person. On this episode, we unpack the complicated legacy of a tax law many people don’t even know exists.
The majority of renters are housing burdened in New Hanover County, and rental prices continue to surge. But what do those concerning numbers mean for people experiencing this vicious housing market? WHQR's Kelly Kenoyer explores that issue with one person who's been pushed out of the market, alongside a panel of experts who work with the most desperate members of the Cape Fear Community.
WHQR's Rachel Keith sits down with Dr. Aswani Volety, UNCW's new chancellor. And WECT investigative reporter Michael Praats helps unpack the history of the Wilmington crime lab — and new allegations about why the Sheriff's office took over managing it.
Many things about the Proud Boys, including their name, are a joke. But that doesn't make them harmless. In fact, it's what makes them dangerous. On this episode, we'll sit down with a researcher whose team compiled a report on the group for the January 6th Committee.
On this episode, WECT's Frances Weller reflects on her four decades in broadcast journalism — and looks ahead to what's next. Then, WHQR's own Rachel Keith on the story of a missing study, worth millions of dollars, that could hold key insights into the problem of school safety. And Nada Merghani, an advocate who has turned to journalism with recent work for WUNC, talks about navigating the new rules of reporting.
On this episode of the newsroom, conversations about two very different issues that both challenge our regionFirst, Caroline Morin, director of the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast, talks about her work, the rise in attacks on her community, and the particular flavor of bigotry in the coastal south. Then, Evan Folds, with the New Hanover Soil & Water Conservation District, gets into our county’s looming landfill crisis, and some innovative ways to solve it.
On this episode of the Newsroom, guest host Kelly Kenoyer breaks down where in New Hanover County cars tend to hit cyclists and pedestrians — and why this town is more dangerous for those on foot or on pedals than other cities in North Carolina. But there are solutions that could save lives in the future, including an innovative campaign called Vision Zero.
This week, the WHQR news team, along with guests from Port City Daily and WECT, break down the major issues and how they shaped the results of Tuesday's election — which saw some unexpected upsets for incumbents, strong performances from newcomers, and higher voter turnout than in past years.
This week on The Newsroom, StarNews journalists Sydney Hoover, Emma Dill, and Matthew Prensky discuss their recent series on segregation in Wilmington’s school – and its neighborhoods.
On this week’s episode, WHQR’s Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer break down what happened at the joint-media town hall for primary candidates running for the New Hanover County Commissioners. The event, produced by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featured all seven candidates, with questions from reporters and the public.
On this episode, conversations with the Republican primary candidates for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District: Incumbent David Rouzer, a four-term congressman, and challenger Max Southworth-Beckwith.
On this week’s episode, WHQR’s Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith break down what happened at the joint-media town hall for primary candidates running for the New Hanover County Board of Education. The event, produced by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featured all ten candidates, with questions from reporters and the public.
This week on The Newsroom, conversations with the Democratic primary candidates for North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District: Yushonda Midgette, Charles E. Evans, Steve Miller, and Charles Graham.
On this episode: conversations with the Democratic primary candidates for New Hanover County Sheriff — career police officer Kelvin Hargrove and incumbent Sheriff Ed McMahon.
This week, guest host Kelly Kenoyer draws on months of reporting to present a closer look at what's going on with PFAS, the family of 'forever chemicals' that includes GenX and thousands of others. We'll tackle the history, science, and politics of the problem — and look at what can be done in the future.
On this episode, the WHQR news team helps unpack three major stories: Rachel Keith kicks off the primary election season, Kelly Kenoyer explains the evolving crisis in Wilmington's housing authority, and Camille Mojica digs into the issue of 'community violence.'
On this edition of The Newsroom, WHQR's Rachel Keith joins us for a look at government transparency and accountability. Then, WECT’s Michael Praats on the grey area around public records. Plus, a conversation with UNCW's Dr. Donyell Roseboro, who recently became the University's permanent Chief Diversity Officer.
On this week's episode, guest-host Kelly Kenoyer digs into the great suburban experiment that has defined development in the United States ever since the invention of the car. Plus, an update on the housing crisis — or is it crises? — in Wilmington.
Years of committees, surveys, and studies culminated in a big push for a $50 million housing bond — with elected officials, advocates, and developers all seemingly on board. Then, the idea abruptly died, killed in part by political concerns about raising taxes during an election season. So — now what?
In the first show of 2022, we tackle the opioid crisis — which is killing more Americans than ever before. Also, County Chairperson Julia Olson-Boseman on what's in store for the county this year. Then, Port City Daily journalist Alexandria Sands Williams looks behind the scenes on the county's mask mandate debate.
On this episode: In 2021 our news team tackled stories that were tougher and more complicated than ever. We reflect on the year and turn to 2022, which shows no signs of being an easier ride.
New Hanover County has a $350-million fund, with no specifics strings attached or plans for the the money. What if the county spent it on one main issue — like housing, transportation, education, or medical debt?
On this episode of The Newsroom — Florence Warren, a 35-year veteran, sits down with WHQR's Rachel Keith to talk about her career in teaching and the work still left to be done. Plus, WECT reporter Michael Praats' latest on allegations against New Hanover County Chair Julia Olson-Boseman. And, a deep dive on Tru Colors.
This week WHQR launched an investigative series into the Wilmington Housing Authority, looking at systemic mismanagement and miscommunication that's led to mold infestation getting out of control. On this episode of The Newsroom, co-hosted by WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer, we'll put the pieces together, and dig even deeper into the story.
On this edition of The Newsroom, we break down the results of the 2021 municipal elections — we'll be talking results, voter turnout, and what's next.
We round out our month-long elections coverage with a look at the races for mayor in New Hanover County's beach towns.
All throughout October, The Newsroom will feature special coverage of the 2021 elections for Wilmington's city council and mayoral seats. With eight candidates for council and a head-to-head battle for mayor, it will be an interesting month.
All throughout October, The Newsroom will feature special coverage of the 2021 elections for Wilmington's city council and mayoral seats. With eight candidates for council and a head-to-head battle for mayor, it will be an interesting month.
All throughout October, The Newsroom will feature special coverage of the 2021 elections for Wilmington's city council and mayoral seats. With eight candidates for council and a head-to-head battle for mayor, it will be an interesting month.
Every Friday in October, WHQR's The Newsroom will bring you coverage of the 2021 Wilmington election and interviews with the candidates.
On the latest edition of The Newsroom, an in-depth conversation with District Attorney Ben David and Chief District Court Judge Jay Corpening. We discuss changing philosophical approaches to juvenile justice and changes to North Carolina's laws — plus, what could be in store now that New Hanover County has agreed to tap $350 million in hospital sale funds.
On this episode: Over the last three years, rumors have circulated, alleging a toxic workplace at CFCC under the administration of President Jim Morton. In early 2020, WECT published a report with on-the-record allegations, but it seems little has changed. Now, new reporting from WHQR's Rachel Keith goes deeper than ever into issues at the college.
Tens of millions of people still haven't had the shot and, in most cases, it's not because they don't have access to the vaccination sites — it is often because of lingering fears and concerns about the vaccine. WHQR's team tackled these concerns, but also the question, 'can anything change the unvaccinated's minds?'
On this episode: Heading into a local election, political tensions are dangerously high. Can we lower the noise enough to hear each other? Plus, news deserts are a threat to democracy. How can we change things? And, beaches are central to local life and local governments — but keeping them from washing into the ocean is difficult and expensive.
On this week's show, guest host Kelly Kenoyer takes a deep dive into the history of segregation in Wilmington, learning how modern zoning codes have continued that legacy today. We'll look at this through the lens of Wilmington's Northside, because the story of this neighborhood is the story of countless others, which have experienced the same issues.
On this edition of The Newsroom, we talk about a new collaborative news venture, dive into a new archive of elder voices from Wilmington's Black community, and unpack the potential for a public nature park on Eagles Island.
On this edition of The Newsroom, it's a month of celebration — and a celebration of public transportation (or, at least, its potential).