The Florida Roundup

In a wide-ranging interview with The Florida Roundup, Jacksonville Congressman John Rutherford talked about avoiding a government shutdown, the chaotic House Speaker race, and his longtime efforts to ban oil and gas drilling off Florida’s coast. And why he supports Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we take a look back at Hurricane Ian one year later with reporting from Florida Public Radio member stations (01:05). Plus, we look at what the state’s minimum wage increase with FIU’s Dr. Maria Ilcheva (22:21) and then WUSF’s Gabriella Paul (30:18). And later, fact-checking Florida claims in the latest GOP Debate with PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman (37:54).

This week on The Florida Roundup, we take a look back at Hurricane Ian one year later with reporting from Florida Public Radio member stations (01:05). Plus, we look at what the state’s minimum wage increase with FIU’s Dr. Maria Ilcheva (22:21) and then WUSF’s Gabriella Paul (30:18). And later, fact-checking Florida claims in the latest GOP Debate with PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman (37:54).

Florida could soon allow people to carry concealed guns without permits or training. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed changes to Florida’s university system that could shake up diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

High school students threaten to sue the governor after the state rejected an African American studies course as teachers cover up their classroom libraries, fearing they’ll run afoul of new state standards on what books students have access to.

Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to solidify Florida’s bans on COVID-19 mandates and a look at what the state’s doing to protect its natural resources.

A heated governor debate; school book challenges; Falcon Heavy rocket

WLRN News says goodbye to several longtime leaders and editors who are moving on to unique opportunities to continue to serve a journalistic mission in new ways.In this moment of transition, the news department remains committed to quality journalism as it names transitional leaders.

Florida is dominated politically by Republicans — but also has one of the nation's highest abortion rates. In the post-Roe world, advocates on both sides are shifting their attention to the state's new 15-week ban, scheduled to take effect July 1 but being challenged in court.

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for kids from 6 months to 5 years old expected as early as next week, Florida is in the national spotlight. It was the only state not to request the vaccine from the federal government.

WLRN earned 14 awards in the Florida News Awards competition for journalism produced in 2021, including Overall Station of the Year. Sundial's Leslie Ovalle is the top radio producer in the state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says now the state won't "bend a knee" to Disney. But he has approved, and his staff helped facilitate, measures that benefited the entertainment and theme park giant.