Sunshine Week: A closer look at warrants, protective orders, and NHCS' new meeting policy

Ben 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 loves spending time with his wife and playing rock'n'roll very loudly. You can reach him at BSchachtman@whqr.org and find him on Twitter @Ben_Schachtman.

Rachel is a graduate of UNCW's Master of Public Administration program, specializing in Urban and Regional Policy and Planning. She also received a Master of Education and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and French Language & Literature from NC State University. She served as WHQR's News Fellow from 2017-2019. Contact her by email: rkeith@whqr.org or on Twitter @RachelKWHQR

Kelly Kenoyer is an Oregonian transplant on the East Coast. She attended University of Oregon’s School of Journalism as an undergraduate, and later received a Master’s in Journalism from University of Missouri- Columbia. Contact her on Twitter @Kelly_Kenoyer or by email: KKenoyer@whqr.org.

Peter Castagno is a journalist who has freelanced for Sludge, TruthOut, and Stock News. Castagno’s interests lie in foreign policy and the military industrial complex, as well as global economic systems and holding people in power accountable. He has received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNCW. In his free time, Castagno likes to “vibe out.”

Brenna Flanagan is a journalist who recently graduated from UNCW, with a double major in communication studies and theater. Originally from Goldsboro, NC, Flanagan’s passion is writing and she also enjoys acting in film and television. Her hobbies include singing, reading, traveling, and attending concerts and musicals.

Zach joined the WECT team in January 2021 as a reporter and weekend anchor.

Originally from Montvale, New Jersey, Zach attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. While in college, Zach interned at SiriusXM and reported for UMD’s Capital News Service, covering stories in and around Washington, D.C.

Zach’s passion for local news coverage has led him here to Wilmington. He looks forward to learning, making new connections, and telling important stories.

Outside of the newsroom, Zach enjoys cooking, watching sports, and playing in a Wiffle Ball league with his friends.

Have a story idea? You can email Zach at Zach.Solon@wect.com and find him on Twitter @zachsolon or Facebook @ZachSolonWECT