OperaDelaware is bringing a powerful new program to the stage celebrating the music and stories of Asian American women.Created by Alice Chung and Helen Huang, ‘Girls of Yellow Diamonds’ explores the cycle of life; from childhood to womanhood and beyond. The performance, which features songs in English, Chinese, and Korean done by living Asian American women composers, is set for Sunday, March 16 at the OperaDelaware Studios in Wilmington.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media’s Martin Matheny caught up with Chung and Huang for a preview of ‘Girls of Yellow Diamonds.’

Listen to the full show or individual segments.

The Public Education Funding Commission meets again on Monday to continue its work to deliver a more equitable state education funding formula.The Commission is expected to consider multiple models for a new formula as it moves forward this year. Gov. Matt Meyer is pushing for quick movement on this effort and has championed replacing the current unit count system, which he has characterized as very outdated.This week, Delaware Public Media’s Tom Byrne sat down with Meyer’s Dept. of Education Secretary Cindy Marten to discuss where she and the Meyer Administration stand on this process and the future of education funding in the First State.

What happens when art pushes the boundaries of form, creating something that feels both familiar and otherworldly?That’s the idea behind the ‘Strange Flesh & Other Fantasies’ exhibit at the Dover Art League featuring the work of Delaware State University assistant professor Josh Nobiling. Through intricate drawings and prints, Nobiling crafts what he calls “strange flesh” and “nothing things” – abstract, textured pieces that shift between the organic and the surreal.In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media’s Martin Matheny is joined by Nobiling for a closer look at ‘Strange Flesh & Other Fantasies.’

The Nassau School, located in the historic Black community of Belltown near Lewes, is the focus of a new oral histories project led by researchers at the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.Through the stories of former students, staff, and surrounding residents, the project aims to record and preserve the Nassau School’s legacy before desegregation efforts began; ensuring the voices of this community are heard and remembered.In this edition of History Matters, Delaware Public Media’s Kyle McKinnon caught up with the Division’s Engagement and Collections Manager Meg Hutchins, and Inclusive History Researcher Brayden Moore, to learn more about the oral histories project and the Nassau School’s place in Delaware’s history.

Listen to the full show or individual segments.

Recent warmer temperatures may offer some hope that winter is on its way out – perhaps enough to start dreaming of summer vacation.If that dream includes getting away to the beach later this year, you may need to budget a little more. A new state tax on short-term rentals means the price for fun in the sun is a bit higher this year.Contributor Eileen Dallabrida takes a closer look at the beach rental market and the impact of this new tax.

Many studies show the persistent disparities Black Americans face when it comes to health and well-being, but one portion of that population is less understood, including here in the First State.This week, Delaware Public Media’s Abigail Lee examines what we know and don’t know about Black girls' well-being in Delaware and what can be done to produce positive change.

Many of us are seeking support and a sense of community in what can seem like turbulent times.On March 6, the Center City Chorale offers a musical refuge with ‘Spirit Songs,’ a free concert at Wilmington's First & Central Presbyterian Church with a diverse lineup of music it says will ‘calm your soul and feed your spirit.’In this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media’s Martin Matheny is joined by local musician Jordan Barrett – Board President of Market Street Music, which Center City Chorale is a part of – to preview ‘Spirit Songs’ and how music can provide comfort and connection amid uncertainty.

As we move into March, that early-year momentum and motivation to stick with New Year's resolutions often starts to fade.Roughly 80% of resolutions don’t make it past mid-February, so why is it so hard to turn goals into lasting habits? Some experts say it has to do with how our brains are wired to favor immediate rewards over long-term benefits, making change a challenge.In this edition of Enlighten Me, Delaware Public Media’s Kyle McKinnon spoke with University of Delaware associate professor of psychological and brain sciences Naomi Sadeh about why resolutions are tough to stick with and what can help us keep them.