NewsNight

NewsNight looks at how “dark money” influences elections and sways political power in Florida following recent reporting on utility giant Florida Power & Light. And as Governor DeSantis suspends a State Attorney for refusing to enforce Florida’s new abortion law, the panel discusses the Governor’s doubling down on culture war issues. 

As Central Florida rents skyrocket, what steps might policy makers take to halt the rise? NewsNight looks at a new notice period for rent-increases in Orange County, and an expected Board of Commissioners vote on controversial proposals for rent stabilization. Plus, the federal government throws in funding for the Sunshine Corridor rail plan but Disney’s participation remains unclear.

Federal and local officials warn of a sharp increase in fentanyl overdoses in Florida. The panel discusses efforts on the state and county level to tackle the crisis in our region. Plus, a look at how mail-in voting will work in next month’s primaries in Florida following the passage of two controversial election laws.

Florida works on rules to clean up sites contaminated with “forever chemicals” amid new warnings from the EPA. And a judge strikes down an Orange County charter amendment, ruling it’s preempted by state law that prevents local governments from granting legal rights to any part of the natural environment. The panel discusses what the ruling might mean for development in Central Florida.

Florida’s educational institutions face questions over how they will implement the state’s new “Stop WOKE Act” which governs how issues around race can be discussed in classrooms and businesses. And, amid reports that former President Donald Trump may make an early announcement on a 2024 White House run, what might such a move mean for Governor DeSantis’s political ambitions? wucf.org/newsnight

Central Florida school districts are preparing for a new academic year amid the implementation of controversial new legislation governing how LGBTQ issues and race can be addressed in the classroom. And as Congress passes a package of gun reforms, the panel looks at how they compare to Florida’s existing laws. Plus, the court battle over Florida’s 15-week abortion ban.

NewsNight gathers Central Florida reaction to the overturn of Roe V Wade and takes a look at what might happen next in our state as a 15-week abortion law comes into force on July 1st. 

Disney says it will delay plans to relocate some 2,000 jobs to Lake Nona by more than three years. The announcement follows its spat with Governor DeSantis over a law restricting how LGBTQ issues are discussed in schools. Plus, the panel discusses condo safety as Florida marks the first anniversary of the Surfside collapse in which 98 people died. wucf.org/newsnight

As the CDC raises its community COVID-19 transmission level to “high” across Central Florida, what will a new pandemic wave look like in our region, and what impact could it have on the economy? And with Florida the top state for people charged in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot, a look at the local reaction to the start of public hearings by the January 6th Committee.

Florida lawmakers and activists are calling on the Biden administration to extend Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans who fear returning to the conditions in their country under Nicolás Maduro. And the U.S. government shifts its policy on Cuba, lifting some Trump-era restrictions. The panel looks at the potential impact for Florida.