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.

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 Griefer to discuss this upcoming event.

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.

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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.