The Green

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.

Fort Miles has long been a former military installation turned museum, seeking to explore the history of the defense of Delaware's coast and the role of Fort Miles during the Cold War that followed.The Fort Miles Historical Association continues that work with the 2025-2026 season of its lecture series.The five-part series will primarily focus on the Cold War era and ways Fort Miles played a role.In this edition of History Matters, Isreal Hale is joined by Fort Miles Historical Association Historian Ed Paterline – who's managing the lecture series – to learn more about the series and what it will cover.

Piffaro, a professional musical ensemble specializing in the music of the Renaissance performed on historically-accurate instruments, returns to Wilmington next weekend for a concert called "Tools of the Trade."The performance highlights historical musical instruments and how they evolved into their modern counterparts.And on this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny is joined Piffaro's artistic director, Priscilla Herreid to delve int the music and instruments.

The University of Delaware's women's ice hockey team recently made its debut.Almost two years after the announcement of UD would add women's hockey as a varsity sport, the Blue Hen women's ice hockey team recently hit the ice for the first time at Fred Rust Ice Arena in Newark with two losses to Long Island University.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry speaks with UD's first ever women's ice hockey coach Allison Coomey about the road to that first weekend of games, and where the program goes from here.

Federal funding cuts are impacting states to varying degrees across the nation, particularly with unprecedented changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP.These changes were outlined within President Donald Trump's tax and spending package known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Act,' which for the first time ever will require states to pick up some of the tab for SNAP administrative costs.Additionally, beginning in 2028, states with high payment error rates will be required to pay for a portion of benefit costs, and Delaware had one of the highest error rates in the country in 2024.Delaware Public Media's Sarah Petrowich spoke with state officials to understand what these changes mean for Delaware and how the state plans to cover these unprecedented costs.

The U.S. is one of only seven countries to see a significant increase in maternal mortality rates in 2023, according to the World Health Organization.The U.S. sees steeper rates than any other high-income country, and maternal and infant mortality risks spike further in Black community.Delaware was among seven states with the lowest maternal mortality rates in the nation in 2024. But Black pregnant people here are still significantly more at risk during pregnancy and postpartum, representing 45% of the maternal deaths despite making up only 21% of the state's population.Delaware-based organization Black Mothers in Power wants to see those numbers drop in the First State. That's why they're opening a Maternal Care Center in Wilmington, according to BMIP Founder and Wilmington City Councilwoman Shané Darby.She and project director Kristin Bainger sit down with Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee to talk about the ins and outs of the new facility.

The Division of the Arts' Mezzanine Gallery in Wilmington continues to spotlight the work of Delaware artists with an exhibition this month by Paula Brown.Brown is a relatively recent arrival to the First State, spending much of her life on the West Coast. Her work - much of it impressionistic landscapes and seascapes - shows off her adeptness with pastels and oils.And on this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny sits down with Brown to talk about her art, her background, and the importance of Bach, Brahms and... Dr. Seuss.

Work is underway on the Thompson Island living shoreline project in Rehoboth Beach.The project on a part of Delaware Seashore State Park offers a large scale, nature-based engineering solution to protect the island's shoreline while enhancing the aquatic environment around the island.For this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry speaks with project manager, Bob Collins of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays about this living shoreline and expected impact – including the history and cultural significance of Thompson Island it can help preserve.

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The US saw 22,000 new jobs in July, far lower than the average 186,000 jobs added monthly on average in 2024.And some of the jobs posted aren't even real — they're put up by AI or are ghost positions, which companies put up in case they need to hire for a role that's currently filled.Gen Z is having a particularly difficult time finding work out of college. They're ghosted, put through five-interview long processes and made to wait weeks for responses.On this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sits down with the University of Delaware's Lerner Career Services director Jill Pante to discuss how Gen Z job seekers and their potential employers can better get through the hiring process.

For eight years, Delaware Shakespeare has been leaving the boards and hitting the road for its annual community tour - taking the Bard's plays to neighborhoods around the First State.This year, DelShakes tour presents Two Gentlemen of Verona.And on this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny spend some time with DelShakes' Producing Artistic Director Mariah Gantt to learn more about the tour and the play.

For eight years, Delaware Shakespeare has been leaving the boards and hitting the road for its annual community tour - taking the Bard's plays to neighborhoods around the First State.This year, DelShakes' tour presents Two Gentlemen of Verona.And on this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny spend some time with DelShakes' Producing Artistic Director Mariah Ghant to learn more about the tour and the play.

The Delaware Community Foundation this week announced a five-year, $13.1 million dollar grant to the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research.The money will help further the center's research by expanding the number of participants in clinical studies, creating new forms of testing to find biomarkers which predict Alzheimer's development, and fund the purchase of an MRI machine - a critical tool for the diagnosis of cognitive aging.Earlier this week, Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research director Dr. Christopher Martens joined Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale to explore what this financial boost means for their research.

These days it seems everyone is racing to get in on the fast-developing world of artificial intelligence – seeking any way and every way to plant their flag in the AI industry.That includes the state of Delaware which recently announced it is the first state in the nation to join OpenAI's Certification Program, which is expected to deliver programming to schools and workforce training programs to allows student to workers to build AI fluency and earn certifications in AI tools.Delaware Public Media's Tom Byrne recently sat down with Delaware Dept of Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie to learn more about the OpenAI Certification Program and the benefits it could provide the state.

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Delaware launched its first wave of recreational marijuana dispensaries on August 1st, giving the majority of existing medical marijuana centers the ability to begin recreational sales.As of Monday, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner has issued 85 conditional licenses for the rest of the marijuana business community, with three cultivators already actively growing.In part three of our Delaware's High Hopes series, Marijuana Commissioner Josh Sanderlin talks about his optimism for the remaining market launch, as well as the contentious veto of a marijuana zoning bill.Delaware Public Media's Sarah Petrowich also checked back in with license holders to discuss the challenges and successes they've seen in getting their businesses off the ground and what's next for Delaware's recreational marijuana market.

Reading Assist is among 15 organizations from around the world recently recognized by the Library of Congress for their efforts to improve literacy and strengthen the communities they serves.Delaware Public Media's Joe Irizarry sat down with Reading Assist CEO Caroline O'Neal to learn more about why the organization was honored and its ongoing work in the community- including how it's navigating the ups and downs of federal funding.

After a busy summer season featuring three blockbuster musicals and a cabaret series, performers from the Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach will be back on the boards in one week, launching a series of shows to round out the year, beginning with the apolitical political farce, POTUS.DPM's Martin Matheny sat down with Clear Space's Managing Director, Joe Gfaller to talk about that show and the rest of the 2025 season.

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OperaDelaware is gearing up for a new season. Anchored by two masterworks - Tosca and Andrea Chenier - the upcoming season also features some innovative performances intended to dismantle the stereotype of opera as stuffy and staid, including "Opera Deathmatch" and a chamber work where a cell phone plays a major role.On this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny chats with OperaDelaware's Vice President of Engagement, Kerriann Otano and soprano Emily Margevich, one of the opera's Company Artists.