This week on #newsnightwucf Arts and cultural organizations in Central Florida are scrambling for alternative funding sources. It follows Governor DeSantis’ decision to veto $32 million in state grants for the arts over his concerns about “sexual” content at Fringe festivals. But critics say such festivals receive only a small fraction of the fundi…

By WUCF

Hemp farmers and retailers in Florida are welcoming a decision by Governor DeSantis to veto a bill that would have banned certain hemp products such as delta-8 and imposed restrictions on others. NewsNight looks at the impact of the move and what it might mean for November’s ballot initiative on recreational marijuana.…

Following the recent approval of a toll road extension through the Split Oak Forest, NewsNight looks at what it means for the Florida Wildlife Corridor and conservation of our state’s protected lands. Plus, the panel discusses severe flooding in South Florida following recent heavy rains.By WUCF TV

Governor DeSantis says the state will allocate $1.25 billion dollars in the next Florida budget to pay for teacher salary increases. It’ll be the latest in a series of compensation hikes for teachers since DeSantis took office. But tensions remain with unions who say the state continues to suffer shortages and ranks near the bottom in the nation fo…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issues its forecast for hurricane season which begins on June 1st with its highest ever prediction for the number of named storms. It follows the signing of a new bill removing all remaining references to “climate change” from Florida law, stripping an emphasis on renewables from the state’s energ…

New rules barring local governments from implementing heat protections for workers, beyond existing state and federal regulations, come into force in Florida this summer. NewsNight looks at what the incoming legislation will mean for employees, and why some businesses support the restrictions.By WUCF TV

In the second part of our NewsNight Conversations series on Central Florida’s water issues, experts and local officials discuss efforts to improve the resilience of coastal areas as the state ramps up spending on the work. An in-depth look at how our region can shore up its coastline to mitigate future damage from sea level rise and storms.…

In the first of a two-part NewsNight Conversations series, community members and stakeholders look at how a years-long effort to restore Florida’s treasured Indian River Lagoon is going, and the challenges remaining in rejuvenating and maintaining the waterway and its wildlife.By WUCF TV

Governor Ron DeSantis says Florida won’t comply with Biden administration changes to the Title IX civil rights law on sex discrimination, adding protections for transgender students in schools, colleges and universities that receive federal funds. Plus, the president’s reelection campaign heats up in Florida, with the state’s new six-week abortion …

The 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 …

Forecasters 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.…

This 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.By WUCF TV

This 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.…

NewsNight’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 committ…

NewsNight’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 o…

NewsNight’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.By WUCF TV

This 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?…

The 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 experien…

The 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.…

This 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.By WUCF TV

This 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…

This 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.…

This 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 monum…

This 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 B…

The 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 ou…

This 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.…

This 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.…

NewsNight 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 spac…

NewsNight 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.By WUCF TV

This 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 pedestr…

This 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 fro…

A 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.By WUCF TV

Mayor 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.By WUCF TV

This 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 deb…

This 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.By WUCF TV

Orlando’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…

This 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 man…

Florida’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 sh…

As 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 …

As 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 …

NewsNight 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…

This 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.…

A 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 cas…

Meteorologists 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 …

State 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 uncertain…

A 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.…

An 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 …

It’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 di…

This 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 a…