Spotlight Delaware Podcasts

Spotlight Delaware is pleased to share two podcast series with you. "Beyond the Headlines" will take you inside the story and into the minds of our reporters, sharing insights beyond what shows up on our website and in our newsletters. "Delaware Newsmakers" provides you with longform, conversational interviews with key figures in the First State.

Beyond the Headlines: Final Days of the 2025 Legislative Session 06/05/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Final Days of the 2025 Legislative Session 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/36865190

Delaware Newsmakers: County Executive Marcus Henry 06/05/2025

Delaware Newsmakers: County Executive Marcus Henry 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. /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/36856765

Beyond The Headlines: ICE Activities Expand in Delaware 05/22/2025

Beyond The Headlines: ICE Activities Expand in Delaware 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/36680170

Beyond the Headlines: Rising Home Improvement Fraud 05/07/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Rising Home Improvement Fraud 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/36476535

Beyond the Headlines: Federal Policy Shifts & Delaware Schools 04/24/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Federal Policy Shifts & Delaware Schools 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/36288495

Beyond the Headlines: Reflecting on "The Billionaire's Bill" 04/10/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Reflecting on "The Billionaire's Bill" 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/36084960

Beyond the Headlines: Recreational Marijuana Market Delays 03/27/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Recreational Marijuana Market Delays 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/35886455

Beyond the Headlines: Unsustainable Growth in Sussex? 03/13/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Unsustainable Growth in Sussex? 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 /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/35665025

Delaware Newsmakers: Attorney General Kathy Jennings 02/27/2025

Delaware Newsmakers: Attorney General Kathy Jennings 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. /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/35455895

Beyond the Headlines: Big Delaware Corporate Law Changes 02/26/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Big Delaware Corporate Law Changes 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/35439065

Beyond The Headlines: Immigration Enforcement in Delaware 02/12/2025

Beyond The Headlines: Immigration Enforcement in Delaware 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/35256695

Beyond the Headlines: Unveiling Secret Maryland Lobbying Efforts 01/30/2025

Beyond the Headlines: Unveiling Secret Maryland Lobbying Efforts 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/35076795

Beyond the Headlines: "We're all closer to homelessness than we think" — Unhoused in Delaware 01/16/2025

Beyond the Headlines: "We're all closer to homelessness than we think" — Unhoused in Delaware 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: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/34875945

Delaware Newsmakers: Gov. John Carney 01/06/2025

Delaware Newsmakers: Gov. John Carney Delaware Governor John Carney reflects on his eight-year tenure in the week before he takes on his new job - as Mayor of Wilmington. A former lieutenant governor and congressman, Carney has served in elected office for nearly all of the past 25 years. His reflections offer observations on the nation, the state and his city. Hosted by Spotlight Delaware's Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens. /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/34733805

Episode 10: Reporter Favorites from 2024 12/24/2024

Episode 10: Reporter Favorites from 2024 If you've never listened to an episode of "Beyond the Headlines," our last episode of 2024 is a great introduction to what you've been missing. Each member of Spotlight Delaware's reporting team shares a few words about one of their stories that meant a lot to them -- and why it captures the values of Spotlight journalism. That's what we aim to do in each episode of "Beyond the Headlines" -- let you in on the how and why of our reporters’ work. And we do that in multiple quick bites in this episode. Give a listen, and celebrate the first year of Spotlight Delaware reporting. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/34600180

Episode 9: Inside the School Doors – Building Repair Needs 12/11/2024

Episode 9: Inside the School Doors – Building Repair Needs Go along with reporter Julia Merola as she explains her data research and field trips to Delaware public schools to shed light on the recently completed, first-of-its-kind statewide evaluation of school buildings. Learn why custodians are the heroes of this story, how schools in Indian River are collaborating to solve their storage needs, and which school Julia visited that she would most want to attend. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware articles connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/34396420

Episode 8: General Election Reflection 11/27/2024

Episode 8: General Election Reflection Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens joins Beyond The Headlines to give his take on the local results from the November 5 general election. Find out why Jake thinks Democrats were not able to claim a supermajority in the Delaware House of Representatives, if he saw evidence in Delaware of the election coalition that returned Republicans to power nationally, and whether governor-elect Matt Meyers and Wilmington mayor-elect John Carney will get along. Jake also gives a preview of the Spotlight Delaware Legislative Summit to be held on January 8. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/34182340

Episode 7: La Esperanza 11/13/2024

Episode 7: La Esperanza Reporter José Ignacio Castañeda Perez goes deeper into his "Our Delaware" profile of La Esperanza, a community center in Georgetown, Delaware that serves southern Delaware's immigrant populations. You'll find out about a hidden domestic abuse shelter, how the current leaderships tries to build on the legacy of the three founding nuns, and which of those nuns had a reputation for late night vehicle speed with the area police. "Our Delaware" is a monthly series by Spotlight Delaware that explores the history of communities and the institutions that serve them. Hosted by David Stradley Read the Spotlight Delaware article: connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/33918786

Episode 6: Delaware's Opioid Fund -- Investigated 10/30/2024

Episode 6: Delaware's Opioid Fund -- Investigated Reporter Nick Stonesifer takes listeners inside his two-month process to make clear the inner workings of Delaware's Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission. Discover what sparked Nick's investigative journey, how he put together the puzzle revealed through hundreds of applications and grant reports, and which Delaware town ended up with a therapy dog. Hosted by David Stradley Read the articles connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/33694302

Episode 5: Julia Gets Schooled 10/17/2024

Episode 5: Julia Gets Schooled Reporter Julia Merola shares her process behind the reporting for Spotlight's first live journalism event "Get Schooled," which provided attendees with step-by-step information on registering for school, engaging in school choice and applying for charter schools. She also gives listeners an insight into what she's learned about the Delaware public school system in her first months as Spotlight's education reporter. "Complicated" is a recurring theme that runs through Julia's impressions as a newcomer to the learning landscape in the First State. Hosted by David Stradley Read the articles connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/33493752

Episode 4: "It Means Everything To Her" - Kingswood Community Center 10/02/2024

Episode 4: "It Means Everything To Her" - Kingswood Community Center Brianna Hill goes in-depth on her reporting process for the first story in Spotlight Delaware’s new monthly series “Our Delaware” exploring the history of communities and the institutions that serve them around the state. The kick-off installment looks into Kingswood Community Center, and Brianna shares further insight into many of the people she interviewed for the article and illuminates more of what Kingswood means to the Riverside community in northeast Wilmington. Hosted by David Stradley Read the articles connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/33292367

Episode 3: Delaware Primary Reflections 09/18/2024

Episode 3: Delaware Primary Reflections Take a deep dive with Senior Reporter Karl Baker as he shares his thoughts and assessments on the 2024 Delaware Primary Election. Karl explores the see-saw in the minds of the electorate between establishment and upstart candidates, how development issues impacted races in Sussex County, and why lawn signs and who you went to high school with still matter in Delaware elections. Hosted by David Stradley. See for more. /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/33101547

Episode 2: My Bay is Dying - September 2024 09/04/2024

Episode 2: My Bay is Dying - September 2024 “My Bay is Dying” — Nick Stonesifer takes you on board Lewes clammer Dirk Moore's boat Lolo for a ride on Delaware's inland bays as he got a first-person look into the health of these vital waters for his article published in August 2024. Read the article connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/32887997

Episode 1: Hilltop Haven 08/19/2024

Episode 1: Hilltop Haven Episode 1 – August 2024 “Hilltop Haven” — José Ignacio Castañeda Perez takes you on a walk up the hill and into the neighborhood as he met residents of Hilltop in Wilmington, Delaware for his two-part article published in July 2024. Read the articles connected to this episode: /episode/index/show/80806e7a-b07f-49a5-8a37-31812f18ed2a/id/32643937

Spotlight Delaware Podcasts

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