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