A year after its launch as the state’s first nonprofit, collaborative newsroom, Spotlight Delaware has won more than two dozen journalism awards for its reporting about the First State.

The Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association (MDDC) gave Spotlight Delaware two “best of show” awards. Deputy Editor Karl Baker won for his coverage of state government, and Spotlight’s entire reporting team was recognized for stories covering the leadup to the 2024 elections. 

“Karl Baker’s look at the hidden state funding behind the Edgemoor port expansion is a perfect example of the kind of work we do,” said Spotlight Delaware Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens. “When a huge number of public dollars are designated for a project, we seek answers about where they came from, and ultimately what else wasn’t funded due to that decision.”

Spotlight Delaware also earned praise from the Delaware Press Association, which presented its annual awards in April. Reporter Jose Ignacio Castaneda Perez took a first-place award for his article on Delaware Latinos’ struggle to find dental care. Spotlight Delaware Publisher and CEO Allison Taylor Levine was honored as the DPA’s 2025 Communicator of Achievement, and the staff earned awards for articles covering homeless single women, DACA “Dreamers” who were left behind, and the opioid crisis.

The MDDC judges gave Owens three first-place awards for his coverage of local government and education issues, and reporter Nick Stonesifer also took three firsts for stories on the environment, the opioid crisis and land use issues. Castaneda Perez won two first-place MDDC awards for stories that examined the lack of diversity on Delaware’s hospital boards, and the demolition of a historic school in Wilmington’s Southbridge neighborhood. He also took two second-place awards.

Other MDDC award-winners included Spotlight Delaware reporters Brianna Hill (one first-place, three second-place); and Julia Merola (two second-place). 

“These awards are a fantastic achievement considering that Spotlight Delaware began with just one reporter a year ago,” Levine said. “These contests included top-notch competitors from much larger newsrooms, so it’s clear that our efforts to bring strong news coverage to Delaware are showing results.

“These awards are an honor, and we are grateful for the praise, but none of this would have been possible without the incredible support we receive from our readers,” Levine added.

To learn more about Spotlight Delaware, visit spotlightdelaware.org.

ABOUT SPOTLIGHT DELAWARE

Spotlight Delaware is on a mission to engage, empower and connect Delawareans with local news and information. We envision a Delaware where all neighbors have access to the local news and information they need to thrive on a daily basis, participate in local democracy and engage with their communities. Sign up for our free newsletter at spotlightdelaware.org/newsletters, and donate at spotlightdelaware.org/support. 

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