2026 Legislative Session Homestretch

2026 Legislative Session Homestretch

Tim Carlin, Spotlight's deputy editor for southern Delaware, is today's guest on "Beyond the Headlines." In addition to supervising the reporters focused on Kent and Sussex County, Tim is also Spotlight's dedicated State House reporter, and his legislative coverage is the focus of this episode. The 153rd General Assembly will conclude on June 30th, and Tim joins the podcast to let listeners know what to look forward to in the last 30 days of this session, as well as sharing his take on the highlights of the legislators' work so far. Hosted by Director of Community Engagement David Stradley Spotlight Delaware articles connect to this episode: Bill to revamp Delaware's hospital oversight board passes Senate [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/01/21/bill-to-revamp-delawares-hospital-oversight-board-passes-senate/] Healthcare pricing reform advances, amendments dilute impact [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/05/20/delaware-senate-advances-primary-care-reform-bill-for-house-consideration/] Facing property tax outrage, lawmakers to reconvene in August [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/07/30/lawmakers-facing-property-tax-outrage-to-reconvene-in-august/] Should Delmarva Power be allowed to generate power? Lawmakers may decide [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/01/27/should-delmarva-power-be-allowed-to-generate-power-lawmakers-may-decide/] Bills to implement new school funding model pass out of committee [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/05/06/bills-to-implement-new-school-funding-model-pass-out-of-committee/]

Delaware voters seek change in annual school board elections

Spotlight Delaware education reporter Julia Merola joins the "Beyond the Headlines" podcast to discuss the outcomes of this year's statewide school board elections, the issues that were in play with them and what they might mean for the future of districts around Delaware.

Spotlight On: Data Center - Part 2

Last month, Spotlight Delaware held its "Spotlight On: Data Centers" event at Wilmington University in Dover. It featured local and regional experts speaking about the impacts of those energy-hungry facilities on local economic development, energy infrastructure and environmental sustainability. One panel discussion, led by land-use reporter Olivia Marble, focused on the infrastructure needs of the massive facilities, and how that will impact the supply and demand of electricity. Listen to the conversation here.

Spotlight On: Data Centers - Part 1

Spotlight Delaware recently held its "Spotlight On: Data Centers" event at Wilmington University in Dover. It featured local and regional experts speaking about the impacts of those energy-hungry facilities on local economic development, energy infrastructure and environmental sustainability. One particular panel discussion, led by land-use reporter Olivia Marble, included four legislators who have been central to debates around data centers in their respective states. Get panelists' insights here in "Spotlight On: Data Centers - Part 1," and follow our show to easily tune in for Part 2. Subscribe to Spotlight Delaware's daily email newsletter for work like this and more, from across the First State at spotlightdelaware.org/newsletter [https://spotlightdelaware.org/newsletter]. Our reporting is made possible by readers like you. Your support helps keep our work free and accessible to all Delawareans. Give today to keep local reporting going strong: spotlightdelaware.org/support [http://spotlightdelaware.org/support].

Covering Protests at Christina Park

Wilmington reporter Brianna Hill visits "Beyond the Headlines" to talk about how she has been covering Christina Park, the location of the city-sanctioned encampment for unhoused individuals located on Wilmington's East Side. She discusses the unique challenges of reporting at the park, how she has built contacts with the residents, whether her coverage style differs if she knows other reporters are present, and more. Hosted by Director of Community Engagement David Stradley Spotlight Delaware articles connect to this episode: Tensions flare as Wilmington officials move the Christina Park homeless encampment [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/04/02/tensions-flare-as-wilmington-officials-move-the-christina-park-homeless-encampment/] Protests again stall the Christina Park tent overhaul [https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/04/10/protests-again-stall-the-christina-park-tent-overhaul/]