First for Friday, March 14, 2014

The future of manufacturing

Last week Delaware’s Congressional Delegation hosted the latest in a series of job fairs. It was held as new jobless numbers show a drop to about 6% in the state. First Look reports on the call to build up our manufacturing base in order to create new jobs and to get more people back to work, but it’ll take training, and some investment.

Building a budget

The Joint Finance Committee has finished the February hearing process for the 2015 budget. Now they have to figure out where all the money is coming from. Here’s a primer on Delaware’s shifting revenue picture.

Closing the learning gap

The Delaware Department of Education wants to raise the bar for all students as a way to close the gap between white and minority students. Some schools have shown success as all test scores have improved. The question is, can they keep it up?

First Person: DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt

We reported earlier about lawmakers coming together next week to continue the budget process. The gas tax will be a big part of the debate. There are some other transportation projects as well. DelDOT secretary Shailen Bhatt recently outlined them on First.

Opportunity: Africa

Since his college days, Delaware Senator Chris Coons has had a special passion for the people and economies of Africa. For the third time he has put together a conference on the subject. This year’s event featured former President Bill Clinton. As the eyes of the international community are watching Russian involvement in Crimea, the former President said we can’t ignore what is happening in Africa either.

Donating therapy art

Habitat for Humanity is about to receive a large gift from Wilmington Attorney and art collector Dick Poole. Twenty percent of the Poole Collection is up for auction. What makes the donation unique is Poole used these works of art as part of his therapy while recovering from cancer. He says they serve a greater purpose now.

First Experience: The Flint Collection

We go from one great collection to another. Did you know Wilmington is home to one of the largest collections of antique and playable harpsichords in North America? They belong to the Flint Collection and date from 1570 to 1779. First Experience heads to The Barn at Flintwoods to listen to this unique collection.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal