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