Florida Roundup: Recent Episodes
Melissa Ross, Tom Hudson
Each week Melissa Ross of WJCT and Tom Hudson of WLRN in Miami, along with a panel of journalists from around the state, discuss the week in Florida news in The Florida Roundup. Ways To ConnectTwitter: @FloridaRoundup(305) - 995-1800Subscribe to the podcastiTunesStitcher
Stay updated with The Florida Roundup by subscribing to WLRN's podcast feed via Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Don't miss discussions on crucial Florida issues.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about proposed changes to the state’s child labor laws with Florida Rep. John Snyder and WLRN’s investigative reporter Danny Rivero. Then, we spoke with legendary journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein about the current state of journalism and American Democracy. Plus, we round up some news stories about homelessness in Florida before checking in on a new Orlando-area volleyball team. We also preview “Never Drop the Ball,” a new documentary that explores how Black baseball players built a brand of baseball out of segregation and into a worldwide pastime.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with the director of the Congressional Budget Office about how the country’s population is expected to get older. Then, we talked with FSU researchers about Florida’s rapidly aging coastal communities. Plus, we spoke with a Politico reporter Gary Fineout and UCF political science professor Aubrey Jewett about how Gov. Ron DeSantis’ move away from the presidential race will affect state politics. We also spoke with former state Sen. Jeff Brandes about how the governor’s return affects Florida’s Republican Party. Then, later, a briefing on recent legislative news.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we speak with a Jacksonville-based owner of a Kava Bar about kratom, and we look into the Tampa Bay Times’ multipart investigation into the kratom industry with some of the reporters who contributed to the series. Then, a conversation with longtime Florida reporter Matt Dixon about his latest book exploring the battle between former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. And later, we find out how federal lawsuits are challenging the way real estate agents have been paid for decades. Plus, why some lawmakers consider changing Florida’s official state bird.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we fact-checked Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address with PolitiFact. Then, we spoke with the former secretary for the Agency for Health Care Administration about Florida’s plan to import prescription drugs from Canada. Next, we heard from Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, about his push for condo reforms and then spoke with the new chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Plus, an update on winter storms from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network and some recent education news. Finally, we ask: Is it “Sani-belle” or and “San-a-bull”?
This week on The Florida Roundup, we talked about the proposed amendment to shift to partisan school board races in Florida with state Rep. Spencer Roach and FAU associate professor Meredith Mountford. Then, we discussed the push to get abortion rights on the 2024 ballot with the president of Women’s Voices of SW Florida. And later, we heard from a spokesperson for the campaign to put recreational marijuana up to a vote. Plus, we caught up on some recent health and environmental news stories from across the state.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we look back at some of the Sunshine State's biggest stories in 2023, including Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign and other political news; changes in public education; record heat; Hurricane Idalia; and rising home insurance rates.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we bring you two special reports: Growing Up With Guns, a series from WUSF examining the way guns can endanger kids' lives and futures, and Bright Lit Place, a podcast from WLRN News that explores what fixing the Everglades would mean for Florida and the world.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo about her top priorities for the upcoming legislative session including her health care proposal. We also talked about how the plan aims to expand health care access with Politico reporter Arek Sarkissian. Then, we talked about how the issue of free speech is playing out on Florida campuses, with State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. Later, FPREN meteorologist Megan Borowski joined us for an update on a developing storm, and we shared two stories at the intersection of water and health.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about some of the biggest challenges to stabilizing Florida’s insurance market with the state’s insurance commissioner, Michael Yarwosky, and Tim Cerio, president/CEO and executive director of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. And later, we speak with the Miami Herald’s senior political correspondent about calls for the head of the state’s Republican Party to step down and the Florida Democrats' decision to cancel its presidential primary. Plus, a collection of environmental stories from across the state.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we discussed the debate between Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom with fact-checking from PolitiFact Florida’s Samantha Putterman and then simulcast with LAist daily news show AirTalk to hear what both Floridians and Southern Californians thought about the showdown. And later, we hear some of the major education stories from across the state. Plus, a Florida distillery will bottle a new signature rum from The Rolling Stones.
On the Florida Roundup, we look at the impact of President Biden's humanitarian parole for migrants, one year later. Throughout the hour, we explore the WLRN News’ series “Waiting for America” with some of the reporters who contributed to it.
This week on The Florida Roundup, Seminole Hard Rock Casino has relaunched its sports betting app after a court fight over bringing sports betting to the state. We talk about the stakes with sports betting attorney Daniel Wallach, the head of No Casinos John Sowinski and Jessica Cattelino, author of “High Stakes: Florida Seminole Gaming and Sovereignty.” Plus, we look at how the Medicaid unwinding process is going with WMFE’s Joe Mario Pedersen and WUSF & Health News Florida’s Stephanie Colombini, and later KFF’s Jennifer Tolbert. And later, we catch up on some of the wildlife stories from across the state.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we heard from some Florida voters about what’s on their minds ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Plus, we talked with a U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican member of Florida’s congressional delegation, and Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican U.S. lawmaker. And we spoke to veteran Capitol reporter Mary Ellen Klas about Florida’s influence on national politics. Then later, a recap of this week’s special legislative session from our partner stations.
The property insurance market has been in crisis for several years in Florida. Some insurance companies like Farmers and Progressive are not writing any new home insurance policies. Others, like United Property and Casualty, have gone bankrupt.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about the legal limbo around abortion access as the Florida Supreme Court considers a challenge to the state’s 15-week ban. Plus, Politico’s Gary Fineout joins us for a preview of November’s special legislative session. And later, a collection of stories about coastal communities' efforts to mitigate flooding.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about the U.S. Humanitarian Parole Program with Luis Miranda, principal deputy assistant secretary for communications at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Plus, we look at Florida’s chartered flights from Israel with the Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos. And later, an update on how school districts are navigating book reviews.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we discuss Florida settling a COVID infection information lawsuit that it fought for two years, new laws that may change how you cast your ballot in the 2024 election, and the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Michael's impact on parts of the panhandle.
Florida schools have removed more books from public school libraries than any other state. Plus, a Florida Republican leads the charge to bring down the Republican U.S. Speaker of the House. And: wandering bears, a livestream of eagles and hazy skies from wildfires ... we present some wildlife stories throughout the state.
Florida schools have removed more books from public school libraries than any other state. Plus, a Florida Republican leads the charge to bring down the Republican U.S. Speaker of the House. And: wandering bears, a livestream of eagles and hazy skies from wildfires ... we present some wildlife stories throughout the state.
Inflation, higher interest rates and the high cost of housing are stretching paychecks; Florida's union membership is among the lowest; Duval and Miami-Dade jails are under fire.
Hurricane Idalia hit Florida as a major storm with historic high water. Are record high storm surges and rapidly strengthening storms our future?
A much different year begins on campus at Florida’s public universities after big changes pushed by the governor. Also, the cost of borrowing money to buy a house is rising, and a Florida school superintendent apologizes after Black students were singled out for an assembly about test scores.
This week on The Florida Roundup, we look into the suspension of Florida's affordable housing director and what it means for the new Live Local Act. Plus, Brightline's Miami-to-Orlando service is coming soon — what's next for Florida's high-speed rail? We get into that and other transportation news.
We talk about Gov. Ron DeSantis' action this week to suspend Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell of Florida's 9th Judicial Circuit. Plus, we get a preview of WMFE's new series Central Florida Seen and Heard: Immigration Divide.
With back-to-school season in full swing, we talk about the latest in education news, including how various districts are handling a teacher shortage, the approval of PragerU educational materials in K-12 schools and Florida's recently expanded vouchers program.
Hosts and panelists discuss Florida’s new Black history standards, challenges to public beach access and the decade-long legal battle over housing kids in Florida's nursing homes.
More Floridians are becoming caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the number is only expected to increase. Also, what does it mean to be an ‘Autism-Friendly’ City?
We look at why inflation remains high in Florida and what citizens are doing to grapple with rising costs of living. Plus, the threat that warming waters cause to coral reefs.
Our recent heat is a result of climate change, and we should expect more extreme temperatures to come. Also: WLRN investigates the Miami-Dade County Guardianship Program.
The Florida Roundup discusses a few key laws that will go into effect Saturday, including immigration reform, permitless carry and parental rights. Plus, what are local officials doing to mitigate the risks of rising temperatures?
Hundreds of thousands of Floridians have lost their Medicaid coverage; a federal court blocks Florida’s ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care; how Florida plans to protect its environmentally sensitive lands.
Hundreds gathered outside the Miami courthouse during Donald Trump’s arraignment; Florida’s crisis pregnancy centers are pushing to get abortion access on the ballot; microplastics and warming sands threaten sea turtles.
Florida transported more migrants across the country, this time from Texas to California; and why are more property insurers leaving the state?
Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors also creates obstacles for adults to access treatment; former Congressman David Jolly weighs in on Florida’s culture wars
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis kicks off his 2024 presidential campaign; the NAACP issues a Florida travel advisory; is Florida’s new immigration law prompting some to leave the state?
Donna Deegan was the first woman elected mayor in Jacksonville and the first Democrat to win in years — despite Gov. Ron DeSantis backing her opponent.
The Florida Roundup discusses bills signed into law this week, including new immigration requirements on businesses and restrictions on public-employee unions.
A bill restricts people with ties to the Chinese government from owning land in Florida; a threat to historic buildings is averted for now; a bill aimed at boosting online data privacy clears the Legislature.
Immigration bill sparks pushback from medical professionals; is Florida tilting towards authoritarianism?; combating hate speech with Volusia Sheriff Michael Chitwood.
The state is trying to take back control of the special taxing district that covers Disney World. Meanwhile, the State Board of Education has extended a ban on gender identity instruction through 12th grade, and lawmakers are considering major reforms to higher education.
Legislation working its way through the Florida Legislature could affect pride parades, protections for people who rent and hemp-related businesses.
A conversation with Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, on abortion rights and free speech following her arrest during a protest; A look at legislation that would reshape Florida’s K-12 schools; Lawmakers consider a new approach to address state’s troubled insurance market
A bill to allow gun owners to carry without permits heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Florida’s six-week abortion ban nears a final vote.
Florida lawmakers consider a bill to restrict "period talk" in schools; foreclosures as code enforcement; Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus spreading in Florida.
Governments haven’t done nearly enough to deal with climate change, according to a major new report; the new documentary “Nurse Unseen” explores how Filipino nurses are the backbone of the health care system; it’s National Agriculture Week; the Late Bloomers Garden Club is putting on a free public flower show; and the second annual San Marco Beer Fest is coming up.
A new rule clamps down on who can demonstrate at the Florida Capitol — and what they can say. Plus: The "Live Local Act" is getting bipartisan support in Tallahassee, and spring breakers are smiling despite red tide.
Florida’s 2023 legislative session kicked off this week, and the first measures include bills to further restrict the state’s abortion ban from 15 weeks after pregnancy to 6. We also talked with the new Democratic and Republican party chairs.
This is the first time in over a century there’s not a single Democrat in statewide elected office. Also: the 2023 legislative session is coming, and the state may preempt local control over water quality, pollution and wetlands.
Students protested the loss of diversity, equity and inclusion programs until the policies of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Hundreds of Black leaders rallied in the state capital this week to denounce Gov. Ron DeSantis. New College’s interim President Richard Corcoran gets a pay bump of nearly $400,000 over his predecessor. What is ESG investing and why does the governor want to ban it?
After outrage from angry parents, the Florida High School Athletic Association this week voted to remove some controversial questions from a physical evaluation form for student athletes. Also, the Florida Legislature returned to special session.
Florida could soon allow people to carry concealed guns without permits or training. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed changes to Florida’s university system that could shake up diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
High school students threaten to sue the governor after the state rejected an African American studies course as teachers cover up their classroom libraries, fearing they’ll run afoul of new state standards on what books students have access to.
Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to solidify Florida’s bans on COVID-19 mandates and a look at what the state’s doing to protect its natural resources.
The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, is hanging out in Orlando these days. And some — including members of Congress — say he shouldn’t be allowed to. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis says he'll take the traditionally progressive New College of Florida in a more conservative direction.
Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida is “where woke goes to die,” but what does that mean for professors — and students — on the receiving end of the governor’s policies?
How will issues like parental rights and book bans factor into education in the coming year? And could the state seek to further restrict abortion rights?
We take a look back at some of Florida’s biggest stories from 2022, plus some recent reporting from throughout the state.
Florida lawmakers wrap up another whirlwind special session aimed at fixing the state's crumbling property insurance market, and Gov. Ron DeSantis asks a grand jury to investigate wrongdoing connected to the COVID-19 vaccines.
Florida is being hit with a "tripledemic" as the holidays approach; a new study says the state's roads are dangerous for drivers; and Hurricanes Ian and Nicole unearth a pair of shipwrecks.
Lawmakers tackle property insurance; DeSantis targets Florida prosecutor; the ‘cone of uncertainty’
Gender-affirming care ban; 2nd term for Florida's top doctor; school boards trending red; Artemis 1 launches
A life sentence for the Parkland shooter; protests over Sasse appointment at UF; handicapping the Rubio/Demings contest; help after Ian
Ian recovery efforts, a mounting death toll and ongoing flooding. Plus: How to build a more resilient Florida?
On today’s show, a look at Ian’s impact as we check in with cities across the state. Then later: a former FEMA official brings us up to date on the emergency response effort. Plus: will Florida be able to handle all of the insurance claims now that the storm has passed? And how much is climate change to blame for the stronger and more intense storms the state is facing?
On today’s show, a look at Ian’s impact as we check in with cities across the state. Then later: a former FEMA official brings us up to date on the emergency response effort. Plus: will Florida be able to handle all of the insurance claims now that the storm has passed? And how much is climate change to blame for the stronger and more intense storms the state is facing?
This week, a second group of Texas migrants was left scrambling to find resources after allegedly being offered transportation by the Florida government.
This week, a second group of Texas migrants was left scrambling to find resources after allegedly being offered transportation by the Florida government.
Gov. DeSantis sends migrants to Massachusetts; Hate in the Sunshine State; sea turtles' plight
Gov. DeSantis sends migrants to Massachusetts; Hate in the Sunshine State; sea turtles' plight
Voter fraud crackdown; congressional redistricting; Charlie Crist leaves office; Artemis 1 launch; Pinellas County Section 8 housing; attorney general race; Broward County School Board members ousted; Torey Alston; Leon County races
Lawsuits challenging HB 7; new polling for statewide elections; federal plan to save key deer
"Partisanship is what is fanning the flames of rhetoric and debate among all Americans right now over this move by the FBI," said one GOP strategist.
New documents show how one of the largest companies in Florida secretly worked against political opponents. Power giant Florida Power & Light said it is confident it did nothing illegal in trying to shape public policy and press coverage.
School board campaigns officially are nonpartisan races, but this year — more than ever — politics is front and center. What’s at stake for parents, teachers, students and voters when state politics comes to public school boards?
More people from Florida face charges from the attack than from any other state. Why has Florida become a hotspot for these extremist groups and others who took part in the insurrection?
A new school year is just weeks away, and Florida is missing thousands of teachers. Plus, new laws have changed what some teachers can teach, and how they teach.
One week after the reversal of Roe v. Wade’s federal abortion protections, Florida is in a court battle over a new law restricting abortions to 15 weeks. Abortion supporters say a right to privacy enshrined in the state constitution protects the right to choose.
The ban enacted this year is scheduled to take effect July 1, but it faces challenges in court.
With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for young kids expected as early as next week, Florida is in the national spotlight. It was the only state not to request the vaccine from the federal government.
In Florida, the decisions about infectious disease and all kinds of issues related to public health come from the state capital. Tallahassee calls the shots on things like masking vaccines and quarantine. For decades, though, individual counties actually had a lot of say over public health.
After Parkland, Florida passed a new gun law and efforts to protect schools. Are they safer now?
Florida’s spiraling housing affordability crisis has sent protesters to the streets across the state.
A leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on a closely watched abortion rights case would overturn the Roe v. Wade abortion ruling after almost half a century, leaving it to Congress and state lawmakers.
Florida will no longer participate in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, drawing alarm from doctors and child welfare agencies.
Can Florida get all of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2050? Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried expressed little confidence in hitting the targets included in her timeline, such as 40% of electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade.
COVID clashes; Ladapo’s confirmation; culture wars; legislative bills; university leadership
COVID-19 tests expire unused; University of Florida sued over alleged academic freedom infringement; State legislative session awaits
'Love in the Age of COVID-19'; masks in schools; COVID-19 vaccines; housing market and flood zones; climate moves
University of Florida researchers allege pressure to suppress COVID-19 data; resilience project
University of Florida researchers allege pressure to suppress COVID-19 data; resilience project
Who will hold the balance of power? Florida’s redistricting process gets messy and partisan.
Who will hold the balance of power? Florida’s redistricting process gets messy and partisan.
"Love in the Age of COVID-19"; masks in schools; COVID-19 vaccines; housing market affected by flood zones; climate moves
State investigates local governments; breast cancer awareness month; Florida manatees in trouble