NewsNight
130 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsNewsNight is a weekly, taped 30-minute segment, featuring a team of journalists in radio, tv, newspaper, and blogs across Central Florida. The show is a weekly round-table discussion that highlights local journalism around important community topics. It is the story behind the story. The panel will break down the big story or stories of the week and discuss what and how they’ll impact the community.
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Episodes
The City of Orlando unveils Pulse memorial process
April 27, 2024 00:30 - 26 minutes - 49 MBThe City of Orlando takes its first step in renewed efforts to create a Pulse memorial. Plus, as the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments over the power of governments to punish people for sleeping outside when no alternative accommodation is available, NewsNight looks at what the case might mean for states like Florida that have passed laws banning unauthorized camping.
Coastal communities in Central Florida prepare for an active Atlantic storm season
April 20, 2024 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBForecasters are predicting a busier than usual Atlantic hurricane season. NewsNight looks at the conditions experts believe may lead to an above average number of storms, how authorities in Central Florida are preparing, and what an active hurricane season may mean for our state’s fragile insurance industry.
A May election is set to fill the seat of suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill
April 13, 2024 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, the Orlando City Council sets a date for a special election to fill the seat of suspended Commissioner Regina Hill. Plus, former President Donald Trump says abortion should be left up to the states following last week’s rulings on the issue by the Florida Supreme Court.
Winter Park’s mayor-elect discusses issues facing the city, from leaf blowers to transit
April 06, 2024 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, the future of development in Winter Park. With the city’s incoming mayor due to be sworn in on April 10th, Sheila DeCiccio sits down to discuss her vision and some of the key challenges ahead. Plus, the Florida Supreme Court rules that a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion can be put on the November ballot.
Florida evacuates U.S. citizens from Haiti
March 30, 2024 00:30This week on NewsNight, as Florida evacuates U.S. citizens from Haiti, a look at the security situation in the Caribbean country and concerns over potential impacts for our state. Plus, court documents show law enforcement officials are investigating an Orlando City Commissioner over accusations of elder exploitation.
Crisis in Haiti: U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz on Foreign Policy and Biden Administration's Response
March 29, 2024 18:50 - 9 minutes - 8.61 MBNewsNight’s Steve Mort talks with U.S. Representative Mike Waltz, who represents Volusia County, about the crisis in Haiti. Waltz, a Republican, is a staunch critic of the Biden administration, particularly on foreign affairs and America’s military entanglements overseas. He sits on the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence committees.
Crisis in Haiti: A Conversation with Rep. Maxwell Frost on Humanitarian Policy and Temporary Protected Status
March 29, 2024 18:45 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBNewsNight’s Steve Mort talks with U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost from Orlando about the crisis in Haiti. Frost has joined several fellow Democrats in Congress in urging the White House to make sure the United States doesn’t return Haitian nationals to the Caribbean country during the crisis. He’s also calling for an extension and redesignation of the Temporary Protected Status afforded to Haitians in the U.S. to allow them to stay while the security situation back home remains dangerous.
Exploring Haiti's Security Crisis and the Migration Debate with Jacqueline Charles from the Miami Herald
March 29, 2024 18:43 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBNewsNight’s Steve Mort talks with Jacqueline Charles who covers Haiti and the Caribbean for the Miami Herald about Haiti’s security crisis, the debate over migration to the United States, and the political situation which has resulted in gangs essentially running the country.
Plans for a Lake Eola Gateway park in Orlando
March 23, 2024 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, a look at a number of major public space development projects in downtown Orlando. The panel discusses the city’s approval of several land purchases to create a new Lake Eola Gateway park and potential affordable housing units. Plus, could Brevard County be on track to get a Brightline rail station?
Florida’s new rules on social media for children
March 16, 2024 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThe week on NewsNight, lawmakers pass an updated bill cracking down on the access children have to social media in Florida. However, legal challenges are likely, and confusion surrounds exactly which sites could be exempt. Plus, Florida health officials hail their response to a measles outbreak in our state while other parts of the country experience rising cases.
Florida lawmakers are eyeing ways to fill thousands of teacher vacancies
March 02, 2024 01:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBThe week on NewsNight, can policy makers and schools find ways to reduce Florida’s teacher shortage? Plus, a look at a move to exempt more public sector workers from a Florida law banning the automatic deduction of union dues. And the panel discusses the challenges schools face in funding critical maintenance projects.
Tackling challenges to books in public schools
February 24, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBThis week on NewsNight, an effort to rein in frivolous challenges to books in public school libraries is endorsed by Governor DeSantis. Lawmakers are debating legislation to limit the ability of those who do not have a child in the school district to object to classroom reading materials.
Florida could ban sleeping or camping in public places.
February 17, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, Florida could require local governments in the state to ban homeless people from sleeping in public places. It comes after the Orlando City Council last month voted to make it illegal for people to block or obstruct sidewalks. Plus, could Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ idea for a penny sales tax to pay for transportation needs go back before voters in November?
Florida Supreme Court hears abortion amendment arguments
February 10, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, the Florida Supreme Court hears arguments over whether a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in the state should appear on the ballot in November. Plus, a federal judge throws out Disney’s lawsuit accusing Governor DeSantis and others of violating its free speech rights.
Ideas emerge for development of the historic Hungerford land in Eatonville
February 03, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, as Black History Month gets underway, the panel takes an in-depth look at proposals for the development of the Hungerford land in Eatonville after a deal to sell the site for housing fell through last year. Plus, Florida lawmakers debate proposed legislation that would prevent local governments from removing historical monuments and memorials such as Confederate statues.
The latest developments in the space industry
January 27, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, an in-depth look at the latest developments in the space industry and how they affect our region. The panel discusses the latest Axiom crew launch to the International Space Station, and NASA’s decision to delay its Artemis moon shot. Plus, what Central Florida scientists hope to learn from samples gathered on the asteroid Bennu.
Canada raises concerns over Florida’s approved plan to import lower-cost medications
January 20, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a Florida program allowing the state to import certain prescription medicines from Canada to help reduce costs for consumers. But Canada says the move could negatively impact its own supply of pharmaceuticals. Plus, lawmakers debate ways to add capacity to Florida’s healthcare industry whilst ruling out Medicaid expansion in the state.
Lawmakers eye new legislation targeting condo boards following the Surfside collapse
January 13, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, new changes could be coming to Florida’s condo market as lawmakers prepare to discuss legislation which builds on reforms already passed since the Surfside collapse in 2021. The panel also discusses moves to clear up confusion over the voting rights of former felons in the state.
A preview of the 2024 Florida legislative session
January 06, 2024 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, a look ahead to the 2024 Florida legislative session as lawmakers prepare to tackle issues from energy independence to background checks for gun purchases. Plus, the panel discusses calls for the formal removal of Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler, and Governor DeSantis's prospects in the upcoming Iowa caucuses.
The top news stories in Central Florida in 2023 | Part 2
December 30, 2023 01:30 - 22 seconds - 508 KBNewsNight closes out the year with a look back at the top stories of 2023. From reforms to the homeowners insurance market to the passage of permitless carry in Florida to efforts to develop affordable housing, NewsNight presents some of the most engaging conversations from the program over the last twelve months. Plus, a look at the future of space exploration.
The top news stories in Central Florida in 2023 | Part 1
December 23, 2023 01:30 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MBNewsNight closes out the year with a look back at the top stories of 2023. From redistricting to immigration policy to community debates on the futures of Eatonville and Pine Hills, NewsNight presents some of the most engaging conversations from the program over the last twelve months.
Developing Central Florida’s transportation network
December 16, 2023 01:30 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBThis week on NewsNight, an in-depth update on efforts to get Central Florida’s growing population moving. Steve Mort sits down for conversations with planners and decision-makers on how best to develop future road, rail and bus networks as demands on our region’s infrastructure increase. Plus, a look at why Florida cities rank so poorly for pedestrian safety.
Abortion and the 2024 election in Florida
December 09, 2023 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, as the Florida Supreme Court considers its position on abortion access in the state, the procedure looks set to play a pivotal role in the 2024 election. And a trial is set to begin next month over Florida’s restrictions on gender-affirming care. Plus, a look at the commercial moonshot targeted for a Christmas Eve launch from the Space Coast.
The Year in Central Florida’s Art Community
November 25, 2023 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBA discussion of the highs and lows in Central Florida’s arts community in 2023, including the ongoing fall out of the Basquiat exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art, record county arts funding, a new name for the Orlando Rep, and 50 years of the Orlando Ballet.
A possible new push for a transportation sales tax
November 18, 2023 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBMayor Jerry Demings says he’s considering another push for a penny sales tax to fund transportation projects in Central Florida. Plus, Orange County commissioners debate the spending of bed-tax dollars for Visit Orlando as the county lobbies for the expanded use of tourism revenues.
Groups fight to get their respective priorities on ballot in Florida in 2024
November 11, 2023 01:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, a look at several ballot initiatives that could go before Florida voters on issues ranging from abortion rights to recreational marijuana. Plus, Florida lawmakers are set to consider a bill that would loosen the state’s child labor laws. The panel looks at what changes are proposed and the arguments on either side of the debate.
Rules on DEI programs in Florida’s state universities
November 04, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, the Florida Board of Governors is set to take up a proposed rule implementing Florida’s law that restricts diversity and social activism programs on public university campuses.
The future of a memorial at the Pulse nightclub site
October 28, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBOrlando’s City Council votes unanimously to spend $2 million to purchase the Pulse nightclub site. The panel discusses the Mayor’s hope of turning it into a permanent memorial to the 49 victims of the 2016 shooting. Plus, Florida lawmakers will meet early next month for a special session to tighten state restrictions on Iran amid bipartisan support for Israel in Tallahassee.
Efforts to permanently ban oil and gas drilling off the Florida coast
October 21, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, the debate over oil and gas drilling off the Florida coast enters the Republican presidential primary campaign. The panel discusses the state’s position on fracking and efforts to implement a permanent federal ban in waters around Florida. Plus, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers restoring endangered status for manatees.
Central Florida Reacts to Middle Eastern War
October 14, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBFlorida’s Jewish Community responds to the outbreak of war in the Middle East as state leaders propose more restrictions on Iranian businesses, and Orange County commissioners vote to approve nearly $800 million in Tourist Development Tax funding despite revenue concerns. We’ll discuss the winners & losers, and the debate as to whether the state should allow more diverse uses for bed tax revenues.
NewsNight - The future balance of power in Tallahassee
October 07, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBAs the Florida House Speaker-designate spells out his vision for limited government, the panel discusses the future balance of power in Tallahassee amid the Governor’s presidential bid. Plus, as the issue of felon voting rights heats up around the country ahead of the 2024 election, NewsNight looks at the fight between Florida’s rights restoration advocates and state leaders.
Brightline aims to expand further, transform private rail in the United States
September 30, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBAs Brightline begins services between Orlando International Airport and Miami, NewsNighttakes an in-depth look at the future of intercity passenger rail in Florida and the United States. Plus, Disney says it will nearly double its capital expenditure on its parks over the next 10 years as the company’s CEO pledges to “quiet the noise” in its clash with Governor Ron DeSantis.
Florida’s advice on Covid vaccinations
September 23, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBNewsNight looks at the DeSantis administration’s decision to advise against new Covid vaccinations for people under 65. Plus, transgender students react to the Florida State Board of Education’s new rules implementing a recent law that requires staff and students in K-12 and higher education institutions to use bathrooms matching their sex assigned at birth.
The future of abortion access in Florida
September 16, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, the Florida Supreme Court takes up a challenge to a 15-week abortion ban in a case that will decide the future of access to the procedure in the state. And the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season sparks a renewed political debate over the role of climate change in the severity and frequency of storms that hit Florida.
NewsNight - The threat of violent extremism in Florida
September 09, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBA look at the threat of violent extremism in Florida following the killing of three Black people by a White gunman in a recent shooting in Jacksonville that the Justice Department is investigating as a racially motivated hate crime. Plus, voting rights groups looking to reinstate a Black-access congressional district in North Florida take their case to court.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak
September 02, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBMeteorologists say warm water in the Gulf of Mexico is fueling storm threats as the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak. A look at the impacts of Idalia less than a year after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of the state. Plus, should Orange County spend hundreds of millions of dollars of tourism development tax revenues on improvements to the Convention Center and Camping World Stadium?
New State Attorney Bain First 100 Day Plans
August 26, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBState Attorney Bain lays out his first 100 days gameplan which includes eliminating diversion programs but what does that mean for first time offenders? also Brevard County Commissioners cut their cultural grant program funding leaving in total about 25 arts and cultural organizations looking for new funding, and back to school brings new uncertainties about what can be taught in classrooms.
Immigrants’ rights groups condemn new Florida legislation on undocumented workers
August 12, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBA look at sweeping changes to the way Florida handles undocumented immigrants throughout the state including criminal penalties, expanded employment checks, and unprecedented use of state assets. NewsNight talks to the people most affected, supporters of the new legislation, and reporters covering the issue.
Florida’s new curriculum intensifies the debate over the teaching of Black history
August 05, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBAn analysis of the Florida Board of Education’s revised Black history curriculum. The new standards include instruction that slavery benefited African Americans because it taught them useful skills. But critics, including Vice President Kamala Harris, say it amounts to “whitewashing” history. NewsNight gathers reaction, and the panel discusses the political fall-out.
A one-on-one interview with former astronaut Winston Scott
July 22, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIt’s 54 years since NASA first put humans on the Moon. Now the space agency is preparing a crew to head back to the lunar surface. Former astronaut Winston Scott discusses his path from a segregated elementary school in Miami to flying aboard the shuttle, how NASA has changed over the intervening decades, his experiences in orbit, and efforts to diversify America's astronaut corps.
Governor DeSantis vetoes a bill aimed at modernizing how Florida buys state vehicles
July 15, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight, a look at the governor’s decision to veto a bill that would have modernized the way Florida buys state vehicles to encourage the purchase of electric cars and trucks. And the panel discusses uncertainly in the LGBTQ community amid an ongoing court fight over a law opponents say targets drag shows but that supporters say is aimed at protecting children.
Challenges to Congressional Redistricting in Florida
July 08, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBA look at how a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down redrawn Congressional district lines in Alabama and Louisiana might impact future elections in Florida amid court challenges to the state’s 2022 redistricting maps. Plus, the panel discusses new protections in Florida for human trafficking survivors.
Florida sues over federal higher education accreditations
July 01, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBA look at the latest clash between Florida and the federal government as the state sues the U.S. Department of Education over the process for accrediting universities and colleges. And as Brightline announces the competition of its extension to Orlando, new Coast Guard bridge rules could impact future services.
The Governor vetoes several projects aimed at mitigating flooding in Central Florida
June 24, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBOrange County officials say Orlo Vista flood mitigation work will move ahead despite the Governor’s veto of a related project in the community in the state budget. The panel looks at what made it into the record budget and what got cut. Plus, as forecasters monitor a tropical depression in the Atlantic Ocean, some coastal rebuilding efforts in Central Florida are slow to reach completion.
Ajike Owens death sparks calls for Florida’s ‘stand your ground’ laws to be abolished
June 17, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBSome advocates are calling for Florida’s ‘stand your ground’ laws to be abolished as debate over the controversial legislation reignites following the shooting death of Ajike Owens in Ocala. Florida flies more migrants out of Texas, this time to California, as Governor DeSantis visits the border. Plus, Florida reaction to the indictment of Donald Trump.
Ron DeSantis enters the 2024 Presidential race
June 03, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBAs Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially enters the 2024 Presidential race, taking on Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, NewsNight has an in-depth analysis of the strategies and issues likely to shape the campaign.
NewsNight | Preparing For The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season
May 27, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBAs Florida gets ready for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, NewsNight takes a look at the work underway to prepare for storms in parts of the state still reeling from the effects of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole last year. Plus, the latest on statewide coastal and inland resiliency efforts.
NewsNight | Local renter protections face uncertain future in Florida
May 20, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBLocal governments in Florida could face new restrictions in how they can deal with housing issues in the state. NewsNight looks at bills pre-empting local ordinances governing landlord-tenant relationships, and blocking initiatives such as rent controls. Plus, Governor DeSantis signs a new law barring state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities and colleges.
NewsNight | Insurance consumer protections for Florida homeowners
May 13, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThe panel discusses Florida’s new “Insurer Accountability” Act aimed at protecting insurance customers and expanding the authority of state insurance regulators. Supporters say it’s key to reining-in “bad actors” but others say the legislation doesn’t go far enough towards balancing recent industry-backed reforms passed by lawmakers.
2023 Florida Legislative Session Comes to an End
May 06, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBThis week on NewsNight; as the 2023 legislative session comes to an end, lots of big wins for the republican controlled senate. DeSantis signed the 6-week abortion ban into law and house bill 899 would now allow parents to surrender their newborns up to 30 days. Growing restrictions on education involving LGBTQ and banning post-secondary majors about women and gender studies And permit less carry will become legal.