NewsNight

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.

Florida’s Changing Gun Regulation Landscape

This week on NewsNight, the future direction of gun laws in Florida after an appeals court finds the state’s open carry ban unconstitutional. Plus, a look at what a 50 percent US tariff on imports from Brazil might mean for Florida’s economy.

09-27
26:48

Schools See Larger Than Expected Enrollment Drop

A decline in student enrollment prompts Florida school districts to rework budgets and reassign staff. Plus, Jerry Demings reportedly considers a run for Florida governor next year as he terms out of his role as Orange County Mayor.

09-20
26:48

Florida Pledges to Eliminate All Vaccine Mandates

Florida pledges to eliminate all vaccine mandates, sparking a nationwide debate over medical freedom. As an appeals court allows operations to resume at Alligator Alcatraz, Florida opens a second immigration detention facility. Plus, a look at Florida’s role in the fight over redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections.

09-13
26:48

Clash Over Orange County DOGE Audit

Florida’s state DOGE team issues subpoenas to Orange County employees in its investigation into spending at local governments. Plus, what might happen next in the fight over art on Florida’s public roadways?

09-06
26:48

Executions of Death Row Inmates Increase in Florida

Amid a record-breaking year for executions in Florida, death penalty reform campaigners press for changes to the state’s laws on capital punishment. Plus, the panel looks at a lawsuit which offers details of a Grand Jury investigation into Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell.

08-22
26:48

Students Return to Class as Schools Face Funding Cuts

As public schools see declines in enrollment since the pandemic, leaders eye new ways to attract students. An in-depth conversation with the Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools - one of the nation’s largest districts - about competition from private alternatives, the drive for school choice, and the fight to balance budgets amid funding cuts.

08-09
26:48

Deportations Begin From Alligator Alcatraz

Deportations begin from Alligator Alcatraz as the Department of Homeland Security starts flights out of the Florida facility. Plus, Governor Ron DeSantis promises more state audits of county and municipal spending.

08-02
26:48

Central Florida Road Construction Accelerates

NewsNight looks at a range of road construction projects throughout Central Florida and what they might mean for the region’s congestion hotspots. Plus, officials study data with a view to expanding the hours of SunRail services.

07-26
26:48

The Potential Impact of Medicaid Cuts on Florida Healthcare

This week on NewsNight, the Big, Beautiful Bill Act could mean changes for Florida’s Medicaid program, its enrollees, and local hospitals. And new data from the DeSantis administration show a six percent increase in the number of A-rated schools in Florida despite national figures showing a decline in reading scores in the state over the last two years.

07-19
26:48

Florida Promises to Add More Immigration Detention Capacity

An in-depth look at the controversy over the construction of large-scale immigration detention facilities in Florida, including ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Everglades, and another at Camp Blanding. Plus, an update on the  homelessness situation six months after the implementation of Florida’s camping ban.

07-12
26:48

Immigration Enforcement and the Central Florida Economy

NewsNight takes an in-depth look at the concerns of workers at Florida’s largest hospitality companies amid the changing immigration enforcement landscape under the Trump administration. Plus, a look at plans for a regulated Florida black bear hunting season in December, and next steps in the development of a permanent Pulse memorial.  

06-28
26:48

Lawmakers in Florida settle on budget and taxes.

Following weeks of tense negotiations, Florida lawmakers finally agree on a budget and tax plan. The panel also looks at the debate over the future of Tourist Development Tax revenues and how they should be spent. Plus, President Trump signals a shift in focus for his administration’s deportation program.

06-21
26:48

Concerns Over Federal Readiness for Hurricane Season

Concerns emerge over the readiness of FEMA and the National Weather Service as hurricane season gets underway in the Atlantic. The state’s flagship university faces uncertainty after the Florida Board of Governors rejects Santa Ono’s selection to be the school’s next president. Plus, a look at the latest developments at NASA amid questions over future leadership and funding.

06-14
26:48

Epic Universe Opens Amid Record State Visitation Numbers

As Epic Universe officially opens its doors, tourism industry leaders expect a boost to already record visitor numbers to the state. NewsNight looks at the likely impact of Central Florida’s newest theme park on the economy and infrastructure. Plus, Sunshine Corridor plans progress as a study is approved into a Sunrail extension to the airport and the attractions area.

05-31
26:48

Arts Groups Wary Over Budget Talks and TDT Uncertainty

Central Florida arts organizations watch the budget fight in Tallahassee as lawmakers debate spending levels, tax relief, and potential future changes to how Tourist Development Tax revenues can be used. Plus, a look at the growing calls for independent candidates to run in Florida’s next gubernatorial election.

05-24
26:48

NASA Faces Sizable Budget Cut Under Trump Proposals

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.

05-17
26:48

Changes to Florida’s Constitutional Amendment Process

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.

05-10
26:48

Local Leaders Grapple with Immigration Enforcement Laws

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.

04-26
26:48

Arts Organizations Keep a Watchful Eye on Tallahassee

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.

04-19
56:50

More Funds Awarded for Florida Water Quality Projects

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.

04-12
26:48

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