The Point Podcast

Friday’s host, Jimena Romero, speaks with University of Florida biology researchers Jeremy Lichstein and Aaron Hogan on their recent study on climate change and forest carbon sequestration. Plus the biggest Medieval Festival in Gainesville changes venues offering less parking spots, Kid’s 16 and under could be banned from using social media and more.

Thursday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Robert Ferl, a UF distinguished professor in horticultural science and the inaugural director of the new UF Space Mission Institute, on the goals and impacts the institute plans to achieve. Plus, a Florida board bans the use of state and federal dollars for DEI programs at state universities, Florida’s GOP-controlled House passes strict social media restrictions for minors, and more.

Wednesday's host, Caitlyn Schiffer, speaks with Eric Du, a UF civil engineering professor, about a new first of its kind undergraduate degree program in industrialized construction engineering. Plus, growers in North Central Florida are recovering after a cold snap, Abortion rates are down in Florida, but not for out-of-state residents and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with Karen Coley-Cannon, a personal training sales expert at Gainesville Health and Fitness on how Floridians can keep up with their fitness resolutions. Plus, DeSantis misattributes a quote to Winston Churchill in video dropping his presidential campaign, a new Florida House bill could make raising local taxes harder and more.

Monday's host, Ben Crosbie, speaks with Tampa Bay History Center historian Rodney Kite-Powell on the myth of José Gaspar, which inspired the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Plus, Ron DeSantis ends his presidential bid, the Gainesville Police Department reinstates its K9 unit, and more.

Friday’s host, Jake Reyes, speaks with Caryn Plummer, who is the interim department chair of the small animal clinical sciences at the University of Florida, about the small animal hospital offering free eye and heart screenings for service animals on May 19. Plus, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law designed to crack down on hate speech, Florida leaders have agreed on a fund to cover public schools amid voucher cost uncertainty and more.

Thursday’s host, Julia Cooper, speaks with the Florida Center for Government Accountability’s Michael Barfield about how an increase in costs and delays to public records requests are costing Florida journalists and taxpayers. Plus, the Florida House approved a bill affecting campus free speech, a proposed bill placed increased restrictions on voter registration groups, and more.

Wednesday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Alachua County Assistant County Manager Gina Peebles about the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax as the county went over its first quarter revenue after implementing it last year. Plus, the monorail becomes the latest target in the Disney feud, an amendment would clear up ambiguity about the need for Ron DeSantis to resign-to-run for President in 2024, and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with UF Careers Connection Center coach Rob Kairuz about what the job market is looking like for recent graduates.

Plus, a Florida Senate committee recommends trustees at New College, the state Surgeon General altered a study on vaccine risk and more. Listen to these stories on Tuesday's episode of The Point.

Monday’s host, Elliot Tritto, speaks with Dr. Reza Forghani about how UF health and nuance communications inc. are working together to use artificial intelligence to get patients diagnoses faster and solve the nationwide staff shortages for radiologists. Plus, vice president Kamala Harris visited Miami last week, Florida is second only to Texas in the number of books removed from public school shelves and more.