First for Friday, January 24, 2014

2014 Delaware State of the State address

The first half of our broadcast this week will come from Legislative Hall, where Governor Jack Markell delivered his State of the State address. We’ll share some reaction from state lawmakers, and we have taken our own survey of issues around the state. Let’s get started with some highlights from the Governor’s address.

State of the State: Manufacturing

The most recent numbers show Delaware’s unemployment rate is six and a half percent, and while it marks the fifth consecutive decrease in the state, how to get people back to work remains a question on the minds of our state lawmakers. From what we are hearing, manufacturing is the answer.

State of the State: Wilmington

While the City of Wilmington is allotted money every year from the state, some officials say it’ll take more than just money to address the city’s crime and economic development issues. It’s going to take a joint effort by leaders from the state, county and city to sit down on a regular basis to make the most out of Delaware’s largest city.

State of the State: Finances

You hear it over and over again, how are we going to pay for things? Over the past decade, Delaware’s revenue has seen a big change in how much money is coming from what sources. Here’s a primer on Delaware’s shifting revenue picture.

Hoarding

Delaware is bringing together fire fighters, housing code enforcement officials, and health professionals like Christina Care Psychologist Alan Schwartz. It’s part of a task force to help people who’s impulse to collect, crosses the line. We should point out that some of the images in this report are a bit disturbing.

State of Play

We had our State of Play group of Stephanie Hansen and Michael Stafford here a few weeks ago. We asked for their predictions for the state. We had time for only a couple of predictions, so we’d like to get them on the record with the rest. Even though the gun conversation has changed slightly, it’s interesting to hear why they believe a change is needed.

First Experience: Jupiter Records

Steve Zimmerman knows records. He’s been working in record stores for over two decades now. In August he opened his own record store, Jupiter Records in Wilmington. Can old technology like records and turntables really work in the digital age? If you’ve ever experienced an LP, then you know the answer.