NewsNight

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NewsNight 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.

WUCF TV


    • May 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 175 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from NewsNight

    NASA Faces Sizable Budget Cut Under Trump Proposals

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 26:48


    This week of NewsNight, President Trump proposes a 24% cut to NASA's budget, putting science programs and the future of the Space Launch System and Orion in doubt. And new polling shows a large majority of Floridians oppose repealing post-Parkland gun laws. Plus, a look at student homelessness in Central Florida.

    Changes to Florida's Constitutional Amendment Process

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 26:48


    This week of NewsNight, Governor DeSantis signs a bill supporters say will crackdown on fraud in the citizen-led constitutional amendment process, but that critics claim will make it too hard to get initiatives on the ballot. Plus, lawmakers pass new measures to try to ease cost burdens for condominium owners.

    Local Leaders Grapple with Immigration Enforcement Laws

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, local leaders face pressure from immigration advocates over state requirements to comply with federal enforcement agents. Plus, communities across Central Florida struggle with solutions to the region's homeless population, as data show the number of unhoused people remains stubbornly high.

    Arts Organizations Keep a Watchful Eye on Tallahassee

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 56:50


    This week on NewsNight Conversations, leaders from Central Florida's arts and cultural organizations discuss the state budget which is set to funding for arts groups. It follows Governor DeSantis' veto of grants last year. The panel looks at concerns over the criteria for successful funding applications going forward, and ways the arts community is seeking to diversity its outreach efforts.

    More Funds Awarded for Florida Water Quality Projects

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Florida adds hundreds of millions of dollars for water quality projects around the state, including for the Indian River Lagoon. But federal DOGE efforts spark concerns over potential impacts on restoration work in the Everglades. Plus, a look at projections for the 2025 hurricane season.

    Federal Cuts Hit Central Florida Food Banks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Central Florida food banks grapple with supply shortages triggered by federal funding cuts amid reports of unprecedented demand. Plus, Florida lawmakers discuss a potential sales tax cut as the state's finances come into focus.

    Sunshine Corridor Study Plans Gain Momentum

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, local governments and agencies are pledging funds to pay for a study into the potential Sunshine Corridor between Orlando International Airport to the attractions area. Plus, a look at the potential economic impact on Central Florida of a drop in cross border travel from Canada.

    Florida Implements its New Immigration Legislation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Florida begins implementing its new legislation aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigration, while state officials launch an effort to ensure local law enforcement compliance. And Florida politicians walk a tightrope on the ending of temporary protected status for Venezuelans and Haitians.

    The Potential for a Housing Market Correction in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Governor DeSantis says Florida might be facing the possibility of a correction in its housing market as lawmakers debate a range of issues including property tax, condo reforms, and insurance costs. Plus, arrests of homeless people rise in Orlando as the city shelves plans for a new shelter in SoDo.

    A Preview of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, conversations with Republican and Democratic lawmakers previewing the upcoming Florida legislative session which begins on March 4th. Plus, the panel looks at the key bills filed on issues ranging from changes to the state's constitutional amendment process, to open carry on college campuses.

    Governor DeSantis Signs Sweeping Immigration Legislation

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Florida lawmakers compromise with Governor DeSantis on bills that include $300 million to tighten immigration enforcement and assist the Trump administration with its deportation efforts. Plus, the Department of Homeland Security halts an extension to Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, leaving the future for many in Florida uncertain.

    Changes at NASA in the Trump Administration

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, the Trump administration's shake-up of government leads to changes at NASA. The panel looks at the president's call for an expedited timetable for getting astronauts to Mars, and how cuts to federal spending might affect the space agency. Plus, Governor DeSantis floats relocating NASA headquarters to Florida.

    Upgrading Transportation Infrastructure to Meet Demand

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a conversation with outgoing Orlando International Airport CEO, Kevin Thibault, about major upgrades to support a continued increase in passenger numbers, the search for his replacement, and the future of transit connectivity in the Central Florida. Plus, the panel discusses next steps for Sunrail as local governments take over control of the commuter service from the state.

    Florida Lawmakers Pass a Sweeping Immigration Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, Governor DeSantis clashes with legislative leaders over a bill to aid the Trump administration's deportation efforts. Plus, professors from a several state universities in Florida file a lawsuit challenging restrictions on DEI initiatives in higher education.

    Previewing the Special Legislative Session on Immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a preview of the special legislative session on immigration as Governor DeSantis asks lawmakers to assist the Trump administration with deportations. Plus, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will fill the US Senate seat to be vacated by Marco Rubio should he be confirmed as Secretary of State in Donald Trump's cabinet.

    Florida Immigrant Communities Plan for an Uncertain Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a look at how a change in immigration policy under the incoming administration in Washington might impact communities in Florida and key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and tourism. Plus, proposed legislation takes aim at the future of in-state tuition rates in Florida for undocumented immigrants.

    The Top News Stories in Central Florida in 2024 | Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, the second of a two part lookback at some of the top stories in Florida and our region in 2024, including the passage of legislation ranging from restrictions on homeless people sleeping outside to new rules on children's access to social media.

    The Top News Stories in Central Florida in 2024 | Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, the first of a two part lookback at some of the top stories in Florida and our region in 2024. From the presidential election to a punishing Atlantic hurricane season, host Steve Mort brings you some of the key moments from the last twelve months.

    Environmental Policy in the Trump Administration

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, as Donald Trump prepares to take back control of the White House in January, the panel discusses how the incoming administration might change federal environmental policies and what impact the shift may have on resiliency efforts in Florida. Plus, local communities harden their storm water infrastructure following another damaging hurricane season.

    Arts Groups Plot their Financial Futures

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, an encore presentation of our program earlier this year looking at how arts and cultural organizations in Central Florida are pushing to secure future funding sources. It follows Governor DeSantis' decision in June to veto $32 million in state grants for the arts over his concerns about “sexual” content at Fringe festivals.

    Filling Florida's Vacant Senate and Congressional Seats

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a look at the political maneuverings sparked by President-elect Donald Trump's decision to name several lawmakers from Florida to his incoming administration. Plus, next steps following the election of Monique Worrell to the state attorney job that she was suspended from last year.

    Central Florida Voters Back Protections for Rural Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Central Florida voters approve two amendments to the Orange County charter championed by environmental activists as a way to limit development on protected lands.

    Republicans Solidify their Hold on Power in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, a look at the outcome of the election in Florida as the GOP makes significant gains with Hispanic and Gen Z voters. Plus, proposed constitutional amendments on marijuana and abortion fail to gain enough support to pass.

    The Final Push for Votes in Florida Ahead of the Election

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, a look at the final get-out-the-vote efforts by Republicans and Democrats in Central Florida as Election Day approaches, and the role of young voters in deciding the outcome. Plus, the response of Central Florida's Puerto Rican community to off-color remarks about the island made during Donald Trump's recent rally at Madison Square Garden.

    Access to the Polls in Florida this Election

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight Conversations, the second of a special two-part series leading up to the election. The discussion focuses recent legislation in Florida changing some of the ways citizens can cast their votes. Plus, the panel talks about a few of the constitutional amendments on the ballot.

    The Changing Political Balance in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight Conversations, the first of a special two-part series leading up to the election. The first discussion focuses on how Florida's growing and diversifying population is shifting the political dynamic in the state, and the impact that might have on the outcome in November. The members of the panel also talk about what they see as the most important issues facing voters.

    Florida Deals with a Punishing Hurricane Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a look at how local agencies in Florida prepare for major events like Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and a conversation about equity in storm recovery. Plus, ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure resiliency in Central Florida.

    Florida Communities Clean Up After Helene Flooding

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 26:47


    This week on NewsNight, as Gulf coast communities clean up after Hurricane Helene, some residents in Central Florida worry about the ability of our region's infrastructure to deal with flooding events. Plus, a new state ban on sleeping in public places comes into effect. The panel looks at whether local governments are ready.

    Hurricane Season Reaches its Peak as Helene Hits Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a conversation about the science of hurricane prediction with one of the country's top tropical weather meteorologists. Plus, as Hurricane Helene hits the state, a look at the resiliency work taking place in coastal and inland areas.

    Florida Launches Parallel Assassination Attempt Probe

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, Governor DeSantis announces a parallel state investigation into the apparent attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump in Florida. Plus, Central Florida State Representative Carolina Amesty faces four felony forgery charges as she runs for reelection.

    Boeing's Starliner Issues and the Polaris Dawn Mission

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 26:48


    This week on NewsNight, a look at the issues facing the Boeing Starliner and what they mean for future commercial crew flights from the Space Coast. Plus, the Polaris Program and its role in the future of interplanetary travel. And former President Trump throws his support behind Florida's Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana despite opposition from Governor DeSantis.

    Proposals for Florida's State Parks Draw Criticism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 26:47


    NewsNight examines the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Great Outdoors Initiative, including proposals for development projects in some state parks such as adding pickleball courts and hotels.

    Democrats Gather at the DNC as the Race in Florida Tightens | August 23, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 26:47


    As Democrats gather to nominate Kamala Harris for president, campaigners in Florida say abortion will be a key issue in the election. NewsNight looks in-depth at the fight over Amendment 4 and what it might mean for the prospects of both parties amid a tightening race heading into November.

    The State of the Presidential Race in Florida | August 16, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 26:47


    Florida Democrats hope the Harris-Walz ticket will boost their chances in November as new numbers show Republicans with a record voter registration advantage in the Sunshine State. Plus, Central Florida's Venezuelan community voices concerns over President Maduro's crackdown on dissent.

    The Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee Begins its Work | August 9, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 26:47


    NewsNight takes a detailed look at efforts to develop a permanent memorial on the site of the former Pulse nightclub, with the facilitator and a member of the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee. Plus, Florida voters are set to decide whether school board elections should become partisan.

    Orlando Ordinance Aims to Reduce Crime Downtown | August 2, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 26:47


    Orlando City Commissioners will hold another public hearing in August on an ordinance aimed at improving nighttime security in downtown areas amid concerns over crime. Plus, Florida proposes new rules to implement legislation restricting children from accessing social media.

    Arts Groups Respond to Grants Veto by Governor DeSantis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 26:47


    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 funding, and they're urging lawmakers to override the veto. wucf.org/newsnight

    Florida at the RNC, and Reaction to the Rally Shooting | July 19, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 26:47


    Florida's Hemp Industry Reacts to DeSantis Veto

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2024 26:47


    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.

    Development versus conservation in Central Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 26:47


    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.

    State Budgets More Than a Billion for Teacher Pay Raises

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 26:47


    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 for overall teacher pay.

    NOAA predicts a possibly historic hurricane season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2024 26:47


    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 energy policy, and prioritizing fossil fuels.

    Florida's new rules preempting local heat protections

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024 26:47


    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.

    NewsNight Conversations: Crisis To Conservation Part 2: Coastal resiliency in Central Florida communities

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2024 26:47


    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.

    NewsNight Conversations: Crisis To Conservation Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 26:47


     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.

    DeSantis says Florida will not comply with Title IX changes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 26:47


    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 ban set to come into force this week.  

    The City of Orlando unveils Pulse memorial process

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 26:47


    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 unauthorized camping.

    Coastal communities in Central Florida prepare for an active Atlantic storm season

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2024 26:47


    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.

    A May election is set to fill the seat of suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 26:47


    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.  

    Winter Park's mayor-elect discusses issues facing the city, from leaf blowers to transit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2024 26:47


    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.

    Crisis in Haiti: U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz on Foreign Policy and Biden Administration's Response

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 9:24


    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 committees.

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