Arts Organizations Keep a Watchful Eye on Tallahassee
NewsNight
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.
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More Funds Awarded for Florida Water Quality Projects
NewsNight
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.
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Federal Cuts Hit Central Florida Food Banks
NewsNight
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.
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Sunshine Corridor Study Plans Gain Momentum
NewsNight
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.
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Florida Implements its New Immigration Legislation
NewsNight
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.
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The Potential for a Housing Market Correction in Florida
NewsNight
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.
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A Preview of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session
NewsNight
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.
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Governor DeSantis Signs Sweeping Immigration Legislation
NewsNight
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.
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Changes at NASA in the Trump Administration
NewsNight
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.
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Upgrading Transportation Infrastructure to Meet Demand
NewsNight
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.
info_outlineThis 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.