NewsNight

This week on NewsNight , an effort to rein in frivolous challenges to books in public school libraries is endorsed by Governor DeSantis. Lawmakers are debating legislation to limit the ability of those who do not have a child in the school district to object to classroom reading materials.

This week on NewsNight , Florida could require local governments in the state to ban homeless people from sleeping in public places. It comes after the Orlando City Council last month voted to make it illegal for people to block or obstruct sidewalks. Plus, could Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings' idea for a penny sales tax to pay for transportation needs go back before voters in November?

This week on NewsNight , the Florida Supreme Court hears arguments over whether a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in the state should appear on the ballot in November. Plus, a federal judge throws out Disney's lawsuit accusing Governor DeSantis and others of violating its free speech rights.

This week on NewsNight , as Black History Month gets underway, the panel takes an in-depth look at proposals for the development of the Hungerford land in Eatonville after a deal to sell the site for housing fell through last year. Plus, Florida lawmakers debate proposed legislation that would prevent local governments from removing historical monuments and memorials such as Confederate statues.

This week on NewsNight , an in-depth look at the latest developments in the space industry and how they affect our region. The panel discusses the latest Axiom crew launch to the International Space Station, and NASA's decision to delay its Artemis moon shot. Plus, what Central Florida scientists hope to learn from samples gathered on the asteroid Bennu.  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a Florida program allowing the state to import certain prescription medicines from Canada to help reduce costs for consumers. But Canada says the move could negatively impact its own supply of pharmaceuticals. Plus, lawmakers debate ways to add capacity to Florida's healthcare industry whilst ruling out Medicaid expansion in the state.  

This week on NewsNight , new changes could be coming to Florida's condo market as lawmakers prepare to discuss legislation which builds on reforms already passed since the Surfside collapse in 2021. The panel also discusses moves to clear up confusion over the voting rights of former felons in the state.

This week on NewsNight , a look ahead to the 2024 Florida legislative session as lawmakers prepare to tackle issues from energy independence to background checks for gun purchases. Plus, the panel discusses calls for the formal removal of Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler, and Governor DeSantis's prospects in the upcoming Iowa caucuses.

NewsNight closes out the year with a look back at the top stories of 2023. From reforms to the homeowners insurance market to the passage of permitless carry in Florida to efforts to develop affordable housing, NewsNight presents some of the most engaging conversations from the program over the last twelve months. Plus, a look at the future of space exploration.

NewsNight closes out the year with a look back at the top stories of 2023. From redistricting to immigration policy to community debates on the futures of Eatonville and Pine Hills, NewsNight presents some of the most engaging conversations from the program over the last twelve months.

This week on NewsNight , an in-depth update on efforts to get Central Florida's growing population moving. Steve Mort sits down for conversations with planners and decision-makers on how best to develop future road, rail and bus networks as demands on our region's infrastructure increase. Plus, a look at why Florida cities rank so poorly for pedestrian safety.

This week on NewsNight , as the Florida Supreme Court considers its position on abortion access in the state, the procedure looks set to play a pivotal role in the 2024 election. And a trial is set to begin next month over Florida's restrictions on gender-affirming care. Plus, a look at the commercial moonshot targeted for a Christmas Eve launch from the Space Coast.

A discussion of the highs and lows in Central Florida's arts community in 2023, including the ongoing fall out of the Basquiat exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art, record county arts funding, a new name for the Orlando Rep, and 50 years of the Orlando Ballet.

Mayor Jerry Demings says he's considering another push for a penny sales tax to fund transportation projects in Central Florida. Plus, Orange County commissioners debate the spending of bed-tax dollars for Visit Orlando as the county lobbies for the expanded use of tourism revenues.

This week on NewsNight , a look at several ballot initiatives that could go before Florida voters on issues ranging from abortion rights to recreational marijuana. Plus, Florida lawmakers are set to consider a bill that would loosen the state's child labor laws. The panel looks at what changes are proposed and the arguments on either side of the debate.

This week on NewsNight , the Florida Board of Governors is set to take up a proposed rule implementing Florida's law that restricts diversity and social activism programs on public university campuses.

Orlando's City Council votes unanimously to spend $2 million to purchase the Pulse nightclub site. The panel discusses the Mayor's hope of turning it into a permanent memorial to the 49 victims of the 2016 shooting. Plus, Florida lawmakers will meet early next month for a special session to tighten state restrictions on Iran amid bipartisan support for Israel in Tallahassee.

This week on NewsNight , the debate over oil and gas drilling off the Florida coast enters the Republican presidential primary campaign. The panel discusses the state's position on fracking and efforts to implement a permanent federal ban in waters around Florida. Plus, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers restoring endangered status for manatees.

Florida's Jewish Community responds to the outbreak of war in the Middle East as state leaders propose more restrictions on Iranian businesses, and Orange County commissioners vote to approve nearly $800 million in Tourist Development Tax funding despite revenue concerns. We'll discuss the winners & losers, and the debate as to whether the state should allow more diverse uses for bed tax revenues.

As the Florida House Speaker-designate spells out his vision for limited government, the panel discusses the future balance of power in Tallahassee amid the Governor's presidential bid. Plus, as the issue of felon voting rights heats up around the country ahead of the 2024 election, NewsNight looks at the fight between Florida's rights restoration advocates and state leaders. 

As Brightline begins services between Orlando International Airport and Miami, NewsNight takes an in-depth look at the future of intercity passenger rail in Florida and the United States. Plus, Disney says it will nearly double its capital expenditure on its parks over the next 10 years as the company's CEO pledges to "quiet the noise" in its clash with Governor Ron DeSantis.

NewsNight looks at the DeSantis administration's decision to advise against new Covid vaccinations for people under 65. Plus, transgender students react to the Florida State Board of Education's new rules implementing a recent law that requires staff and students in K-12 and higher education institutions to use bathrooms matching their sex assigned at birth.

This week on NewsNight , the Florida Supreme Court takes up a challenge to a 15-week abortion ban in a case that will decide the future of access to the procedure in the state. And the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season sparks a renewed political debate over the role of climate change in the severity and frequency of storms that hit Florida.