Ben Wheeler is a Law Enforcement Watchdog Reporter. He predominately focuses on law enforcement accountability reporting for McClatchy. He graduated with a BA in Communications from Tennessee Technological University, and a Masters in Journalism from the University of Memphis. He joined McClatchy in 2025. He has ten years of experience in journalism.
He has worked for the last decade in various markets doing a variety of roles. He started out as a general assignment reporter in South Dakota at the Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan, then his hometown paper the Herald-Citizen in Cookeville, TN. He then worked as an investigative reporter at The Daily Memphian in Memphis, before working as a digital director at ABC24 in Memphis, Tennessee. Outside of work, him and his wife have two cats and are enjoying checking out the new city.
LATEST FROM BEN WHEELER

Local
Two Independence deputy police chiefs retire amid lawsuits. Here's what to know
June 30, 2026 at 5:20 PM

Government & Politics
In governor’s race, Overland Park mayor gets endorsement from this Johnson Co leader
Updated June 30, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Local
Two Independence police officials retire. One wasn't voluntary, attorney says
Updated June 30, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Local
How did police conclude suspected highway shooter had escaped? Experts weigh in
June 29, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Local
Cadaver dog’s alert wasn’t ‘disregarded’ in home where body was found, KCFD says
Updated June 25, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Local
KCFD says its cadaver dog alerted of a body a week before police found highway shooter
Updated June 25, 2026 at 1:29 PM

Local
‘Horrific tragedy.’ KC leaders express relief after highway shooting suspect found
Updated June 25, 2026 at 11:20 AM

Local
'Excellent job': With no arrests, KCPD board praises police on highway shooter search
Updated June 24, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Local
Following weeks of gun violence, KC police board meets. Here’s what they said
June 23, 2026 at 4:53 PM