First for April 28, 2017

Drawing the lines
Gerrymandering. The word is loaded with negative connotations of partisan politics. Gerrymandering is defined as using the process of redrawing district lines to benefit one political party. This week’s First Look focuses on efforts in Dover to take politics out of the process completely. Naturally, that effort has drawn opposition mostly along party lines.

First Person: School Board elections
The Delaware School Board elections are fast approaching. May 9th is the day everyone is expected to head to the polls in all three counties. What we found is voter turnout is usually low but why? Bebe Coker, a community activist and voter advocate along with Elizabeth Paige, President of the Christina School Board, join us in studio to talk about the importance of these contests.

Water
A couple years ago, the General Assembly created the Clean Water and Flood Abatement Task Force. The group was charged with identifying and recommending ways to improve water quality and reduce flooding in the state. State Senator Bryan Townsend chairs the task force and spoke about some of its recommendations.

First Experience: Baltz Elementary
A group of 5th graders at Baltz Elementary School in Wilmington recently got an art lesson on how animals influence both contemporary art and our lives. The program was done in connection with the Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education. The students went to the Delaware Contemporary for inspiration before drawing some of their favorite animals. That’s where First Experience picks up the story.

Popup Painting
Painting with a twist is a franchise that seems to be popping up everywhere. There are four in Delaware. The twist is you don’t have to know too much about art to take part in some of the classes offered there. In fact, you’re sure to walk away with a masterpiece.