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The University of Delaware Center for Political Communication’s annual National Agenda series returns for its 11th year, promoting civil discourse with the theme “Reflecting America”The final event this fall featured artist Nikkolas Smith joining the Center's associate director Lindsay Hoffman. Hoffman joins us this week to discuss their conversation.

The Delaware Division of the Arts has a new director.Jessica Ball recently replaced longtime director Paul Weagraff.And in this week’s Arts Playlist, Ball joins Delaware Public Media’s Kelli Steele to discuss her plans for the Division of the Arts.

Last week, we delved into Gov. John Carney’s new proposal to solve what ails Wilmington schools – the Wilmington Learning Collaborative - with contributor Larry Nagengast outlining how it would bring together the main districts serving city students to make changes and manage Wilmington schools.This week, he follows up with a look at how that plan is being received.

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Last year, state lawmakers unanimously passed a bill requiring the state to set health limits for at least two PFAS chemicals in drinking water.The so-called “forever chemicals” are linked to some cancers and other serious health issues – and have been found at sites across the state.As the new year begins, contributor Jon Hurdle reports there’s already progress being made toward settling on what these levels should be.

Gov. John Carney has spent the last two months pitching his “Wilmington Learning Collaborative.”He believes the plan will transform the city’s underperforming elementary and middle schools, in part because of similar reform initiatives he says have worked elsewhere – including Springfield, Massachusetts.This week, contributor Larry Nagengast takes a closer look at the Springfield Empowerment Zone – and how it might influence Carney’s proposal for Wilmington.

The founders of Dogfish Head Brewery and a longtime employee teamed up to write The Dogfish Head Book: 26 Years of Off-Centered Adventures - chronicling the history of the craft brewery through photos, stories and co-worker profiles.And in this week’s Arts Playlist - Delaware Public Media’s Kelli Steele is joined Sam and Mariah and Andrew Greeley to discuss the book.

Adolescents between 12-17 can now receive a COVID vaccine booster five months after their initial series of shots.But how many will take advantage? COVID vaccination rates among eligible kids of all ages are lagging in the First State.A recently published Nemours Children’s Health study offers some insight into why some parents are hesitant to get their children vaccinated.The study’s co-leads, Dr. Ly Phan and Paul Enlow, join us to dig into the data and what it tells us.

Across the country, parents struggle to find adequate child care. In Delaware, many providers have longer wait lists than ever before.Advocates say 96% of First State child care centers face staff shortages. Many have closed classrooms.Those advocates launched a campaign to write 500 emails to Gov. Carney asking him to take steps to help their industry - arguing it impacts the whole economy.Chair of the state Early Childhood Council, Madeleine Bayard of the Rodel Foundation - and Latin American Community Center director of early childhood services Karen Hartz recently talked with Delaware Public Media's Rebecca Baer about this crisis and its repercussions.

The Music School of Delaware recently received a game-changing donation.On this week’s Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media’s Kelli Steele talks to Music School of Delaware president and CEO Kate Ransom about the gift and its impact.