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On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we discussed the racist, sexist, homophobic and antisemitic online images and chat groups that have cast Florida’s young Republicans in a hate-mongering spotlight [01:21]. We also heard from a group that’s responding to the humanitarian crisis in Cuba by ferrying tons of aid to the island this weekend [14:19]. And we looked at how Venezuela’s first-ever World Baseball Classic championship has lifted up Venezuelans worldwide — when they needed it most [24:00].

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about NASA’s new plans to build a lunar space base and more with Don Platt, the director of Spaceport Education Center at Florida Tech and Adrienne Dove, Planetary Scientist and Chair of Physics at University of Central Florida (00:00). Then, former astronaut Chris Hadfield joined us to talk about the Artemis II launch and mission (14:26). Plus, we spoke with journalist Adam Ciralsky about his reporting for Vanity Fair about Florida’s hotbed of espionage (22:34). And later, we hear from law-abiding migrants who were deported (37:34) and we look at the results from this week’s special elections (45:54).

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we talked about how a South Florida crackdown on immigration is impacting the community, despite the lack of national attention. We followed a family through the immigration court system [01:09]. Also, a Democrat has won a special election right in Trump’s backyard. Is reliably-red Florida in for a reckoning [18:31]? Plus, Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill announced his retirement after nearly 50 years [34:33].

March 29, 2026. Michael Stock talks to Allan Pepper and Billy Altman about The Bottom Line.

Opinion: Venezuela's first World Baseball Classic title win, against the U.S. in Miami, packed political symbolism — but, more importantly, also a joyful reminder of the country's character. Venezuela’s historic win in Miami, as the U.S. follows its removal of Nicolás Maduro with an unashamed focus on the country’s oil reserves rather than its democracy, could be read as a ‘screw you’ to the Trump administration. But for WLRN’s Americas editor Tim Padgett, baseball reveals the best of Venezuela, so the victory was an uplifting reminder of the country’s character. You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded. Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD. Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters. WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

Opinion: President Trump's bid to intimidate the Supreme Court on birthright citizenship risks reminding the justices — and the world — of the Dominican Republic's own thuggish repeal 13 years ago. Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Supreme Court hearing. But WLRN’s Americas editor Tim Padgett says his crusade to end birthright citizenship has echoes of the DR, which not only cancelled birthright citizenship but made it retroactive in 2013 - a cruel and chaotic move seen as driven by racism, since it affected mostly Black Dominicans of Haitian descent. You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded. Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD. Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters. WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

Opinion: As the U.S. cuts off global oil to Cuba, the island's communist regime could get President Trump to back off by offering something he's showing special interest in: dictatorship instruction. On the latest episode of Americas Decoded, WLRN’s Americas editor Tim Padgett suggests that with his failed attempts to take control of U.S. elections, lock up political foes and use federal law enforcement to take over cities, Trump would welcome some tyranny tutoring from his more efficient Cuban counterparts. You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded. Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD. Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters. WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we discussed the resignation — and replacement — of Democratic Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick amid corruption allegations [1:08]. We examined whether Amazon is violating a jobs agreement with Miami-Dade County when it closes a Homestead shipping center this summer [18:09]. We looked at more heartbreaking rip current deaths here — and how to prevent more. And, we also remembered the life and music of New World Symphony conductor Michael Tilson Thomas [36:33].

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke about how congressional redistricting impacts voter representation and bipartisanship with the Center Aisle Coalition (00:00). Then, we spoke about the legality of mid-decade redistricting with PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman (19:30). Plus, we spoke about the tension between free speech on campus and safety with UF’s Jane Bambauer (26:00). And later, news from the week including an update on the state’s special sessions and budget negotiations (38:44), wildfires (40:20), and a new cursive requirement for Florida students (46:58).

Opinion: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is 80 and running for re-election, an egotistical move that may open the door to another reactionary Bolsonaro presidency — this time the son's. The main candidate Lula will face in Brazil’s presidential elections in October is right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro — the 44-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula and his party should not wait for a late meltdown, like Biden’s cognitive catastrophe in the presidential debate of June 2024, to listen to the concerns about his age. You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded. Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD. Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters. WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we discussed Florida's new maps after state redistricting efforts [0:11]. Host Tim Padgett spoke with a former U.S. Surgeon General on the health impacts of loneliness [18:00]. We spoke with a South Florida Venezuelan expat who heads the nonprofit Venezuelan-American Caucus. And, we also look at how one South Florida organization is looking for solutions to loneliness through the 10 Days of Connection festival [34:00].

This week on the Florida Roundup, we took a deep dive into Florida’s newly-approved congressional map that could eliminate four districts represented by Democrats. We talked with the University of Florida’s Political Science Professor Dan Smith and Fair Districts Now CEO Ellen Freidin about the new map changes and how voters may respond (00:00). We were also joined by Rep. Kathy Castor from the Tampa area who discussed what the new map could mean for her reelection campaign (25:31). Then, we checked in with Douglas Soule, Your Florida state government reporter, about efforts by Gov. Ron DeSantis to legislate AI and vaccine mandates (32:25). And later, a roundup of news from around the state including Florida’s SAVE Act (37:45). Florida ranks last nationally in teacher pay (43:07). Plus, sea turtle nesting season begins (45:40).

Opinion: To observe this month’s Haitian Flag Day, the members of Haiti's political and business elite who've sponsored violent gangs should reflect on the damage they've done - and hope it’s not irreparable.The fallout from a deadly spasm of armed violence in Jamaica in 2010 began a process of severing ties between that country’s gangs and its political and business elites. WLRN’s Americas Editor Tim Padgett says it’s a break that Haiti in 2026 desperately needs to emulate.You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded.Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD.Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters.WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.

This week on the Florida Roundup, we took a look at Florida two years after the state enacted its six-week abortion ban. We talked with OB-GYN Dr. Aaron Elkin about how his practice has changed and how patient care is affected (3:11). We also spoke with Kate Payne of The Florida Trib about how her reporting into the state’s maternal mortality committee led to the release of years of missing data (11:15). Then, we discussed an investigation by a team of student journalists at the University of Florida examining the links between chemical exposure and Parkinson’s Disease (19:23). And, PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman joined us to fact-check a recent claim from Governor Ron DeSantis about redistricting (41:30). And later, a roundup of news from across the state including Florida’s largest teachers union filing a lawsuit against the Department of Education (45:45).

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we spoke with a former Spirit flight attendant based in Fort Lauderdale about the impacts of the airline's abrupt shutdown [0:11]. Host Tim Padgett also spoke with a Miami Herald reporter about the financial specifics of Palm Beach County International Airport's name change after current President Donald J. Trump [18:00]. We spoke with a Cuban American immigration attorney about a new CATO Institute study showing the immigration crackdown that Cubans, in particular, are facing. And, we also listen to some konpa music during Haitian Heritage Month [34:00].

On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we speak with filmmaker Xander Robin about his new documentary “The Python Hunt.” The film examines the rise of Burmese pythons as “exotic pets” that often end up in the Everglades, and the state sponsored 10-day competition to hunt and remove them (0:13). Alex Harris, lead climate change reporter for the Miami Herald, also joins to talk about the impact of Climate Change in South Florida (20:28), featured in the film "Facing the Future: South Florida vs. Climate Change." In an interview with Marshall L. Davis, Sr. and documentary director Brian Bayerl (“An Instrumental Start: A Model for the Nation”), we learn about the development of Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center., which provides access to educational and artistic resources for kids in Liberty City (33:56).

Chuck Kirkpatrick has spent a lifetime in the music business and still participates every at open mikes. Michael Stock talks to Chuck about part of his career.

On this week’s edition of The South Florida Roundup, we talk to Tom Hudson, host of The Florida Roundup, about the financial impact of hosting FIFA World Cup games in Miami (1:05). We’re also joined by special guest Corey Shearer, President of the Black Democratic Caucus of Broward County, to talk about the history of the 20th Congressional District, Black representation in Congress and the candidates running for office in the district (18:25). Finally, a sit down with Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald, for a talk about what’s happening in Haiti (35:20).

Florida Roundup with New York Times reporter Patricia Mazzei talking about Alligator Alcatraz (1:08). Jake Shore from WLRN talks the Florida Highway Patrol's role in immigration enforcement (12:12). Politico's education reporter Andrew Atterbury joins to talk the state’s voucher program (20:24). We also look at the historical legacy of Florida Emancipation Day ahead of the May 20 anniversary (38:15).

Opinion: In Venezuela and Cuba, President Trump risks repeating the miscalculation he's made in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: thinking bold strikes automatically yield regime change.Iran’s response to the U.S. military strikes – the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, shutting down much of the world’s oil shipping with alarming ease – suggests Trump made a grand miscalculation. And, on the latest episode of Americas Decoded, WLRN’s Americas editor Tim Padgett says it’s something that could define his legacy. That’s because he’s got two other potential Hormuz-shaped debacles developing in his own hemisphere: in Venezuela and Cuba.You can watch the video for this and other Americas Decoded commentaries on WLRN’s YouTube channel on WLRN.org/Decoded.Subscribe to Tim’s Substack to receive his weekly digital commentaries and new episodes of Americas Decoded, at WLRN.org/AD.Sign up for his Americas Report newsletter on WLRN.org/newsletters.WLRN is South Florida’s NPR member station.