90.7 WMFE's Intersection

On this episode of Intersection we talk to 90.7’s Danielle Prieur and Abe Aboraya about their investigation into the death of Transportation Security Officer Rob Henry, and workplace culture at the TSA.

We also hear from TSA acting deputy administrator Patricia Cogswell about how the administration is handling allegations of a toxic workplace culture and what they’re doing to tackle the problem. 

And we talk to US Reps. Ted Yoho and Darren Soto, and union representative Deb Hannah about potential legislative solutions.

 

 

Wanda Vasquez, Puerto Rico’s former Justice Secretary, was sworn in as governor of the island last week, bringing some stability after weeks of protest that prompted the exit of former governor Ricardo Rosello. 

Can Vasquez build trust with Puerto Rican residents frustrated and angry with political corruption, and with the slow pace of recovery after hurricane Maria?  

On this episode of Intersection, we’ll talk to Miami Herald reporter Bianca Padro Ocasio, who was in Puerto Rico covering the protests. 

Then– community partnership schools take a holistic approach to education, by bringing together healthcare and other community resources. 90.7’s Brendan Byrne talks with UCF’s Amy Ellis, and Jarvis Wheeler with the Children’s Home Society of Florida about this unique approach, and new funding to grow the program. 

And with the spotlight on Florida’s guardianship program after the death of a 75 year old man who had a Do Not Resuscitate order filed against his will– we’ll have a conversation with the Orlando Sentinel’s Monivette Cordeiro about her reporting on the case– and what steps are being taken to address problems with the troubled program. 

 

Gannet and GateHouse announced a merger this week. Gannett’s newspapers include USA Today and Florida Today, while GateHouse papers include the Florida Times Union, the Palm Beach Post and the Gainesville Sun. 

The deal would create a newspaper giant with a circulation of 8.7 million, and the aim is to combat declining ad revenue and circulation. So where does that leave newspapers in Florida– the journalists who report the news and the people who read it? 

On this episode of Intersection, we dive into the fine print of the merger and what it means for the news business with Rick Brunson, associate instructor of journalism at UCF; Sara Fischer, media reporter for Axios, and Rick Edmonds, media business analyst with Poynter.

Then- El Paso residents are grieving. The town on the border of Texas and Mexico was one of two communities hit by mass shootings last weekend. The tragedy in El Paso has deeply affected residents just across the border too. 

We speak to Lauren Villagran, a border reporter for the El Paso Times and the USA Today Network about how the community has responded to the shooting. 

And singer songwriter Amy Robbins joins us to perform a couple songs and talk about her new album: Maple Sparrow. 

Two mass shootings in the space of 24 hours in El Paso Texas and Dayton Ohio shocked the nation and sent lawmakers scrambling for answers. Some have placed the blame on violent video games and other media. 

On this episode of Intersection, we talk to a Stetson University associate professor of Psychology Chris Ferguson about why policymakers point the finger at violent video games, and whether there’s a link between virtual violence and real life violence. 

Then– in the aftermath of acts of violence like the shootings over the weekend– many turn to their faith for comfort, answers– and action. We’ll revisit a conversation with the three wise guys– Rabbi Steve Engel, Imam Muhammad Musri and Reverend Bryan Fullwider– about faith in the face of trauma. 

And– on the heels of the MLS all-star game, we talk to Orlando Sentinel sports editor Iliana Limon-Romero about whether Orlando City can go all the way the playoffs this season, and the impact of the World Cup bump on fan following for the Orlando Pride. And 90.7’s Talia Blake talks with the Jamaican women’s soccer team captain– and UCF Knight– Konya Plummer. 

Florida has a chief science officer. In this brand new role, Tom Frazer will oversee the newly established Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency.One of his priorities will be Florida’s water, plagued by toxic blue green algae among other issues.

We’ll hear from Tom Frazer as he settles into the new job and we’ll talk to 90.7 environmental reporter Amy Green about a water quality issue in Central Florida’s backyard– Melbourne’s drinking water.

Then, as the Department of Health and Human Services mulls locations for new shelters for unaccompanied minors, we’ll hear from an organization that works to place those kids in temporary foster care. 90.7’s Danielle Prieur talks to Laurie Stern from Bethany Christian Services about fostering unaccompanied minors.

And we’ll revisit a conversation with Orlando singer songwriter Jordan Foley, whose country tinged ballads find inspiration on the silver screen.

More first responders in the US die by suicide than in the line of duty. Orlando firefighter Jeff Orrange says those numbers are staggering, and he’s working to change the equation

Orrange is part of a peer support team that helps firefighters reach out to fellow firefighters and get the mental health support they need. 

On this episode of Intersection we’ll talk to Orrange about the education process for first responders and the importance of peer support. 

A group of students are embarking on a new apprenticeship program on the space coast. They’ll work in advanced manufacturing with aerospace companies while taking courses in engineering and aerospace tech. 

Space Florida’s Dale Ketcham explains how the apprenticeship program will fill a gap in talent, and how higher education is changing to reflect the sunshine state’s growing space economy. 

And Orlando’s Pat Greene and Geoff Benge are planning an art and architecture tour to Mexico City. They join us for a conversation about art, tourism and the cultural communities in Orlando and Mexico city. 

Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo  Rosselló will step down in a week. 

The governor made the announcement in a recorded video message Wednesday night. The news was greeted with celebration from Puerto Ricans who had put pressure on Rosselló to step down over nearly two weeks of protest after a series of offensive chat messages were leaked from the governor and top officials. 

On this episode of Intersection– what’s next for Puerto Rico after the resignation of the governor? Does his departure signal a turning point for the territory which has been racked by economic turmoil and is still rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. And what are the implications for Florida’s Puerto Rican population? We’re joined by Jennifer Marcial, editor of El Sentinel Orlando; Maria Padilla, editor of Orlando Latino and Ricardo Negron with Latino Justice. 

Then, Florida’s veteran population is growing.  What does that mean for veteran healthcare?  A conversation with VA secretary Robert Wilkie. 

And– a new interpretation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s light opera The Mikado aims to amplify the history of Central Florida’s Japanese American community. Nicole Dupre, Theresa Smith-Levin and Pam Schwartz join us to explain. 

What do social media companies do with all of the data they’ve got from you? How sophisticated does a phishing email have to be to work? What’s the downside to the internet of things– smart watches, smart fridges, smart toys? 

These are some of the questions that keep Dr. Yan Solihin up at night. He’s the director of UCF’s cybersecurity and privacy cluster– a department in the college of engineering and computer science that’s growing along with the growth in awareness of the need for better cybersecurity. 

Today on Intersection– a closer look at cybersecurity and the hazards of the Internet of things. 

Then– fusion fest is a celebration of Central Florida’s cultures and how they influence each other. We’ll chat to Thali Sugisawa and Terry Olsen who are planning this year’s fusion fest, about shining a spotlight on the diversity of Orange County. 

And– from Star Wars to Harry Potter– theme parks are unveiling new attractions this summer. Theme park writer Seth Kubersky joins us for a rundown of what’s new at Disney and Universal.

Today marks 50 years since Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center, sending Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on a mission that would land the first humans on the moon.

Today on Intersection, we’ll look back at that launch and speak with UCF historian Amy Foster about how the Apollo program shaped Florida’s space coast.

Then, Apollo inspired countless young people to explore space as a career. The Florida Space Institute’s Phil Metzger takes us back to his childhood where his dad worked on the program — and inspired Metzger to pursue a career in space and engineering.

Also, a conversation with Andy Aldrin, son of Buzz Aldrin, about what it was like growing up as an astronaut’s son.

And Fifty years ago this hour, the mission launched from Kennedy Space Center. We’ll step back in time and listen to that historic launch

Remembering Apollo 11, 50 years on.

How can you tell if your hamster’s unhappy? Is a loving home enough to help a dog from a troubled past change its behavior? Do pets grieve? And what kind of emotional toll does the work of a veterinarian take on the people who care for pets?

I’m Matthew Peddie and today on Intersection — these are some of the issues I’ll talk about with veterinarian Dr. Lynn Honeckmann.

And we’ll talk to Tom Bohn with the North American Veterinary Community about the role of pets in American society — the money we spend on pets, and the human animal bond.

Then, for the first time, Central Florida leaders are joining forces to plan for climate change.

We’ll talk to 90.7’s Amy Green about what the climate collaborative is focused on and how local governments in Central Florida can help prepare their communities for the impacts of a warming world.

And – Hannah Harber and the Lionhearts released their debut album this year. Hannah Harber joins us to perform songs from the album ‘Long Time Coming’.