First for June 10, 2016

Prison reform
An editorial in the News Journal last month pointed to a study that showed Delaware being one of 11 states that spends more on prisons than it does on education. A call for prison reform has been coming from many corners of the state. Keeping young men from returning to prison is a big part of that effort. That’s why a program run by the Hope Commission is gaining a lot of attention as a model for an effort that could go statewide, and maybe even nationally. It’s our First Look this week.

Next step at UD
Dr. Nancy Targett is heading to the University of New Hampshire this summer after one year as interim president and more than 30 years working at the University of Delaware. Our education reporter Avi Wolfman-Arent sat down with Dr. Targett for an interview about her time at UD.

Decision 2016
Decision 2016 and the Wilmington mayoral race is next. Jason Levine of the News Journal, who moderated the last two mayoral debates, joined us in the First Studios to discuss the most recent debate on public safety.

Brandywine dog care
Delaware’s office of animal welfare kicked off 2016 with new statewide animal control duties and a partnership with a new shelter to house the animals. The changes also mark a new beginning or the First State Animal Center and SPCA in Kent County, which had provided animal control in the state for about a decade.

First Experience: Mitch Lyons
Artist Mitch Lyons studied ceramics and print making in college. After graduation, he found a way to combine the two. He became the first person to print with clay. Now, over 50 years later, he’s still working in his craft. Mitch and his clay mono-prints make up this week’s First Experience.