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