The Green

Last week, a buzz was generated when a sales listing appeared for Concord Mall. Was the end near for the retail mainstay on Concord Pike that opened in the late 1960s? Its owner says not so fast, claiming the listing was a mistake – but the mall seems a shell of its former self these days.This week, contributor Eileen Dallabrida takes a closer look at where things stand with Concord Mall and what could be next for it as many malls around the country face extinction.

The bulk of HIV prevention and support services in the nation are funded through the federal government. Delaware is no different.And the First State has seen a substantial reduction in federal funding for HIV prevention services since 2023. Experts say if the government doesn't fund the public health sector, the U.S. will see a rise in HIV.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with the Delaware HIV Consortium Executive Director Tyler Berl to talk about HIV in Delaware and the Consortium's next steps – with or without federal funding.

After a 44-year-long career at Wilmington's Hagley Museum and Library, Jill MacKenzie is stepping down as the museum's executive director.On this installment of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny sits down with MacKenzie to talk about her career, the museum, and the future of the humanities.

ChristianaCare researchers make a breakthrough in lung cancer care.The breakthrough reverses chemotherapy resistance, and the hope is this research will help develop the same results for other cancers in the future.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry talks with Kelly Banas, the lead author of the study and associate director of research at the ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute about the importance of the findings and what might come next.

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The Tharros Tent Village, or Camp Tharros, near Lewes recently closed for the winter as Code Purple shelters open to serve those facing homelessness in that area.This week, Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale sits down with Mike Agnew, executive director of the Tharros Tent Village and partner of St. Jude Code Purple, to discuss the village project and what they have planned for next year.

The homeownership rate in Delaware decreased by 3% in the last decade, from 74% to 71%, as of 2023. And that's still higher than the national rate, which sits at 64%.So, about a quarter of the state's housing units are occupied by renters. There are state and municipal laws to protect renters, but sometimes it's difficult to dissect those rules.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee recently sat down with the Community Legal Aid Society's Deputy Director Sarah Spangler Rhine to go over tenant rights in Delaware.

The work of Delaware-born artist Renita Coursey melds the traditional crafting of her native Nanticoke tribe with the style of vintage streetwear.Her art, including intricate beadwork, is on display this month at the Delaware Division of the Arts' Mezzanine Gallery in Wilmington.In this week's Arts Playlist, Coursey joins Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny to chat about her work, the importance of community and tradition, and her journey as an artist.

Holiday happiness might seem easy, but that's not always the reality.Many can struggle finding the joy expected during the holiday season. While receiving gifts can be great, true happiness during this time of the year is often found in giving to others.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry sits down with University of Delaware Lerner College of Business and Economics asst. professor of marketing Amit Kumar to discuss strategies for finding happiness during the holidays.

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As 2025 comes to a close, efforts to address a plan to build one of the largest data centers in the country near Delaware City in New Castle County and its potential impact on electric rates in the First State remain a work in progress.This week, Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle takes a look at where things stand on the multiple fronts in this ongoing battle.

The 2025 college football season was one of transition in the First State.The University of Delaware made its debut in the major college Football Bowl Subdivision – going 6-6 overall and 4-4 in Conference USA. More importantly, it managed – with a little help - to earn bowl eligibility and will play in an upcoming bowl game.Meanwhile, Delaware State made a remarkable turnaround in its first season under its new head coach, former Philadelphia Eagle great DeSean Jackson. Jackson took the Hornets from 1-11 last year to 8-4 this year and DSU fell just one win shy of its first MEAC title since 2007 and its first ever bid to the Celebration Bowl.News Journal/Delaware Online sportswriter Kevin Tresolini stops by this week to discuss the how the Blue Hens and Hornets made waves this season and what the future might hold for each.

As 2025 comes to a close, efforts to address a plan to build one of the largest data centers in the country near Delaware City in New Castle County and its potential impact on electric rates in the First State remain a work in progress.This week, Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle takes a look at where things stand on the multiple fronts in this ongoing battle.

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One of southern Delaware's oldest musical organizations and one of its newest take the stage together next weekend when the Southern Delaware Chorale and Sodelo, the Southern Delaware Orchestra, team up for a performance of Handel's Messiah.On this edition of Arts Playlist, DPM's Martin Matheny joined by Sodelo's Board President, Steve Greifer to discuss this upcoming event.

When people discuss the growing population in Sussex County, the focus is often on retirees. But the county is also seeing younger workers flocking to the area, a trend documented by new survey by Site Selection Magazine, a national publication that annually ranks states, cities and counties for their attractiveness for business.This week, Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle dives into this trend and the reasons behind it.

With Thanksgiving next week, holiday shopping kicks into gear.Retailers hope people are ready to spend on gifts this year, while shoppers seek the trendiest gifts and best deals.What factors could play a role in what gifts and how many land under the tree? Each year, we look to contributor Eileen Dallabrida to answer that question in her preview of the holiday shopping.

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra and its new music director, Michelle Di Russo is getting ready for the holiday season, presenting a pair of concerts in the coming weeks.The first of those concerts is also a new offering for the symphony, a family-friendly matinee concert at the Grand in late November. They'll follow that with Holidays at the Hotel early next month.On this week's Arts Playlist, DPM's Martin Matheny speaks to Michelle Di Russo to learn more about the concerts.

Delaware Tech recently celebrated the opening of the John and Elsie Williams House Museum and Conference CenterThe facility encompasses several rooms in the Williamses' former home, which the family built in Millsboro in 1927.The Williamses' daughter, Blanche Baker, wanted the home to honor the accomplishments of her parents - former Delaware U.S. Senator John Williams, who was often lauded for a non-partisan approach to politics, and his wife Elsie, who contributed to that approach by building social connections in Washington that fostered “across-the-aisle” relationships.In this edition of History Matters, Isreal Hale is joined by Del Tech President Mark Brainard to hear more about the new dual role for the Williams house and it will serve the surrounding community in Millsboro.

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Delaware now has an Office of New Americans to serve and support the immigrant community.About 11% of Delaware residents are immigrants. That's more than 115,000 people who contribute to Delaware socially and economically, according to the Office of New Americans director Rony Baltazar-Lopez.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with Baltazar-Lopez to talk about the office's inaugural year, which includes a listening tour with stops in all three counties.

There's been a fair amount of reporting about so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water and the potential health impact the family of PFAS chemicals can have, including some cancers, immune system suppression and developmental issues in children.And the state of Delaware took legislative action this year to make people more aware when PFAS levels in their drinking water exceed strict health limits initially set by the EPA during the Biden administration.But how aware are people of these chemicals, the threat they pose and what can be done to address them?A recent DNREC survey indicates there's still work to be done – and earlier this week, we sat down with DNREC Chief Communications Officer Nikki Lavoie and DNREC Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances hydrologist Todd Keyser to discuss the survey results and the First State's ongoing efforts to address PFAS.

What happens when the world of opera collides with the world of boxing?We'll find out when Opera Delaware presents "Opera DEathmatch" next weekend at its studios in Wilmington.The event is the brainchild of OperaDelaware and former boxing champ Dave Tiberi.On this week's Arts Playlist, DPM's Martin Matheny sits down with Tiberi and Opera Delaware's KerriAnn Otano about the show and how boxing and opera are strangely similar.

Banana Ball will be coming to Wilmington next summer.What is Banana Ball, you ask?Well, it's a different brand of baseball that features the fundamentals of the game combined with trick plays and unusual rules to provide entertainment for the whole family.While the Savannah Bananas are the main draw in a now 6-team league – playing in huge venues across the country - the Texas Tailgaters will bring the game to Wilmington's Frawley Stadium next August 13 through the 15 for games against a new team, the Loco Beach Coconuts.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry talks with the Texas Tailgaters' Jonathan "Sunshine" Luders to learn more about Banana Ball.

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Veterans Day is this Tuesday and this year, Delaware can point to an increased commitment to the 72,000 vets living in the First State.Earlier this year, state lawmakers passed and Gov. Matt Meyer signed legislation creating Delaware's first state-level Department of Veterans Affairs with a cabinet-level secretary.Meyer then selected Retired Brigadier General Karen Berry as the first Veterans Affairs Secretary. She stepped into the role October 1.This week, Retired Brigadier General Karen Berry to discuss the new Department of Veterans Affairs and how she plans to build it.

The state's largest teachers union – the Delaware State Education Association recently released the results of its latest teacher satisfaction survey.The survey – conducted via email by Emma White Research – reached 1,460 active DSEA members between July 11-18 to take their temperature on a variety of topics – including teacher pay and working conditions. The survey produced mixed results – and this week, we sat with DSEA President Stephanie Ingram to delve into those results and what we they tell us about what teachers are feeling.

A new exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum caps off the museum's yearlong celebration of the art of illustration."Imprinted: Illustrating Race" was co-curated by University of Delaware professor Robyn Phillips-Pendleton and opened at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Now, that exhibition takes up residence in Wilmington through next spring.To learn more about the show and the intersection of popular illustration and identity, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny talked to Heather Campbell Coyle, Curator of American Art at the Delaware Art Museum, in this week's Arts Playlist.

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About a quarter of Delaware youth identify as LGBTQ+, according to the Delaware School Survey.And a new study from the University of Delaware finds LGBTQ+ adolescents experience higher rates of anxiety, depression and substance use.They're also more likely to report all three at younger ages than their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee recently sat down with UD assistant professor of Human Development and Family Sciences Eric Layland to talk about his study's findings and what they mean for the First State.

More affordable housing for seniors is coming to Sussex County.CHEER recently broke ground on a project in Georgetown bringing more low to moderate income senior housing to the area.Elected officials up and down the state have said for years this one specific type of housing needed in the state.And this week Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry sits down with CHEER's Chief Operating Officer Tom Reardon to discuss their project and its role in addressing this issue.

Delaware artist Kim Klabe is known not only for her use of mixed media - including paints, wood, paper, and even wine and beer pours - but also the diverse nature of work. Her new show, opening November 7 at the Delaware Div.of the Arts' Mezzanine Gallery in Wilmington presents works inspired by the urban environment. On this edition of Arts Playlist, Klabe talks to DPM's Martin Matheny about her art and her approach.

TEDx - local, independently organized branches of TED Talks - returns to the University of Delaware.Speakers during the upcoming TEDx session Nov. 5th at UD's Mitchell Hall include students and their topics are typically informed by direct personal experience.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale is joined by one of those student speakers – junior Alexa Kitay, a psychology major in UD's Honors College, to learn more about her talk “What if I don't want recovery?” - as well as her personal history overcoming an eating disorder.

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Plans to build one of the largest data centers in the country near Delaware City in New Castle County remains a front burner issue – with state and county governments responding with efforts to pump the brakes on the project and put some guardrails in place to address concerns over the facilities' potential impact.At the same time, the developer behind the plan is ramping up its effort making its case the center will be a benefit to Delaware.This week, Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle revisits the battle over the project – known as Project Washington – to offer a snapshot of where things stand.

In the third grade, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. But there's a problem in Delaware.Gov. Matt Meyer declared a literacy emergency earlier this year after eighth grade reading scores showed Delaware students saw their lowest scores in almost three decades.Statewide assessments in earlier grades tell a similar story, with proficiency rates at a standstill.Delaware's Secretary of Education Cindy Marten says literacy makes a world of a difference for students' life outcomes, and that's why she and Gov. Meyer put together their Early Literacy Plan.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with Marten to talk about the plan.

The historic Milton Theatre has been around for generations. And or the last decade, it has been a source for live theatre in the riverfront town.Now, it's getting a facelift, with a focus on the theatre's education programs.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny is joined by Milton Theatre director Fred Munzert to discuss their expansion plans.

A Nemours neurologist receives a prestigious grant from the National Institutes of Health.The funding will be used to study brain patterns that could lead to shared therapies for autism, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease patients.On this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry sits down with Nemours Children's Health Chief of Neurology Dr. Rodney Scott to discuss how his work can help patients.

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Wilmington City Council is seeing a change in its make-up – but this one is a bit unusual.The change isn't because of a resignation or election. It's the result of a change in party affiliation.Councilman James Spadola recently announced he is switching from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. Spadola was the lone Republican on Council, serving in the at-large seat reserved for the minority party. Now, there are officially no GOP voice on Wilmington City Council.Earlier this week, Delware Public Media's Tom Byrne sat down with Spadola to discuss his decision and Wilmington city politics.

Statewide student assessment performance has remained stagnant in the last two school years, showing a 41% reading proficiency across grades 3-8.Brandywine School District reading specialist Jenna DiEleuterio helps Talley Middle School students become confident readers who find connection through storytelling.She is also Delaware's 2026 Teacher of the Year – an honored announced earlier this week. Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with DiEleuterio to talk about being named Teacher of the Year and why it's important to get students away from instant gratification and back to books.

Food prices remain a major concern for consumers across the country – including here in the First State.The typical trip to the grocery store can produce an eye-popping total at the register once everything in your cart is scanned and bagged up.This week, we asked contributor Eileen Dallabrida to take a closer look at those receipts to see where consumers are getting hit hardest – and examine some of the ways people are coping with skyrocketing prices.

Just in time for Halloween, First State Ballet Theatre returns to the stage at the Grand in Wilmington with a new performance of Dracula.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny is joined by First State Ballet marketing director Claire McGregor to discuss the show.

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Rehoboth Beach's Clear Space Theatre is looking to expand, moving from its current 170-seat theatre in a former church to a much larger new space with two theaters, a fully developed backstage area, and dedicated workspaces for props, costumes, and scenery.Clear Space has two options to choose from, including one in downtown Rehoboth. To find out more about their plans and the process, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny talked to Clear Space Theatre's managing director Joe Gfaller

The historically Black sorority Delta Sigma Theta celebrates 50 years on the University of Delaware's campus in 2025.The Mu Pi chapter welcomed its 11-member charter line in 1975 and has since seen 43 more lines cross through UD's campus.The Deltas are a part of the Divine Nine, historically Black Greek-letter organizations that formed more than a century ago. They're all involved in community service and social justice at their core.For this edition of History Matters, Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with charter line member Terry Bayard Joyner and Delta advisor and alumnus Phyllis Joyner to talk about the Mu Pi chapter's history and future on UD's campus and beyond.

With the seasons changing, Wilmington's Market Street Music is back in action with a series of fall performances.On this week's Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny speaks to Market Street Music's executive director, Jordan Barrett, along with musicians from two of the ensembles performing this month - The Pyxis Piano Trio's Jennifer Jie Jin and Hiroko Ya-ma-za- kiand Emily Ballantine Erb, conductor of the Center City Chorale.

The current economy has plenty of people concerned – and complaining - about the cost of groceries, gas and other necessitiesBut what about ticket prices to attend a professional sporting event in the Philadelphia area? The price of attending sporting events never seems to get the same scrutiny despite increases year over year.As a matter of fact, the demand for Phillies playoff tickets or to see the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles is higher than ever while people pay more to fuel up to get to the game or stock up for the tailgate prior to it.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry speaks with Matt Robinson - professor of Sports Management at the University of Delaware - to discuss how prices for sports seem to be immune from what is going on outside of the stadium or arena.

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It's been almost two years since the Biden Administration announced the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub or MACH2 was among a series of “hydrogen hubs” selected to receive substantial federal grants to jump-start the hydrogen fuel industry – and that Delaware would be a part of MACH2.Since then, little visible progress has been made with MACH2. That is until last week when Aternium – a Delaware based company - received $1 million from the federally-funded Delaware Accelerator and Seed Capital Program to develop engineering for producing clean hydrogen.But is that a sign MACH2 is ready to get rolling? Or will changes to federal support for hydrogen fuel under the Trump Administration – including funding cuts to some hydrogen hubs just this week - stymie any progress and threaten the hub's future,This week, contributor Jon Hurdle takes a closer look at where MACH2 stands.