WFSU Program Feed

Local governments are continuing their battle to hang onto home rule. Regan McCarthy reports that fight is centering around a court case fighting a law that largely preempts local ordinances on firearms.

The League of Women Voters of Florida is suing to block a constitutional amendment that could pave the way for more charter schools. The League says the ballot summary-which voters see on the actual ballot—is different from the language in the amendment, and is vague and misleading.

The five contenders for this seat talk about charter schools, a proposed constitutional amendment limiting school board member terms and the need to marshal more resources to prevent two troubled elementary schools in the district from being taken over by charter school management.  The incumbent in the race is Maggie Lewis-Butler.  The challengers are: Charles Antonio Williams, Lynn Jones (a write-in candidate who will appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot), Dr. Donna Hayes-Austin and Darryl Jones.

Sue Matthews, author of her memoir Paint Your Hair Blue, discusses the trials and demands of those coping with cancer in their teens.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: July 8, 2018 

Florida’s statewide teacher’s union is once again suing the legislature—this time over a new law that could directly impact its membership. Lynn Hatter reports it’s the latest in a line of lawsuits filed over the state’s education policies.

A new Florida law seeks to make it easier for people to get their mugshots removed from certain websites. As Sascha Cordner reports, it’s the only bill from the 2017 legislative session to take effect this month.

Author Maya K. Van Rossum joins 411 Teen from Pennsylvania. She discusses her book, Green Amendment, and explores environmental issues both nationally and specific to the state of Florida.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: July 1, 2018 

Hannah Lucas stuggled with depression to the point where she attempted suicide. In her desperation, and with the aid of her brother Charlie, Hannah created an app called NotOK for those who need someone, and discusses it on 411 Teen.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: June 24, 2018

Hurricanes and warming ocean waters have damaged Florida’s coral reefs over the years, But as Regan McCarthy reports now experts say the state’s corals are facing a new danger—an especially pervasive bacteria.

Things We Haven't Said is an anthology of stories written by individuals who have suffered sexual abuse. Two of the authors talk about their lives on 411 Teen.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: June 17, 2018 

Recent polling shows there are four constitutional amendments poised for approval on Florida’s November ballot. Three of those deal exclusively with the issue of taxation. But as Lynn Hatter reports there’s ongoing concern that determining tax policy through constitutional referendum isn’t in the public’s best interest.

The FSU chapter of Students For Justice In Palestine join 411 Teen to discuss what is happening in Jerusalem, including the relocation of the US Embassy.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: June 10, 2018 

The commission charged with improving school safety is looking into the effectiveness of school resource officers—a school’s main line of defense that critics say failed students at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School amid a Valentine’s Day shooting. Seventeen students died, more than a dozen others were injured. Lynn Hatter has more.

Even though the Capital Region’s overall incidence of infant mortality is declining, the rate remains alarmingly high in certain populations.  To discuss the issue: Capital Area Healthy Start Coaltion Executive Director Tomica Smith; Board Chair Glenn Robertson; and Dr. Fran Close, full professor of Behavioral Science and Health Education in the Institute of Public Health in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida A&M University.

Florida’s 2018 hurricane season is underway and so is the disaster preparedness tax free holiday. Regan McCarthy has more....

Middle school is a period of transition. Lynette Gustaferro, Executive Director of Teaching Matters shares strategies for parents to assist in their childrens' transition to middle school.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: June 3, 2018

Students from Florida High School discuss football and other sports that have a high incidence of traumatic injuries, and debate whose responsibility it is - the school, the parents, etc.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: May 27, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott is touting a 47-year low in the state’s crime rate after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released its annual statistics. Ryan Dailey reports the Governor said he is ‘disappointed’ in the legislature over cuts to the Department of Corrections.

A special session to address education funding this year doesn’t appear likely. Regan McCarthy reports Florida Democrats gained enough support to cause the Florida Secretary of state to poll members of the legislature on their interest in a session, but that effort fell short.