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Primary Content

Benjamin Payne

Benjamin Payne
Savannah Reporter
News Reporter

Benjamin is the Savannah-based reporter for GPB, where he covers Coastal Georgia.

Prior to coming to Savannah, he freelanced in Bellingham, Washington, for public media outlets including NPR, Marketplace, and PRX. Previously, Benjamin hosted Morning Edition for WVIK, his hometown NPR member station in Rock Island, Ill. Before that, he served a news internship with NPR member station WBEZ in Chicago.

Benjamin is a graduate of the University of Nevada-Reno's journalism master's program, and earned his undergraduate degree in journalism from Augustana College in Rock Island.

Bottom Content

News Stories by Benjamin Payne

Savannah City Hall, as seen from Johnson Square on Bull Street.

Tagged as: 

  • Architecture

Savannah City Hall nears completion of first major restoration in building's nearly 120-year history

City Council has been meeting at the Board of Education offices since September while workers restore City Hall's original mahogany woodwork, historic lighting fixtures, and mosaic entrance lobby.

June 09, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
Wire mesh cages containing oyster shells and pine straw are designed to help rebuild oyster reefs along Teakettle Creek in McIntosh County.

Tagged as: 

  • Environment

Georgia DNR tests new oyster restoration technique near Sapelo Island

Oyster shells are sourced from Atlanta restaurants, among other partners, and require a monthslong curing period in the sun to eliminate bacteria.

June 05, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
Jon Batiste speaks at the Savannah College of Art and Design's spring 2025 commencement ceremony at the Savannah Convention Center on May 30.

Tagged as: 

  • Education

Jon Batiste delivers commencement address to Savannah College of Art and Design graduating class

"You are the culmination of your entire lineage," the musician told graduates.

May 30, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
Diamondback terrapin

Tagged as: 

  • Environment

Jekyll Island Authority launches interactive maps to track turtle activity in real time

More than 250 diamondback terrapins have been documented along the Jekyll Island Causeway so far this year, with about two-thirds rescued alive.

May 29, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
Four Savannah Police Department squad cars are parked in front of one another on a brick road.

Tagged as: 

  • News

Savannah Pride Center, police partner on LGBTQ training to 'turn the corner' on hate crime reporting

New program aims to build trust between law enforcement and LGBTQ Savannahians through expanded liaison services and officer education on bias incidents.

May 20, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
  • Load More

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