Commentary

Year in Review email forum: Stories to watch in 2012

Today's big story can quickly become tomorrow's afterthought. That's what makes playing prognosticator difficult. But we'll give it a try anyway. After asking a handful of political observers to reflect on the year gone by and offer their analysis, DFM News asked that same panel to tell us what they’ll be keeping an eye on in the new year. Today, they weigh in with their thoughts, submitted via email, on the stories to watch in 2012. ...More

Year in Review email forum: Stories that will have an impact beyond 2011

Generally, year in review pieces are by definition a snapshot of people and events from the year gone by. But some news stories are not readily confined to a calendar year. They have repercussions that will be felt for months or years to come. As 2011 turns into 2012, DFM News asked a handful of political observers to reflect on the year gone by. Today, they weigh in with their thoughts, submitted via email, on what story from 2011 will have the greatest impact in the coming years. ...More

Year in Review email forum: 2011 Stories you may have missed

Not every story is front page news. And even some that are on page 1 aren’t fully understood as they happen. But just because some stories fly under the radar or take time to develop doesn’t diminish their significance. As 2011 turns into 2012, DFM News asked a handful of political observers to reflect on the year gone by. After getting their thoughts on the 2011’s top stories, we asked them to look beyond the headlines. Today, they weigh in with their thoughts, submitted via email, on the most underrated or under-reported stories of 2011. ...More

Year in Review email forum: Delaware’s top story in 2011

The calendar is just about to change from 2011 to 2012 - leaving behind a year of memorable stories and people for an new year that is filled with unanswered questions and unresolved issues. DFM News asked a handful of First State political observers to reflect on the year gone by and what they’ll be looking for in 2012. They weigh in with their thoughts, submitted via email, starting today. The first topic: Delaware’s top story of 2011. ...More

Commentary: Navigating the Social Media revolution

Life in Western Civilization was relatively simple prior to the printing press. If the king said it or the church said it, then that was it – no questions asked. After Gutenberg’s printing press, Western Civilization had itself a few political revolutions, a significant religious reformation, and a more complex society. That’s the consequence of an increased ability to share ideas. Today, it’s as if every individual has their own printing press with an unlimited supply of ink with which they can share ideas, encourage others, and/or attack others with their words. Those who understand the lessons of history and human nature can see the world of possibilities before us and are working to prepare both themselves and the next generation to use these new communications tools well. ...More

Understanding Social Security: What one study shows

DFM News is hosting a forum entitled Understanding Social Security this Friday, November 4th at Arsht Hall on the University of Delaware’s Wilmington campus. In preparation for the event, DFM News is offering a variety of stories and commentary. Today, Widener University economics professor Eric Brucker discusses the findings of a study of senior citizens and Social Security - the Widener Elder Pennsylvanian Study - and what it may tell us about the future of Social Security. ...More

Understanding Social Security: Why should people care?

With a struggling economy, rising cost of living, and a Senate super committee tasked with finding over $1 trillion spending cuts in the federal budget, Social Security has become an increasing topic for debate among many Americans. DFM News is hosting a forum entitled Understanding Social Security on Friday, November 4th. Prior to the forum, we asked some of expert panelists appearing at the event to answer one simple question: "Why should people care about Social Security?" ...More

E-Mail Forum: The state of Delaware’s banking/financial services industry

Delaware's banking and financial services industry is attempting to weather an economic storm. A recession, subsequent mergers and acquisitions - including M&T Bank's purchase to Wilmington Trust -and a trend of job losses have shaken what had been a pillar of Delaware's overall economy. In light of all the news surrounding this sector of Delaware's economy, DFM News asked a trio of observers to assess the state of Delaware's banking and financial services industry and its prospects in the future. ...More

Widener Law examines Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act’s 40 year history and legacy.

2011 marks the 40th anniversary of Delaware's Coastal Zone Act - landmark legislation that banned heavy industry from the state’s oceanfront, inland bays and wetlands and became the model for similar laws around the country and around the world. Friday, Widener Law and its Environmental Law Center celebrate that anniversary by hosting a day long examination of the act entitled "The Delaware Coastal Zone Act at 40: Past, Present and Future". ...More

9/11 Remembered: Doing “what it takes” in emergency response

Leading up to Sunday's 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, DFM News asked a number of local university professors to provide reflections on 9/11 and its impact 10 years later in their area of expertise. James Kendra and Tricia Wachtendorf are associate professors at the University of Delaware and the director and assistant director of the UD Disaster Research Center. Both Wachtendorf and Kendra arrived in New York City two days after the attacks and spend much of next two months at key response facilities observing what transpired. Their work on 9/11 has continued over the past decade, and they have a book forthcoming on the 9/11 boat evacuation. They reflect on the emergency response on 9/11 and its impact over the last 10 years. ...More