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April 21, 2024 Nick Parris' inspiration comes from tragedy.

On the South Florida Roundup, we examined the tragic death of 15-year-old Ella Riley Adler – killed when a boat struck her last weekend as she was wake-boarding off Key Biscayne. Are boating accidents becoming too common in too-crowded Biscayne Bay? (01:03) We also looked at a raft of projects being planned to better move folks to and around the Florida Keys (19:05). And we talked with the director of a documentary that follows Venezuelan journalists busting the Venezuelan kleptocracy (33:52).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we looked into a special series from the South Florida Sun Sentinel that examines that state’s infant mortality rate. First, we speak with health reporter Cindy Krischer Goodman (00:21) before speaking with Dr. LaRae Brown, director of UF Health Women’s Specialists — North and Dr. Rodrigo Ruano, Director at UHealth Jackson Fetal Care Center and Division (09:09). Then, we looked at how a revamped federal form for financial aid for students is causing delays with the (19:22). Plus, fallout over a dubious major gift donation to Florida A& M (27:57). And other news from across the state from a deadly bus crash near Ocala (37:18) to severe weather in the Panhandle (40:28). We also heard from our listeners from last week's mailbag (45:44).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with a UF doctoral student who studied the use of authoritarian language in the 2020 presidential campaign (02:11) and then explored the power of language with two Florida poets (13:01). Later we heard from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water about new limits for PFAS chemicals (23:49) and then spoke with Central Florida Public Media’s Brendan Byrne about the end of an era for space exploration (32:54). Plus, we looked into Sarasota County’s truancy court (37:21). And finally, we shared solar eclipse stories (43:31) and found out why fuzzy caterpillars are becoming a nuisance for some (46:55).

April 14, 2024 Anissia Narcis remembers when candy was great.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with State Senator Lori Berman about legislation targeting antisemitic speech and behavior (01:48) and then we discussed a report finding a rise in antisemitic incidents in 2023 with the Florida Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League (10:06). Plus, an NPR Investigation into the fractured history told by the thousands of historical markers across the country (19:26) and later, we fact-checked President Biden’s speech in Tampa with PolitiFact (38:30).

On the South Florida Roundup, we looked at what to expect if Florida voters approve a ballot measure in November to greenlight recreational marijuana use (01:01). We also asked whether residing in Miami-Dade County should be a prerequisite for being elected Sheriff of Miami-Dade County because several candidates live in Broward (18:42). And we discussed a genocide trial underway in Guatemala and why the events that happen there matters here (34:47).

April 7, 2024 We dig into our archives and found professional storyteller Gail Rosen with a classic story

This week on The Florida Roundup, we talk about how affordability challenges are forcing some older Floridians to return to work, with Tampa Bay Times reporter Lauren Peace (03:16) and further explore how retirement is changing in the state with Central Florida Public Media reporter Joe Byrnes and Anne Ray of UF’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies (11:36). And we remember the life and legacy of Bob Graham with former Florida lawmaker Dick Batchelor (25:30) and later journalist Dan Christensen (31:42). Plus, a few environmental updates from across the state (37:20).

On the South Florida Roundup, we discussed the Broward bog-down: Schools superintendent Peter Licata retires after less than a year on the job – while the district settles in court to pay tens of millions of dollars to charter schools (01:03). We also looked at how West Palm Beach is restoring the idea of public spaces as “third places (18:37).” And we examined why the Biden Administration had to re-tighten the oil sanctions screws on Venezuela this week – and what it all means for expat voters here (34:45).

OPINION: Donald Trump admires Argentine President Javier Milei — so why is Trump pushing tariffs and economic policies so divorced from the ‘Milei Miracle’? WLRN’s Americas editor Tim Padgett continues to grimace at Milei’s vulgar and reactionary demagoguery, but admits that “his economic orthodoxy crusade has brought welcome order to Argentina’s fiscal chaos” and shows Trump that populist bullies can triumph without tariffs. On the latest episode of Americas Decoded, his online commentary series, Padgett asks, “Why is our president pursuing an economic strategy so divorced from what’s made his Argentine amigo so successful?”

Opinion: President Donald Trump is threatening to unleash the U.S. military on drug cartels in Mexico and Venezuela — but sending troops to take down traffickers usually ends badly.On the latest episode of Americas Decoded, Tim Padgett looks at the longstanding U.S. urge to have the military fight Latin America’s drug cartels - and how Trump’s similar ‘shock and awe’ approach to D.C. is also misguided. Failed exploits by the Mexican military have only worsened the problems there and abroad, while any militarized U.S. counternarcotics operation in Venezuela could lead to war — since the military itself is its leading drug cartel.You can watch the full video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on youtube.com/@WLRN or on WLRN.org/Decoded. You can read Tim’s digital commentary along with WLRN’s coverage of Americas news on WLRN.org/americas. Sign up for the Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters. WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

Brightline hasn’t yet turned a profit — and it’s billions of dollars in debt.

This story originally aired August 15, 2010. Russell Shepherd recalls a difficult story.

June 9, 2024 Heather Boda is able to overcome challenges

June 16, 2024 We dive into our archives to hear South Florida's Nicholas the Storyteller.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we find out more about the changes to citizen-run police review boards in the wake of a new state law and break down what the new court action, or lack of action, on sports betting means for Florida and the country. Then, the Florida transgender community reacts and responds to a court ruling on state law. Plus, we hear from people at a Juneteenth event in Fort Myers and a Juneteenth historical tour in Central Florida. Later, one gallery exhibits queer joy in honor of Pride Month. And lastly, how love for the sport of hockey has grown in Florida.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we look at new regulations for condominiums that were passed following the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside. First, we spoke with Rep. Vicki Lopez (03:13) and then were joined by Tampa Bay Times’ reporter Rebecca Liebson (13:00). And later, what are Florida Democrats saying following this week’s presidential debate, with Politico’s Kimberly Leonard (30:48). Plus, we look at how arts institutions across the state are managing following budget cuts to grants funding (37:20).

On the South Florida Roundup we looked at the ugly remains of what was supposed to be a marquee Miami attraction — and a potentially ugly threat to an actual Miami showcase: Wynwood. Does urban planning stand a chance in Miami (01:10)? After a Hialeah councilwoman is indicted and suspended, we also examined why that city is home to so much healthcare fraud (19:12). And we discussed how a multinational security support mission will help rescue gang-ravaged Haiti — now that it’s finally there (34:54).

June 30, 2024 Ric Spizak with an adventure in The Keys