Get tuned into the First State of Mind
State lawmakers are taking a swing at delivering a more comprehensive approach to how large load electricity users – specifically data centers – are regulated going forward. The new legislation was introduced late last month with the hope of getting it through the General Assembly before the current session ends June 30th.Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle took a closer look at the new bill and reaction to it in his latest piece, and he joined Tom Byrne to discuss his reporting.
ChristianaCare researchers identified a developmental genetic pattern that showed how colorectal cancer develops. The findings revealed that certain types of genes drive cancer growth and resistance, and how the precise timing of how they develop is linked to colon cancer formation.The research team's work also showed the genes can predict survival in colorectal cancer patients, indicating it can be a marker of disease behavior and a target for future therapies.This week, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry sat down with Bruce Boman, M.D., senior author of the study and senior researcher at ChristianaCare's Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute to discuss this colorectal cancer research.
Each June, Delawareans celebrate Separation Day - the day the First State stopped being part of Pennsylvania and became its own entity.This year's Separation Day celebrations have added significance, occurring in the leadup to the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.In this edition of History Matters, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny learned more about how the state is marking Separation Day and the nation's 250th birthday from two people closely involved with planning the events, beginning with Erik Raser-Schramm, director of Delaware 250 and then Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Historic Sites Team director Daniel Citron.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1st.NOAA's National Hurricane Center predicts a below normal season with 8-14 named storms, of which 3-6 are hurricanes, including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.But predicting and tracking hurricane activity is only one part of the equation. When storms hit, they can do major damage. With that in mind, research at the University of Delaware is trying to improve work to model what damage from a storm could look like.Thomas Florio – who graduated from UD last week with his degree in Meteorology & Climate Science – has been working with assistant professor of meteorology and climate science Shuai Wang to improve hurricane damage simulations. And Florio recently joined host Tom Byrne to discuss his work and its implications.
This week, Delawareans in the city of Wilmington and throughout the state bid farewell to former Wilmington mayor Mike Purzycki. Purzycki died last week at the age of 80 and in the days following his death and at his funeral this week, much of the discussion about his impact understandably focused on his two terms as mayor and his 10 years spent shaping the massive development of Wilmington's Riverfront as Executive Director of the Riverfront Development.But there is more to Purzycki's legacy that those two things. Among them is his work on the Wilmington Hope Commission, which has focused on re-entry services and recidivism. And it's that part of Purzycki's story that three people who worked with him on the Hope Commission focused on in a piece they co-authored last week after his death.This week, host Tom Byrne sat down with those three people – Delaware State Univ. President Tony Allen, who served with Purzycki as the group's founding co-chairs, former Hope Commission Executive Director Charles Madden and Darryl "Wolfie" Chambers, founder of the Center for Structural Equity, and a volunteer and advisor to the Commission – to discuss their piece “He Was “Enough”: Remembering Mike Purzycki."
Delaware sometimes seems to live in the cultural shadow cast by our neighbors - places like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC. And, sometimes the state gets a certain reputation - small, boring, the kind of place where nothing happens.But Paul Campagna and Chris Haug are pushing back on that with a new and growing project - the Delaware Music History Archive. It's an ambitious undertaking, involving thousands of newspaper clippings and hundreds of concert flyers and photos tracking more than eight decades of the state's surprisingly rich musical history. And that collection is growing every day.On this week's Arts Playlist, DPM's Martin Matheny learns more about the project, an upcoming talk Chris and Paul are participating in in Dover, and why you shouldn't sleep on the First State's role in American music history.
State lawmakers voted last year to create a new position - an independent Inspector General - designed to detect fraud, waste and abuse in state government.Gov. Matt Meyer signed that bill into law last August and last month, he nominated Robert Storch to be the state's first IG. Storch previously served as inspector general in the federal government with the Department of Defense and National Security Agency - as well as holding senior positions with the Dept. of Justice.Storch was confirmed by the State Senate this month and is now getting down to the business of building the office from the ground upAnd this week he sat down with Delaware Public Media political reporter Bente Bouthier to discuss delivering an Office of Inspector General to the First State.
This week is Delaware's first Heat Awareness Week. And it seems especially well-timed.This week saw higher than average temperatures for this time of year. Maximum temperatures this week averaged over 80 degrees with the first three days seeing highs over 90 degrees, including record breaking highs in Wilmington and Georgetown.The creation of Heat Awareness Week in Delaware is the culmination of an effort by a group of University of Delaware students in a class taught by Vaishnavi Tripuraneni, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences. Two of them - Katherine Turner and Jennifer Barbour - joined Delaware Public Media's Jay Shah to explain why heat awareness matters and efforts to address heat-related issues.
The Wilmington Drama League closes out its current season with a musical adaptation of the hit movie "Sister Act."On this week's Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny speaks to two people involved with the production - Patrick Murray, the show's director and choreographer, and Kathy Buterbaugh, a cast member and the Wilmington Drama League's production manager.
A University of Delaware graduate student created a new belly binding garment for postpartum mothers using expertise across multiple disciplines.Belly binding for postpartum mothers has been used for centuries across different cultures. It involves wrapping the abdomen with specialized bands or long strips of fabric after childbirth to support shifting organs, stabilize the pelvis and relieve lower back pain while core muscles naturally heal.Casey Tyler is a master's student in Fashion and Apparel Studies in UD's College of Arts and Science, and they used their experience with help from an assistant professor, a doula and a spacesuit designer to create an updated version of this garment to improve its form and functionOn this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry chats with Tyler about the new garment, the knotted belly bind.
A 2011 study published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory found that 25% of Delaware is wetlands. Some of those are considered freshwater or nontidal wetlands - and are located further inland.Although they're vital to the ecosystem, Delaware does not have any statewide regulations to protect these habitats.A new bill aims to change that. Senate Bill 9 would fill gaps left by federal laws governing what humans can or can't do in protected areas.This week, Delaware Public Media's Jay Shah sat down with the bill's sponsor, State Senator Stephanie Hansen and Emily Knearl, Director of Public Policy at The Nature Conservancy to understand what this legislation would do and why it matters.
National Train Day was last Saturday - May 9th. To mark the occasion, the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association unveiled its newest arrival- an early 1900s steam engine.And Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale was on hand for that event for this edition of History Matters.
Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach presents two modern shows this month, both looking at life lessons through very different lenses.On this week's Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny spoke to Joe Gfaller, director of "Dear Evan Hansen," and Fay Jacobs, director of "The Legend of Georgia McBride."
We occasionally take time on The Green to highlight work by student journalists. This week, we offer a piece produced by Delaware State Univ. senior and Delaware Public Media intern Joyce KasiamaFor this week's Enlighten Me, Joyce takes a closer look at one way the First State honors female leadership – the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame – by spending time with some of those previously recognized by the Hall of Fame.
Several fixtures in Delaware state politics have announced they won't seek reelection this year, some after decades in their seat. Their decisions to step aside leave room for new faces and the possibility a seat could flip to the other party.Incumbents opting to leave has become a bit of a trend in the First State. In both 2022 and 2024, multiple incumbents didn't pursue their seats in the General Assembly again.This week, Delaware Public Media political reporter Bente Bouthier dove into this trend and implications of this round of retirements with University of Delaware professor Paul Brewer - who specializes in political communication and public opinion.
Concerns about electric grid capacity remain in the headlines as surging demand, fueled in part by A.I and data centers, stress the system and contribute to rising electricity costs.But what if your car could be part of the solution. It may be, if you have an electric car.Vehicle to grid technology - developed by Univ. of Delaware Professor Willett Kempton - has been around for 30 years but, the timing may finally be right for it to make its mark.This week, contributor Jon Hurdle took a closer look at where V2G tech stands and why it may be ready to take off. And he joined Tom Byrne this week to discuss what he learned.
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Delaware is considering changes to state code meant to help it adapt to a growing digital money market.Recently introduced bills will make it easier for financial transactions across state lines and Delaware companies conducting business out of state while establishing a licensing framework for stablecoin - a type of cryptocurrency.The package of bills come from one of General Assembly's leaders in banking and business policy, State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos. He says they'll be important to Delaware retaining its reputation for being business friendly and attracting corporations to the First State.This week, Delaware Public Media State Politics Reporter - Bente Bouthier sits down with Mantzavinos to delve more deeply into what these bills will do.
The University of Delaware is moving to incorporate artificial intelligence into its business and economics graduate programs to keep up with how AI is affecting the workforce.UD's Lerner College of Business and Economics is developing programs focusing on artificial intelligence, fintech and analytics.Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry spoke with Lerner College of Business Dean Oliver Yao about their plans, how they're helping students prepare for AI's growing role in the business world and understanding the ethics of AI.
The Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville is gearing up for another season of concerts.While it continues to offer a diverse mix of shows, some things are changing, including a brand-new stage.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny gets a preview of the summer season from the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation's Alyson Cunningham.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most lethal and prevalent forms of cancer. New research from ChristianaCare and the University of Delaware adds new data about how it forms and its early stages which could have long-term implications for treatment.To learn more, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny spoke to Dr. Bruce Boman, a senior researcher at the Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research at ChristianaCare's Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, who was one of the lead researchers.
It appears the final chapter in the life of the Concord Mall is about to be written. After denying in December that the North Wilmington mall was up for sale, its current owner now has reportedly made a deal to sell the retail hub, which opened in the late 1960s.Contributor Eileen Dallabrida has been following the mall's ups and downs in recent years – and this week, returns to the story to detail what we know about this sale and what could be next for the property.
Earlier this month, Gov. Matt Meyer signed a proclamation declaring March 12 as ”Delaware Libraries Day” – recognizing the over 30 libraries across the state and what they offer as Delaware Libraries reaches its 125th anniversary.This week, Delaware state librarian Annie Norman - Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries and Chair of the Delaware Literacy Alliance joins us to discuss the state of libraries in the First State.
Sodelo, the Southern Delaware Orchestra, returns to the stage next weekend with its spring concerts in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.The concert, titled "Old World/New World" features soprano Ellen Turi and bass/baritone Joseph Turi in music by Mozart, as well as Dvorak's "New World Symphony."For this week's Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny sits down with the Turis and Sodelo's music director James Allen Anderson for a preview.
In July 2025, we explored how a piece of history - the historic Steam Locomotive No. 60 - was coming to Delaware for restoration and display.Almost a year later, the engine is almost ready to debut at its new home in Lewes. And to help drive the golden spike on this effort in time for National Train Day in May, the Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association is holding a fundraising campaign, “Bring No. 60 for 250.”In this edition of History Matters, producer Jay Shah chats with two members of the association's board of directors - Cathy Tatman and David Ludlow about the campaign and their effort to honor Lewes' railroad heritage.
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Delaware continues to debate whether it wants to allow large data centers to set up shop in the First State - and if they do, what kind of regulation and oversight will govern then and their potential impact.In recent weeks, the state's Public Service Commission heard public comment as it mulls a large load tariff for operations like data centers. State lawmakers held a hearing where a variety of experts offered their perspectives on data centers and their impact. And New Castle County passed an ordinance enacting some data center regulations.Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle has been tracking this discussion and debate – and this week offers a snapshot on what's being said.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations are happening in Delaware. And The Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) serves as an advocacy group that is monitoring those operations.CLASI's immigration program says it's recorded a rise in ICE operations statewide, including a combination of targeted enforcement and general enforcement.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with the CLASI Immigration Unit's supervising attorney Emily Houde to talk about ICE presence in Delaware and what to do if you run into their agents.
As the days get longer and warmer, the busy spring and summer housing season is ramping up.If you are among those looking to buy or sell a home in the First State in the coming months. what can you expect? Is it a buyers or sellers' market?This week, contributor Eileen Dallabrida examines the housing market in Delaware.
The Delaware Symphony Orchestra's next concert, coming up next weekend, takes audiences "Across the Galaxy" with music from sci-fi and space movies.To learn more, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny grabbed his tricorder for a conversation with the DSO's music director, Michelle Di Russo in this week's Arts Playlist.
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Delaware's Supreme Court recently upheld a law passed by the state's General Assembly last year, designed to keep companies from leaving the state to incorporate elsewhere. A trend dubbed “DExit.”State Senator Bryan Townsend sponsored that legislation - Senate Bill 21 - which was challenged by a company stockholder arguing it violated the state's constitution.This week, Townsend reflects on SB 21 and where the state stands almost a year later with Delaware Public Media politics reporter Bente Bouthier.
A University of Delaware professor is part of a team that's come up with a test for artificial intelligence programs.Humanity's Last Exam tests how fast AI's capabilities are advancing. The exam was created by experts from around the world to figure out if AI programs can figure out solutions independently.Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry recently spoke with Humanity's Last Exam contributor Manuel Schottdorf, a neuroscientist in the University of Delaware's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences about this AI test.
American artist Elizabeth Catlett spent much of her career as an expatriate. While beloved by artists for her captivating portrayals of Black women, she was also marginalized by academia and for a time, even her own government.Now, the works of this compelling, politically-aware artist are on display at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny is joined by the Biggs's Curator of American Art, Laura Fravel to learn more.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have ramped up their activity since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Delaware saw ICE arrest rates nearly double between May and October 2025, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.University of Delaware recently published a quick reference page in case students, faculty or community members come into contact with ICE on campus.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee went through those guidelines before sitting down with ACLU of Delaware Executive Director Mike Brickner to discuss campus safety and whether these guidelines go far enough to protect the UD campus community.
Georgetown Town Council recently passed an ordinance change explicitly allowing for a new type of home, cottage homes, to be built in the community. It's a move that supporters call a step forward for housing access in the area.But some in Georgetown remain against this type of housing – specifically a proposed 20-unit project along Market Street.Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale has been following this story and offers a look at where things currently stand.
Sean Daniels's play The White Chip is a darkly funny and poignant look at battling substance use disorder and the journey to sobriety. New Light Theatre presents the play, opening March 6 at the OperaDelaware Studios in Wilmington, with a preview night March 5.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny speaks with three members of this New Light Theatre production to learn more about the play and what audiences can expect.
Sports can be a unifier even in the most divisive of times.As we just saw with the recently completed Olympics – there are some instances sports can still bring people together.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry sits down with Univ. of Delaware Sports Management professor Matthew Robinson to discuss how the Olympics and even your favorite professional sports team can bridge divides and unify people.
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Advocates point to inclusive and comprehensive sex education as one way to counter skewed risks LGBTQ+ people face in the U.S.There isn't a national standardized sex ed curriculum. Requirements at the state level vary, with some having laws in place that stigmatize and/or exclude material involving LGBTQ+ people, relationships and safety.Delaware schools are required to teach sex ed, but state standards don't match nationally recognized standards and must stress abstinence.With that in mind, Planned Parenthood of Delaware is set to start offering IN·clued, an inclusive sex ed program, starting in April.And Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with the organization's Patricia Hartman and J. Green to talk about the program.
Newark's Chapel Street Players' performances of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion open this weekend. This staging takes a new look at the theatrical classic, setting it in 1968.On this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny speaks with the show's director, Gwen Armstrong Barker, about the show, the choice of the swinging sixties as a setting, and the possibility that curmudgeonly character Henry Higgins is actually neurodivergent.
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States is fueling an interest in the history of that time period.And the Delaware Public Archives is trying to tap into that interest in some non-traditional ways. Earlier this month, the Archives held its first game night with games designed in-house by Archives staff and the Delaware Historical Society to help attendees to learn about the Revolutionary era and Delaware's role in it.In this edition of History Matters, Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale chats with Delaware Public Archives Reference Archivist Maria Myer and Delaware Historical Society Experience and Education Manger Garrett Hastings about these games and how they can generate interest in First State history.
Gov. Matt Meyer issued an executive order in late January seeking to take steps to deliver ‘smart growth' in the First State – balancing affordability and economic gains with environmental protection - all while avoiding onerous restrictions on where developers can build.How does the Meyer administration plan to do that?Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle digs into the executive order this week to offer some answers.
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Gov. Matt Meyer's State of the State address and budget proposal called for huge investments in early childhood education– about $50 million in state and federal monies.Part of the federal money comes from a federal grant, meant to bolster childcare infrastructure in the First State.Gov.Meyer tapped Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay to take the lead managing this grant and the state's larger effort to improve access to early childhood education and the results it produces.This week, Delaware Public Media State Politics reporter Bente Bouthier sat down with Lt. Gov Gay to discuss the state's plans.
If the recent frigid temps are getting you down, maybe taking some time to plan your summer vacation will cheer you up.If that plan involves getting away to the Delaware beaches later this year, there's a few things you may want to know before you get started.Contributor Eileen Dallalbrida takes a closer look at the beach rental market in 2026.
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