First for August 4, 2017

Test scores go flat
The state Department of Education released the latest Smarter Balanced and Scholastic Aptitude Test scores.It’s fair to say there are some minor gains and losses, but basically test scores remain flat.

Coastal Zone Act
Governor John Carney signed a bill into law which allows for some significant changes to the definitions of what can and cannot be done within industrial areas along the Delaware River.

First person: Sen. Stephanie Hansen
We have Stephanie Hansen here with us again. A frequent guest on our State of Play segment, she’s here today as a state senator now. We have lots to discuss including the economy and changes to the Coastal Zone Act.

Transgender ban reaction
Late last week President Trump announced plans to ban transgender people from serving in the military. Sarah McBride is from Delaware and she serves as press secretary for the National Human Rights Campaign. We asked her this week for her reaction.

Baby Bookworms
This summer, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children rolled out a new reading program for its most vulnerable patients. Through ‘Baby Bookworms,’ the fragile babies in the neonatal intensive care unit are not only being nourished physically, their brains are being fed too.

Delaware Today: Summer reading gap
Catherine Lindroth has had a singular mission for the past five summers, reducing the huge achievement gap in Delaware between low-income children and those of means. In our August report with our content partner Delaware Today Magazine, we take a look at how her program has evolved in Wilmington, where the disparities are the widest.

First Experience: Mac Conner
McCauley ‘Mac’ Conner was born in 1913. He is one of the original “Mad Men,” like the advertising executives portrayed on TV. Conner is an illustrator who worked on Madison Avenue creating illustrations for advertising campaigns for a variety of products. He also spent some time illustrating literature, from detective novels to romantic fiction. The Delaware Art Museum has an exhibit of Mac’s extensive career. It’s our treat to present his work and listen to Mac Conner in person for our First Experience.