The Point Podcast

Friday’s host, Jimena Romero, speaks with Sierra Club Florida advocate David Cullen on the impact of plastic in Florida’s environment and wildlife. Plus, the Alachua County School District is making changes to the book challenge process, prosecutors seek death penalty against Paddock Mall Shooter, a 4.0 earthquake rattled residents along Florida’s east coast Wednesday night, and more.

Thursday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Rayna Letourneau, the executive director for the Florida Center for Nursing, on what problems are causing Florida to rank last in nursing exam scores and what that could mean for the future of Florida nursing education. Plus, the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority approved fiscal changes that loosened its ties to the city’s General Government, the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments on a proposed abortion amendment, and more.

Wednesday's host Caitlyn Schiffer, speaks with Florida Policy Institute financial analyst Cicely Hodges on the affordability housing crisis in Florida. Plus, Florida ranks third in reported human trafficking cases, a bill was signed limiting marijuana potency and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with Porshe Chiles, an equity specialist with the City of Gainesville about how Black farmers of North Central Florida were historically linked to the turpentine industry.

Plus, the deadline to register for the presidential primary is coming up, Gov. DeSantis supports a bill to eliminate homeless encampments and more.

Monday’s host, Ben Crosbie, speaks with Laury Sullivan, who is spearheading efforts to pass SB 22 (Sevilla’s law) in the Florida Legislature. Plus, police release names of those killed in Clearwater plane crash, nations assemble in Miami for the Space Conference of the Americas, and more.

Friday’s host, Jimena Romero, speaks with Alexis Tsoukalas, a policy analyst at Florida Policy Institute on the impacts that a possible Florida law would have on young workers 16- and 17 years old. Plus, the number of homicides in the Gainesville area increased in 2023 compared to the year before, and Florida banning changes of gender on driver’s licenses has sparked confusion and backlash.

Thursday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Deana Rohlinger, a professor of sociology at Florida State University on if a possible Florida law banning children under 16 from using social media could have an effect on digital and political literacy in Florida. Plus, a Federal judge won't take action against Florida in an effort to stop a pro-Palestinian student group, more than 4.2 million Floridians sign up for Affordable Care Act health plans during open enrollment, and more.

Wednesday's host, Caitlyn Schiffer, speaks with St. Francis Executive Director Laurie Schiffbauer about a new proposal that may affect homeless individuals. Plus, Governor Ron DeSantis' administration changes policy on drivers licenses, Alachua County fighting to improve literacy rates , and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with Turold Dunstan Armiger, an organizer of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire about how the faire got its start and the surprising turnout at its temporary location this past weekend.

Plus, an investigative report from the AP finds common brands and household products linked to prison labor, another 12 million people could live in Florida in the next 45 years if development keeps growing at its current pace and more.

Monday’s host, Ben Crosbie, speaks with Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens curator of manatee conservation Craig Miller about the death of a rehabilitated manatee and preservation efforts for the threatened species. Plus, a federal judge criticizes Ron DeSantis for his actions against pro-Palestinian student groups, bills imposing term limits on county commissioners move through the Florida legislature, and more.