The Point Podcast

Friday’s host, Jimena Romero, speaks with Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County Program Director Veronica Robleto on the purpose of community IDs and the way this law would impact immigrants in Florida. Plus, Strong thunderstorms are forecasted for parts of the Florida Panhandle and northern peninsula on Friday and Saturday, the new ban on social media on teens is not clear on which platforms the limits would cover, and more.

Thursday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Dan Ferris, a UF professor in the department of biomedical engineering, on what UF’s new AI-powered athletics project will do for its sports program and how this new AI tool will be used. Plus, the Alachua County School Board votes to keep a children’s book about gender identity on the shelves, Florida lawmakers' second attempt at a social media ban for minors heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, and more.

Wednesday’s host, Ben Crosbie, speaks with Kevin James, a member of the Gainesville Radical Reproductive Rights Network, about the Yes on 4 campaign encouraging voters to protect abortion rights in Florida. Plus, Gainesville Regional Utilities will start construction on a $50 million wastewater project, lawmakers release the state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, spoke with Paulette Granberry Russell, the President of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education about UF's elimination of the office of DEI and the effects it will have on the institution and other Florida institutions that are forced to follow suit by new state law. Plus, climate changing mosquitos could carry more disease into Florida, a state bill could invalidate local minimum wage and heat ordinances if passed by Friday, and more.

Monday's host, Caitlyn Schiffer, speaks with Managing Director of the Consortium of Trust in Media and Technology Janet Coats about how cyber scammers are using AI to deceive voters and why you should be cautious with the upcoming Florida primaries. Plus, a new fire station is in town to improve emergency response time, the Florida House approved a bill lowering the gun-buying age and more.

Friday’s host, Jimena Romero, speaks with Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Eric Godet on Florida’s business climate. Plus The Ocala Police Department conducted an internal investigation on Gainesville Police Chief Lonnie Scott before his resignation, Florida looks set to ban local heat protections for workers, and more.

Thursday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Mark Clark, an associate professor in wetland ecology at the University of Florida, on how living shorelines helped protect parts of Florida’s Big Bend region during Hurricane Idalia and what the future of living shorelines may look like in Florida. Plus, the Gainesville city commission and the GRU Authority hold their first joint meeting, a bill curtailing civilian oversight of police has passed the Florida House, and more.

Wednesday's host, Caitlyn Schiffer, spoke with Amanda Goldsmith, Integrative Healthcare Consultant and Everytown Survivor Fellow, about the gun violence epidemic and how her past experiences have compelled her to create change. Plus, Florida lawmakers make changes to the Purple Light Alert system, the Sunshine State looks to cover the cost of skin cancer screenings and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with Florida State Climatologist David Zierden about the proposed Category 6 hurricane classification and the risks intense storms pose in Florida. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court is concerned about education bills in Florida and Texas, Marion County public schools are battling overcrowding with new renovations and more.

Monday’s host, Ben Crosbie, speaks with UF engineering professor Jessica Allen about her award-winning proposal to develop neuromechanical modeling technology. Plus, a major healthcare package heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, a house bill aims to restrict civilian oversight over police departments, and more.