Spotlight Delaware is growing with the introduction of a new three-person news team focused on Delaware’s two southern counties, boosting access to free local journalism for more than 460,000 residents.
A new deputy editor and two reporters will focus on Kent and Sussex counties, with particular attention to rural communities, land use and development, and the region’s significant Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities.
“Spotlight Delaware’s strategic expansion into Southern Delaware shows this team is committed to bringing strong journalism to the entire state, and is proving to be an enduring and reliable source of information in Delaware,” said Lewes resident Patricia Rivera, chair of Spotlight Delaware’s board of directors.
Tim Carlin is the new deputy editor leading the “SoDel” team. He comes to Delaware from Texas, where he reported on issues of government for the Houston Landing.
Both Southern Delaware reporters are bilingual in Spanish and English, boosting Spotlight Delaware’s ongoing efforts to serve the state’s Hispanic population:
- Margaret “Maggie” Reynolds is one of 107 journalists placed by Report for America into newsrooms across the country, in response to the growing crisis in local, independent news. Reynolds, a reporter who has covered rural communities in New York and Vermont, will focus on the rural communities of Kent and western Sussex. RFA will provide partial support for Reynolds’ work at Spotlight Delaware for the next three years.
- Olivia Marble comes to Spotlight Delaware from Lehigh Valley Public Media, where she covered residential and industrial development in the booming suburbs of the region. As Spotlight Delaware’s land use reporter, she will help readers understand the complex systems driving development across the state, as well as the impact of this growth.
“From the moment we launched Spotlight Delaware, Southern Delaware residents have told us they need a news source that listens to them, covers the issues that affect their communities, and earns their trust,” Spotlight Delaware Editor-in-Chief Jacob Owens said. “Our new team is eager to meet that challenge and to amplify the voices and stories of our southern neighbors.”
Since its launch in January 2024, Spotlight Delaware has grown to a team of 17, with a total news team of nine full-time reporters and editors covering the state.
As a nonprofit, free-access news site, Spotlight Delaware relies on donations to thrive.
“We were fortunate to receive national support to launch Spotlight Delaware, and now that it’s here, we need Delawareans to help sustain it,” said Publisher and CEO Allison Taylor Levine. “We’re already seeing an outpouring of enthusiasm and generous donations from the community. As we deepen our work in southern Delaware, I’m confident we’ll see even more support from our neighbors in Kent and Sussex.”
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2025
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine, 302.345.0589