A new study from the University of Delaware found that shingles vaccination could be linked to lower dementia risk in adults 50 or older.Nearly all adults in that age group were exposed to chickenpox as children. Scientists say the virus can lie dormant in the nervous system for decades before reactivating as shingles, causing a painful rash.The study — led by the Director of UD’s Epidemiology PhD Program Daniel Harris, PhD — found that older adults who received at least one dose of the shingles vaccine had a 24% lower risk of developing dementia over four years.This week, Delaware Public Media's Isreal Hale chatted with Harris to learn more about the study and potential impacts.

Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis said First State parents should know about a new federal pilot program that allows kids to start earning money for retirement starting in childhood.They’re called "Trump Accounts" and were created under the One Big Beautiful Bill. But that hasn’t kept Davis and other Democrats — including California Gov. Gavin Newsom — from promoting the accounts.Parents, friends, family members, and employers can contribute to an account, which becomes the child’s at 18.And for children born between January 2025 to December 2028, families can claim a $1000 contribution from the federal government.Delaware Public Media’s Bente Bouthier sat down with State Treasurer Colleen Davis to learn about the accounts and other options that help create wealth for their children, as retirement prospects for younger generations look more uncertain.

Fall 2026 marks Michelle Di Russo's second season as the conductor of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. But, because an orchestra's season is planned long before the orchestra takes the stage, it's the first season programmed by Di Russo in her role as the symphony's music director. The result: a season of concerts that bring familiar classics to the stage alongside cutting-edge and innovative new works.On this week's Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny talked to Michelle Di Russo about how the season came together, what drives her creative choices, the importance of platforming new music, and the surprising things she listens to on her own time.

For many college graduates, earning a degree marks the beginning of another challenge — entering the workforce.Job growth in Delaware has been stagnant over the past, leaving recent graduates to face increased competition along with changing expectations for entry-level positions.Delaware Public Media’s intern Lily Grossberg explored what entering the workforce looks like for new graduates.

Listen to the full show or individual segments:

Candidate Conversations are part of Delaware Public Media’s 2026 Election coverage. Among the races we are examining is the race for U.S. Senate and in this interview Democrat Chris Coons.

The latest chapter in Delaware’s efforts to address PFAS – the so-called forever chemicals – takes us to the courts.But this time, it’s not the state or a municipality suing manufacturers over the products they produced containing these chemicals and their impact on the water supply. Instead, it’s a water utility. Veolia filed a lawsuit last month – seeking compensation for work they’re doing to eliminate PFAS from the water it provides to its customersThis week, contributor Jon Hurdle examines this lawsuit – who’s being sued and why.

OperaDelaware launches its new season next month, with a new general director at the helm, and a lineup of shows ranging from traditional masterworks to cutting-edge material.On this edition of Arts Playlist, Delaware Public Media's Martin Matheny spoke to that new general director, Eric Einhorn about the season, the importance of partnerships in the arts, and why everyone should give opera a try.

Listen to the full show or individual segments:

As part of our 2026 Election coverage, Delaware Public Media is highlighting a series of “Races to Watch” ahead of the September Primary.Our final piece ahead of the primary takes us to the Newark area and House District 23, where four Democrats are vying to step into the seat Mara Gorman is leaving to run for a spot in the State Senate.Delaware Public Media’s Jay Shah introduces us to this quartet of candidates and how they compare on key issues.