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