Spotlight Delaware Podcasts

This podcast brings you one of the five discussions that took place at Spotlight Delaware's Health Care Summit on University of Delaware's STAR Campus on April 29th, 2026.     DELAWARE'S MEDICAL SCHOOL: THE PATH FORWARD Delaware's success obtaining funds from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund has opened the door to creating the state's first medical school. How would a medical school improve health care in Delaware, and what are the obstacles to getting a school off the ground?   Panelists: Dr. Barbara L. Bass, Dean (Ret.), George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr. Neil Hockstein, Chair, Delaware Health Care Commission Kathleen (Kathy) S. Matt, PhD, Board Member, Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research    Moderated by Tim Carlin  

This podcast brings you one of the five discussions that took place at Spotlight Delaware's Health Care Summit on University of Delaware's STAR Campus on April 29th, 2026.    HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP C-Suite representatives from Delaware's three largest health care systems – Bayhealth, Beebe Healthcare and ChristianaCare – discuss how their institutions are working to address the largest health challenges in the state.    Panelists: Dr. William Chasanov, Senior Vice President and Chief Health Systems Design Officer, Beebe Healthcare Dr. Emmanuel Mensah, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Group, ChristianaCare Dr. Gary Siegelman, Designated Institutional Official for GME, Bayhealth    Moderated by Jacob Owens  

This podcast brings you one of the five discussions that took place at Spotlight Delaware's Health Care Summit on University of Delaware's STAR Campus on April 29th, 2026.    AN UPDATE ON THE OPIOID FUND In 2025, Delaware's Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission revised its funding procedures. Commission Executive Director Brad Owens shares how the changes have impacted current grant applications and how funds have been assisting substance abuse victims.    Moderated by Nick Stonesifer  

This podcast brings you one of the five discussions that took place at Spotlight Delaware's Health Care Summit on University of Delaware's STAR Campus on April 29th, 2026.    DOWNSTATE DEMAND The health care challenges facing the state are multiplied in rural areas, due to geographically remote populations and fewer care facilities. What are providers and advocates doing to navigate the difficulties confronting downstate communities?    Panelists: Dr. Fabricio Alarcon, Chief Medical Officer, La Red Health Center, and Founder/Owner, Atlantic Family Physicians Peggy Geisler, Executive Director, Sussex County Health Coalition Steve Leonard, President/CEO, TidalHealth    Moderated by Maggie Reynolds  

This podcast brings you one of the five discussions that took place at Spotlight Delaware's Health Care Summit on University of Delaware's STAR Campus on April 29th, 2026.    ACCESS TO SPECIALTY CARE With Delaware's rapidly growing population, there is a rapidly growing demand for specialty medical care. What is the current status for accessing care like OB/GYN, neurology, and pediatrics – and what potential solutions are there to alleviate the shortages?   Panelists: Javier Diaz, Vice President, Cancer and Blood Disorders, Nemours Children's Health Dr. Nancy Fan, OB/GYN, St. Francis Women's Center Dr. Ali Sheharyar, Neurologist, Bayhealth    Moderated by Nick Stonesifer  

Health reporter Nick Stonesifer talks about a historic moment in Delaware health care – the announcement of who will be running the state's first medical school. Nick discusses how he goes beyond the press releases and the press conferences to detail the contours of a major policy announcement, and gets into the big unanswered questions behind the medical school project. He also details how he builds relationships – online and in person – with industry leaders and "the person on the street" to develop thorough perspectives in his health care coverage. Hosted by Director of Community Engagement David Stradley Spotlight Delaware articles connect to this episode: Thomas Jefferson University to run Delaware's first medical school  What to know about Delaware's new medical school  

Tim Carlin, Spotlight's deputy editor for southern Delaware, is today's guest on "Beyond the Headlines." In addition to supervising the reporters focused on Kent and Sussex County, Tim is also Spotlight's dedicated State House reporter, and his legislative coverage is the focus of this episode. The 153rd General Assembly will conclude on June 30th, and Tim joins the podcast to let listeners know what to look forward to in the last 30 days of this session, as well as sharing his take on the highlights of the legislators' work so far. Hosted by Director of Community Engagement David Stradley Spotlight Delaware articles connect to this episode: Bill to revamp Delaware's hospital oversight board passes Senate  Healthcare pricing reform advances, amendments dilute impact Facing property tax outrage, lawmakers to reconvene in August Should Delmarva Power be allowed to generate power? Lawmakers may decide Bills to implement new school funding model pass out of committee

Spotlight Delaware education reporter Julia Merola joins the "Beyond the Headlines" podcast to discuss the outcomes of this year's statewide school board elections, the issues that were in play with them and what they might mean for the future of districts around Delaware.  

Last month, Spotlight Delaware held its "Spotlight On: Data Centers" event at Wilmington University in Dover. It featured local and regional experts speaking about the impacts of those energy-hungry facilities on local economic development, energy infrastructure and environmental sustainability.   One panel discussion, led by land-use reporter Olivia Marble, focused on the infrastructure needs of the massive facilities, and how that will impact the supply and demand of electricity. Listen to the conversation here.

Spotlight Delaware recently held its "Spotlight On: Data Centers" event at Wilmington University in Dover. It featured local and regional experts speaking about the impacts of those energy-hungry facilities on local economic development, energy infrastructure and environmental sustainability.   One particular panel discussion, led by land-use reporter Olivia Marble, included four legislators who have been central to debates around data centers in their respective states. Get panelists' insights here in "Spotlight On: Data Centers - Part 1," and follow our show to easily tune in for Part 2. Subscribe to Spotlight Delaware's daily email newsletter for work like this and more, from across the First State at spotlightdelaware.org/newsletter. Our reporting is made possible by readers like you. Your support helps keep our work free and accessible to all Delawareans. Give today to keep local reporting going strong: spotlightdelaware.org/support.

Wilmington reporter Brianna Hill visits "Beyond the Headlines" to talk about how she has been covering Christina Park, the location of the city-sanctioned encampment for unhoused individuals located on Wilmington's East Side. She discusses the unique challenges of reporting at the park, how she has built contacts with the residents, whether her coverage style differs if she knows other reporters are present, and more. Hosted by Director of Community Engagement David Stradley Spotlight Delaware articles connect to this episode: Tensions flare as Wilmington officials move the Christina Park homeless encampment Protests again stall the Christina Park tent overhaul

Education reporter Julia Merola and health reporter Nick Stonesifer join "Beyond the Headlines" to talk about their recent investigation into the Rockford Center, a private behavioral health hospital in Newark which has been cited by state regulators in recent years for giving children medications without their or their parents' consent.  Julia and Nick discuss their more than six month process to develop this report. They share how they connected with the families and employees featured in the article, why investigations like this take so much time, and detail their fact-checking process. Finally, they reflect on how reporting these kinds of stories impacts them personally as journalists. Hosted by David Stradley.  

Tim Carlin, deputy editor for southern Delaware, is the guest for this episode of "Beyond the Headlines." While Tim's work for Spotlight normally has him roaming Legislative Hall in Dover, he joins the podcast to discuss the time he spent on the Leipsic River and the Delaware Bay reporting for his article In Leipsic, watermen have toiled for generations to dredge the deep. Tim shares how he developed his sources among the community of watermen, what his experience was like on Leonard "Limbo" Voss' boat, and why Spotlight readers can expect to see more stories of "joy, wonder and discovery."  

Colby Cox is a fourth-generation Miltonian who left his mark on his hometown two decades ago, when he built Cannery Village. Today, the master-planned community surrounds the Dogfish Head brewery and helped launch the intimate, mixed-use development concept to Delaware. He's recently kickstarted work on his latest Delaware project, The Granary at Draper Farms – a massive project on Milton's southwest side, which will likely double the town's population in the next decade. Cox discussed the project, how he approaches building a community, how to view Sussex County's building boom and more in a sit-down interview with Spotlight Delaware.

Deputy Editor Karl Baker joins "Beyond the Headlines" to mark the beginning of 2026 election season with a discussion about money – specifically how Delaware's political parties finance their operations. Two of Karl's recent articles have taken on the topic through a bipartisan lens: "Longtime court critic quietly funds PAC controlled by House Speaker," and "Delaware's GOP projects strength after months of turmoil." In the podcast, Karl discusses what these two developments say about the state of money in Delaware politics and shares how hel tracks these trends. 

Since late 2024, municipalities across Delaware have been struggling with how to pass and enforce ordinances related to loitering and panhandling. The cause of the struggle was an agreement reached between the Delaware Department of Justice and the ACLU directing police in Delaware to no longer enforce current loitering and solicitation laws in public spaces. The agreement was a settlement to a lawsuit brought by the ACLU, and was sparked due to constitutional concerns connected to the First and Fourth Amendments. Wilmington reporter Brianna Hill and Rural Communities reporter Maggie Reynolds join the podcast to discuss how this issue has been showing up in Delaware's two biggest cities. Although Dover and Wilmington are very different municipalities, there are similarities in how the city councils have been trying to navigate passing new ordinances. The decisions these cities reach could provide a template for how other towns in Delaware try to address the issue. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Jennings talks updated loitering bill, lawmakers express frustrations Debate grows as Wilmington crafts new loitering ordinance Dover residents, officials divided ahead of panhandling vote  

Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens talks about Spotlight Delaware's months-long project looking at the results of Delaware's first reassessment of property values in more than 40 years. Working with Tech Impact, Spotlight produced an interactive map showing how the state's tax burdens and property assessments have shifted in that time.  In his accompanying reporting, Jake highlights questions around the outcome of the reassessment prompted by the data map, including whether the reassessment will help Delaware achieve equity in education funding. Hosted by David Stradley  

Reporter Julia Merola joins the podcast to discuss her article 'Afraid to Die': Parents of Disabled Adults Struggle to Find Housing. The article profiles three families who are concerned they will not be able to provide supportive housing for their adult children with disabilities before the parents pass away.  Merola shares how a previous article built trust and connections in the disability community that led directly to this article, how she worked to draw readers into an issue they may not have personal experience with, and why she thinks a profile like this has strong news worthiness even though it's not breaking news. Hosted by David Stradley

In the last week of 2025, five members of Spotlight Delaware's reporting team created a five-part series on Homelessness in Delaware. At a time of year where news readership normally dips, this series resulted in some of the Spotlight's highest readership numbers in several months. In this episode, reporters Olivia Marble, Brianna Hill and Nick Stonesifer discuss the collaborative nature of reporting on this issue and how the team worked to ensure that the voices of people experiencing homelessness were centered in this series. Plus, how losing your photo SD card can end up being a blessing in disguise. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Homelessness Series Archives

In this last "Beyond the Headlines" episode for 2025, each member of Spotlight Delaware's nine-person reporting team reflects on the stories that meant the most to them in the year. From government accountability to long-term investigations, community profiles to breaking news, learn what stuck out to our reporters in 2025. Moms, farmers, politicians, abuse victims and more are all featured in these reflections.  Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Delaware abuse victim rescued from ICE deportation Delaware soybean farmers remain optimistic amid dropping prices Years of violations, but few consequences for MeadowWood Wilmington mom struggles to secure therapy for son with autism A decade after Bradley abuse case, survivors still seek help Trans youth face care crisis in Delaware as health options shrinkLate-night compromise ends legislative standoff over offshore windDelDOT investigating land deal struck with a chief planner's business partnerDemocrats feud over Sussex chair's sex offender past  

Education reporter Julia Merola talks about the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity and specifically its process to make a recommendation for reworking school district boundaries in Wilmington. She recaps the background of the consortium and the details of the December 16th vote to move forward with a redistricting plan. Julia also discusses why the work of the consortium, which had been flying under the radar, has recently been receiving a lot more public focus – and with that, some public confusion and public pushback. Plus, learn when being a 4'11" reporter has downsides. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: What is the Redding Consortium? 'We were bulldozed': The history of Wilmington's school system  

Spotlight Delaware Editor-In-Chief Jacob Owens and Marketing and Events Manager Elsa Kegelman take listeners behind the scenes on the upcoming Our Delaware Cultural Festival in Wilmington, Delaware. They explain the origin of the Our Delaware story series, how it morphed into an in-person event and what attendees can expect. Join hundreds of other Delawareans in taking in the art, music, food and stories of Delaware's many cultures from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Arsht Hall, 2700 Pennsylvania Ave. in Wilmington.

Rural communities reporter Maggie Reynolds discusses a controversy that has broken out in recent weeks in Georgetown where a citizens' group is making their disapproval quite vocal of the town's homeless population and the town government's handling of the issue.  Maggie gives insight into the origins of the Make Georgetown Great Again movement, highlights other quieter voices offering perspectives on homelessness, and reflects on how the dynamics of smaller town life are playing out in this debate. Plus, Maggie shares how reporters think about where they sit in town council meetings. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: Georgetown homelessness spurs resident ire, calls for change Georgetown tiny homes project faces uncertainty amid resident ire

Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens recently published a special report, "A decade after Bradley abuse case, survivors still seek help" as well as a podcast with Margaret Murphy, the mother of two of Earl Bradley's victims. Now, Owens joins the "Beyond the Headlines" podcast to share his perspectives on the nearly two-year reporting journey behind the article. He details what led Murphy to trust Spotlight Delaware with this story, the special considerations and care surrounding interviewing survivors of sexual abuse, and his hopes for the conversation that will occur in Delaware as a result of this special report. Hosted by David Stradley CONTENT WARNING This episode does contain discussion of mature themes and brief descriptions of sexual abuse and violence, including crimes involving children. It begins with an overview of the crimes committed by former Delaware pediatrician Earl Bradley.  

Spotlight Delaware began to investigate the impact of the unprecedented settlement agreement reached in the wake of the Earl Bradley scandal after being contacted by  Margaret Murphy, of Lewes, Delaware. Murphy, whose daughters have struggled in the years since the pedophile's crimes were brought to light more than 15 years ago, has been raising awareness around the lack of support services for the survivors in the case. She has unsuccessfully sought assistance from the multi-million-dollar settlement trust fund created to compensate and support hundreds of Bradley's young victims. Spotlight Delaware Editor-In-Chief Jacob Owens talked with Murphy about all of this and more.

Olivia Marble discusses three current development proposals which, taken together, give a fascinating snapshot into how elected officials, advocates, and everyday residents are wrestling with questions about where and how to build in Delaware's fastest growing county. Olivia talks about her "reading of the tea leaves" to try to discern how Sussex County Council members will vote, the conflict between desires for both denser developments and preservation corridors, and traffic – always traffic. Plus, the irony of residents in new housing developments advocating against new housing developments.  Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: Sussex density goals put to the test by controversial Belle Mead development Sussex County Council divided on Atlantic Fields ahead of vote  Sussex County Council split on Cool Spring Crossing amid outcry

Reporter José Ignacio Castañeda Perez talks about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's recent arrest and detention of a Delaware victim of domestic violence, despite her living with temporary protected legal status in the U.S. If ICE had deported her back to her native country, her abuser would have been waiting.  José Ignacio offers details about the process to gain permission to tell the victim's story, how newsrooms deal with requests for anonymity and gives more insight into some of the key figures in the article. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: 'Bring her back': Delaware abuse victim rescued from ICE deportation

Health reporter Nick Stonesifer discusses his investigation into charity care provided by nonprofit hospitals in the state, particularly Delaware's largest healthcare provider. Charity care (or financial assistance to individuals at certain income levels) is something that most Delawareans may not be aware of, particularly those who could use it the most. Nick gives insight into his four-month reporting research for the article, how the charity process works, and why the concept of "community benefits" provided by nonprofit hospitals has become so hard to quantify.  Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: As ChristianaCare's profits rise, free care to the poor stays stagnant  

Reporter Brianna Hill returns to the podcast to take us with her as she hit the street, particularly street corners, for her September 7th article "Should Wilmington temporarily ban new corner stores?" Brianna talks about how she sourced the community voices for the story, some of the surprising points of view that made their way into her reporting and shares a few encounters on the street that didn't make it into the article. Plus, find out which group of people sitting on a corner Brianna perhaps shouldn't have approached for the story. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: Should Wilmington temporarily ban new corner stores?

Marketing & Events Manager Elsa Kegelman makes a special guest appearance on "Beyond the Headlines" to let listeners in on all the adventures that await during Spotlight Delaware's Family Fun Day, taking place on Saturday, September 27. With podcast host David Stradley, Elsa gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the statewide escapades as we've been planning this day and provides the inside scoop on biggest surprises, best gift shops and most Instagrammable locales among the Family Fun Day attractions. Plus, learn where Elsa and David think certain Shakespeare characters would have their family fun in Delaware.

Tim Carlin, Spotlight's new deputy editor for Southern Delaware, visits the podcast to discuss what will guide the newsroom's expanded coverage of Kent & Sussex counties. He highlights stories from recent months that typify what he hopes southern Delawareans can expect from Spotlight, explores why First State residents should care about localized stories beyond their town, and offers thoughts on the pros and cons of reporting on Delaware as a newcomer. Plus, Tim takes a Delaware Trivia quiz to assess how he's doing at learning about his new home! Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Delaware Explained: Sussex County land use reforms Delaware hunters, lawmakers clash over hunting supervision rules

Rural Communities Reporter Maggie Reynolds joins the podcast for the first time to talk about her recent article detailing efforts in Kent County to add support services for those experiencing homelessness and drug addiction. She shares insights into why tactics are different in Kent and New Castle counties, how personal connections lead people to take action on this issue, and what sparked a bipartisan collaboration between two senators. Plus, learn how Maggie ended up doing an interview for the story inside a BMW at an abandoned auto shop. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: Kent County debates ideas to address homelessness, drug use

As New Castle County school boards are meeting to consider new property tax rates, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens offers perspectives on the reassessment saga. He discusses reactions in different counties to the property reassessments and tax rates, how the Delaware legislature attempted to provide relief in a one-day special session and what lessons we can take from this 40-year-delayed process. Plus, find out how Jake's newly-constructed Middletown home was given a 1983 valuation. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: New Castle County school districts all prepare tax rate resets State lawmakers ease residential property tax burden in testy special session Delaware Explained: Post-reassessment tax bill

Olivia Marble, Spotlight Delaware's new land use reporter reporter, makes her podcast debut discussing a potential project that has quickly gripped Delawareans -- an 11-building data center in Delaware City. Olivia offers context on her discussion with energy experts, the atmosphere in the recent public town hall, and potential legislation that could influence the development. Plus, find out how the frustrations of 15-year-old Olivia led to her passion for land use. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Proposed Delaware data center would have massive energy needs Delaware House Speaker joins calls to deny proposed data center New data center regulations proposed in New Castle County

Education reporter Julia Merola comes onto the podcast to look back over the recent school year. She shares insights about some recent consequential school board activity, bills passed during this year's legislative session that will have impact in the schools next year, and the current state of Federal education funding. Plus, find out whether Julia still thinks about education issues while she goes on her summer break. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Free breakfast leads Delaware education bills passed Moriak selected as new Christina school board presidentAppoquinimink votes to raise taxes amid accounting snafu    

Deputy Editor Karl Baker joins the podcast hours after the legislative year ended in Dover to give his perspective on the accomplishments of Delaware elected officials in this session. Karl discusses the debate over state vs. county authority, the creation of the office of inspector general, and the internal divisions in the Democratic party. Plus, find out how the debate on single-use plastics got surprisingly spicy! Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Late-night compromise ends legislative standoff over offshore wind

Reporter Brianna Hill discusses the atmosphere, emotions and policy debates around the recent efforts in the Wilmington City Council to pass a rent stabilization measure. Brianna gives insight into the thought process of key council members, how the intensity of public expression around the issue impacted her reporting, and why she decided to leave out some of the drama.  Plus, learn what a reporter does when they get locked out of council chambers without their press pass. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Advocates eye referendum after Wilmington rent stabilization fails Wilmington rent bill faces pushback from Carney, Meyer administrations New proposal seeks to limit rents in Wilmington

Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens gets listeners ready to go for the stretch run of the 2025 legislative session in Dover. He talks about the legislative highlights so far in the year, the bills he has his eye on during the last weeks, and the learning curve of new executive and legislative branch leadership. Plus, learn more about what the heck "DEFAC" is and how it impacts the state budget. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Delaware Explained: State Revenue Delaware school funding reform approved with few details Delaware Democrats advance offshore wind bill despite criticism

New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry won the office last occupied by our now Governor Matt Meyer. And in doing so, became the first person of color to lead Delaware's largest county.  He's a longtime public servant, having served in several countywide positions over the last decade. He's a successful business owner and the father of a child with autism. He's overseeing departments dealing with housing, community services, and economic development. But the county executive seat is his first time in elected office. Henry speaks about all this and more. Hosted by Spotlight Delaware's Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens.

Reporter José Ignacio Castañeda Perez joins the podcast to check-in about the impact of immigration enforcement in Delaware by the Trump Administration. He shares how data trends of immigration arrests and criminal cases can provide useful context across administrations, the manner in which Spotlight broke the story of a partnership agreement between ICE and a Delaware town, and why he thinks the state is best served by a variety of media outlets providing coverage on complex topics. Plus, find out what reporters do if an important source calls while they are driving. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: ICE arrests quietly escalate in Delaware under Trump presidency Police in Kent County town rescind ICE partnership following a backlash

Reporter Nick Stonesifer joins the podcast to offer more insight into rising instances of home improvement fraud in Delaware and solutions being proposed in the state legislature. Nick discusses the process for identifying an issue as worthy of coverage, details of the proposed legislation, and his reaction when his article on home improvement fraud was read as part of the presentation on House Bill 89. Plus, Nick lets listeners in on how reporters balance their own feelings on story subjects caught in horrible situations with the need to create fact-based reporting. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: As home improvement fraud arrests rise, convictions remain elusive Home improvement fraud bill moves through committee - Spotlight Delaware

Reporter Julia Merola offers context on recent Federal actions regarding education funding and policy, and how it might impact the realities of schools in the First State. Julia discusses Delaware's response to a Federal request to certify state schools do not incorporate DEI programs, how the dismantling or weakening of the Federal Department of Education could affect school districts, and in what ways covering national policy has changed her reporting processes.  Plus, Julia identifies how area Republicans and Democrats have had some similar responses to the early actions of the Trump Administration. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Delaware Sec Marten responds to Trump DEI certification demand Asked about Trump DEI ultimatum, Meyer responds with a joke Trump dismantling of Education Department could impact Delaware Delaware senator files complaint over transgender sports policy

Deputy Editor Karl Baker shares his reflections on the passing of Senate Bill 21 in the Delaware Legislature, the annual corporate law reform bill. Karl chimes in on whether this really is a "billionaire's bill," what this year's debate tells us about the split between progressive and traditional Delaware Democrats, and how to parse the truth made by the dramatic lobbying efforts on both sides. Also, hear more about what exactly the term "unfriendly" means when it is thrown out during legislative debates. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: Senate Bill 21 signed into law after bitter Delaware House debate 

Brianna Hill checks in on the status of Delaware's recreational marijuana industry, which seems to be in a place of indetermined delay. Brianna shares more about hold-ups in connection to criminal background checks, buffer zones around business locations, and conflicts between state, county and town officials. Plus, Brianna discusses how the stereotype of the "pothead" may be adding to the challenges of launching the recreational marijuana market in the First State. Hosted by David Stradley Read Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Delaware bill would force counties to ease marijuana shop buffers Marijuana delays precipitated by Delaware, FBI disagreement Delaware marijuana licensees left waiting amid delays

Spotlight Delaware's newest reporter, Mike Smith, talks about his recent article (now the 4th most viewed article in Spotlight history) analyzing growth issues in Sussex County and differing opinions between state and county land use planners. Mike discusses why the article resonated with so many, what source Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens urged him to add to the story, and how a journalist can be both a birder and pro-growth. Plus, discover the surprising usefulness of Arena's Deli & Bar to a reporter! Hosted by David Stradley State planning chief: Sussex growth is 'unsustainable'

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings talks about her work in opposing early mandates by the Trump administration. The longtime prosecutor also discussed her outlook for changing state policy on addiction treatment and gun control under Gov. Matt Meyer, who was once her boss in New Castle County, as well as her own political future. Hosted by Spotlight Delaware's Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens.

Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens helps listeners understand the issues behind the potentially significant changes to Delaware corporate law proposed in Senate Bill 21. He breaks down why this has impact on everyday Delawareans and not just ultrarich shareholders and CEOs, makes clear who the factions are within the debate, and shares his guess as to whether any celebrities will show up in Dover during the bill hearings.  Hosted by David Stradley Read Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Landmark Delaware corporate law changes aim to stem exits Meyer considers Delaware corporate court reform, drawing concern

Reporter José Ignacio Castañeda Perez discusses the principles that guide Spotlight's coverage surrounding immigration enforcement in the First State. Starting with "Do No Harm" and "Seek Truth and Report It," José Ignacio details his work to capture the impact of federal policy decisions by Trump administration on the lives of Delawareans. Hear about how the Latino community has been mobilized and unified in recent weeks and the fact-checking process to make sure Spotlight is not amplifying rumors. José Ignacio also shares his efforts to build trust among all sides of the political spectrum -- but how those efforts to maintain balance are cumulative and may appear different on every story. Hosted by David Stradley Read Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: Delaware schools wrestle with protecting undocumented students ICE conducts 'fugitive enforcement' in Georgetown Local Delaware markets impacted amid deportation fears

Senior Reporter Karl Baker details the detective work he and Nick Stonesifer did on their article "How a Maryland county tried to sway Delaware vote on offshore wind." From stumbling upon the StopOffshoreWind.com website to identifying the Florida lobbyist who suddenly incorporated an anti-wind energy organization in Delaware to getting Worcester County to go on the record with their funding of the efforts, Karl lays out the puzzle pieces the Spotlight team put together to bring to light governmental actions for readers in Delaware and Maryland.  Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: How a Maryland county tried to sway Delaware offshore wind vote

Reporter Brianna Hill has written several articles over the last four months about homelessness in Delaware. In this podcast, Brianna reflects back on what she's learned during her reporting and how she tries to connect readers to a subject that can seem far removed from their lives. She also shares what she'll be watching to see if Mayor Carney will take a different approach to homelessness in Wilmington than his predecessor. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: 'The forgotten population': Single women struggle in fight against homelessness Did Wilmington retaliate after loitering statute ban? Code Purple shelters provide refuge for Delaware's homeless amid storm Supreme Court ruling sparks public camping ban movement