NewsNight | Universities Required to Report cost of diversity programs

The week on NewsNight, can policy makers and schools find ways to reduce Florida’s teacher shortage? Plus, a look at a move to exempt more public sector workers from a Florida law banning the automatic deduction of union dues. And the panel discusses the challenges schools face in funding critical maintenance projects.

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.