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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

Bishop Stephen Parkes delivers a homily at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah on May 10, 2025.

Tagged as: 

  • Religion

'Great humility, a kindness, and a gentleness': Savannah bishop recalls 2023 chat with Pope Leo XIV

The bishop of the Diocese of Savannah described the newly elected pontiff as well-suited "for what we need at this particular time."

May 12, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter speaks at a Trump campaign rally at the Savannah Civic Center on Sept. 24, 2024.

Tagged as: 

  • Politics

Georgia congressman Buddy Carter launches 'MAGA warrior' GOP bid for 2026 Senate race against Ossoff

The Southeast Georgia lawmaker becomes the first Republican to enter the U.S. Senate race against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff.

May 08, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
Georgia Sen. Josh McLaurin of Atlanta, standing next to Georgia Rep. Ruwa Romman of Duluth, announces his run for lieutenant governor along downtown Savannah's riverfront on Monday, May 5, as a container ship sails toward the Port of Savannah.

Tagged as: 

  • Politics

Democrat Josh McLaurin launches lieutenant governor bid, condemns tariffs near Savannah port

The Fulton County lawmaker said that Georgia's Republican leadership is kowtowing to President Donald Trump, whose tariffs McLaurin said threaten the East Coast's second-busiest container port.

May 06, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
Jekyll Island Authority wildlife conservation technicians Bailey Yarborough and Will Hicks pose after finding Georgia's first sea turtle nest of the 2025 nesting season on May 1 along Glory Beach.

Tagged as: 

  • Environment

'Our summer is going to be really busy': Georgia sea turtle nesting projected to see surge this year

Loggerhead sea turtles have steadily rebounded in recent years, with 4% annual population growth since the 1990s.

May 05, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
The Roche Walker House

Tagged as: 

  • History

Historic Savannah Foundation unveils first 'Endangered Places' list, highlighting preservation needs

The six entries include a historically Black cemetery, a fire station, three houses, and a church.

May 02, 2025
|
By:
  • Benjamin Payne
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