On this Thursday, Feb. 20, episode of Sundial:
Environmental reporter moderates presidential debate
The Democratic presidential debate in Nevada was moderated by its first climate journalist, Vanessa Hauc.
"The Democratic field takes [climate change] very seriously," Hauc says. "Right now, we have a clear understanding of what is happening to our planet."
Hauc, the Telemundo Emmy-winning reporter, was in the middle of a high tension moment during the debate when she asked U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota about Mexico’s president and the country’s relations with Mexico. Hauc joins Sundial to talk about that moment, the debate and her career reporting on the environment.
South Beach Wine & Food Fest
Tourism and hospitality make up such a critical part of the South Florida economy. In 2018, tourism contributed about $18 billion to Miami-Dade Countyand preliminary numbers from Broward and Palm Beach County in 2019 show hotel occupancy rates continuing to rise, according to the South Florida Business Journal.
As the South Beach Wine & Food Fest kicks off, Sundial talks to Michael Cheng, dean of Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and graduate student Fabiana Guttierez. They discuss new technological innovations changing the hospitality workforce and how FIU students gain real-world experience by organizing the food fest.
Puerto Rican singer iLe
Puerto Rican singer Ileana Mercedes Cabra Joglar was 16 when she started her professional musical career.
The singer rose to fame when she joined her brothers and became part of the hip-hop group, Calle 13. Now she’s gone solo and is known as iLe. Her musical inspiration comes from traditional boleros, folk music and Afro-Carribean beats.
“I was very angry at the moment I was writing this song [Tu Rumba],” says iLe. "It seems like we are promoting hate."
Her second album, "Almadura," was nominated for a 2020 GRAMMY. iLe will be performing at the North Beach Bandshell in Miami Beach on Feb. 21.She joined Sundial to talk about Puerto Rico's political situation and her new song, “Tu Rumba.”
Read more: Puerto Rican Singer iLe Brings Almadura’s Seductive, Revolutionary Rhythms To North Beach