Critical Times

In this Critical Times podcast episode, listen to our interview with Dr. John Kirk, a professor of Spanish and Latin American studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Kirk is an expert on Cuban medical internationalism and is the author of several books, including "Healthcare Without Borders: Understanding Cuban Medical Internationalism." He also spent two months embedded with the Henry Reeve Cuban medical brigade in El Salvador. We spoke about Cuba's international medical response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In this episode of the Critical Times podcast, citizen reporter Dan Coughlin had a chance to talk to District 70 State Representative Wengay Newton about the local impact of coronavirus. Here's what Rep. Newton had to say.

In this podcast episode, listen to Gloria Browne-Marshall's lecture, "From Suffragettes to Voters: Black Women Creating a Powerful Path," at the New College of Florida as part of their Black History Month programming. Browne-Marshall is a professor of constitutional law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who has spoken globally on issues of law and justice. Put together by Critical Times News Intern Becca Hadwen, the episode explores several themes Marshall touched on during her lecture.

In this podcast episode from the Critical Times, we present a local story that may bring you some feelings of positivity in the midst of a global pandemic. News Producer Cassandra Manz interviews Eileen Kozloff, a local community member, who is currently engaged in an effort to make 1,000 masks for local fire and rescue companies by Good Friday.

If you'd like to help sew face masks for our local first responders you can contact Eileen at [email protected].

In these unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic, filled with uncertainty and fear for many, it seems as if we cling onto the bright spots in society, stories that uplift us and remind us we are all connected, that we are not alone. One of these stories takes place right in Bradenton with Motorworks Brewing. After hearing about the shortage of hand sanitizer all across the country, Motorworks partnered with Dark Door Spirits in Tampa and set out to make their own.

In this podcast episode from the Critical Times, News Producer Cassandra Manz interviews Barry Elwonger, Director of Sales and Marketing at Motorworks Brewing, about how the idea to make hand sanitizer out of beer began.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the most talked about concerns has been testing: are there enough test kits available, how much do they cost, will Americans' insurance cover them, will the government provide them for free, who can get tested, where should one go to get tested and so on.

This week I spoke with Carol Lerner, a Sarasota resident, about her experience getting tested for COVID-19. Her individual story parallels a national struggle.

The Critical Times team is working hard to follow the latest updates on the coronavirus. The week of March 9th saw a number of breaking news announcements, including the World Health Organization declaring it a global pandemic and an increase of presumptive positive cases in Florida and Sarasota County. This episode covers important developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Cassie Manz speaks with Pat Brigham, president of the Florida branch of the League of Women Voters, on how SB 1794 can affect direct democracy in Florida.

Becca Hadwen attended the New College Rally and learned about HB 7087, how students were organizing, and why students want an independent New College.

Cassandra Manz speaks with Cris Costello about the proposed permit for industrial fish farms in the Gulf. Listen to learn about the risks this poses and the upcoming public hearing.