Immigration Enforcement and the Central Florida Economy
NewsNight
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.
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Lawmakers in Florida settle on budget and taxes.
NewsNight
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.
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Concerns Over Federal Readiness for Hurricane Season
NewsNight
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.
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Epic Universe Opens Amid Record State Visitation Numbers
NewsNight
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.
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Arts Groups Wary Over Budget Talks and TDT Uncertainty
NewsNight
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.
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NASA Faces Sizable Budget Cut Under Trump Proposals
NewsNight
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.
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Changes to Florida’s Constitutional Amendment Process
NewsNight
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.
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Local Leaders Grapple with Immigration Enforcement Laws
NewsNight
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.
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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.
info_outlineThis 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.