Ben Schachtman
News DirectorBen Schachtman is a journalist and editor with a focus on local government accountability. He began reporting for Port City Daily in the Wilmington area in 2016 and took over as managing editor there in 2018. He’s a graduate of Rutgers College and later received his MA from NYU and his PhD from SUNY-Stony Brook, both in English Literature.
He and his wife met and were married in Wilmington; they returned to the area after nearly a decade in New York City.
Your can reach him at Bschachtman@whqr.org and on Twitter @Ben_Schachtman
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The man accused of opening fire on American Fish Company this past Saturday identifies as many things: a Marine veteran, an outdoorsman, and a writer. WHQR news director Ben Schachtman and Brunswick County reporter Nikolai Mather break down the latest details on Nigel Edge. And a warning: this story contains frank descriptions of gun violence. -
The City of Southport confirmed early this morning that a suspect had been taken into custody following last night's shooting. Three people were killed and five more wounded, some seriously.
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On Friday morning, UNCW Chancellor Dr. Aswani Volety released a video addressing the public about a three-hour search for an alleged gunman or gunmen on campus yesterday evening, which officials now say was a “false alarm.” -
A sales tax referendum may be coming to voters in the tri-county area – with the aim of dealing with infrastructure needs. Officials say it could be the fix for a toll-free Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. -
You might have seen a petition going around asking Wrightsville Beach to bring back free parking hours on weeknights. But given the history of the town's paid parking policies, it's likely to be an uphill battle. WHQR reporter Nikolai Mather asked news director and longtime resident Ben Schachtman for some context to this latest challenge. -
Last month, the Cape Fear Housing Coalition held its annual housing affordability breakfast. WHQR’s Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer break down their legislative update — and a case study in housing trust funds from Charlotte. -
Members of the New Hanover County school board will decide this week whether or not to censure their colleague Dr. Tim Merrick. The proposed censure is based on allegations that Merrick violated policy and possibly state law, but the situation ultimately seems to stem from questions about how a board member can respond to an employee’s complaints or concerns. -
On Monday, New Hanover County commissioners heard a presentation from Dr. Roger Shew, a UNCW Department of Geography and Geology and Environmental Sciences professor, about the future preservation of the Flossie Bryan Tract off Independence Boulevard. -
New Hanover County commissioners recently kicked off their annual budget process. WHQR’s Kelly Kenoyer and Ben Schachtman stepped into the studio to talk about the preliminary round of discussions. -
Note: this story includes discussion of sexual assault.Last month, WHQR covered the trial of Michael Hasson, who was found guilty of a string of sexual assaults on his patients, concluding a case that had lasted for years. WHQR’s Ben Schachtman spoke with Reporter Aaleah McConnell about the case and her conversations with lead prosecutor, Connie Jordan.
