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NewsNight Conversations brings the trusted journalism of NewsNight into the heart of the community, creating an open forum where artists, cultural leaders, and community members can explore the power of the arts in shaping our region. Create, Engage, Sustain: The Arts in Central Florida will foster a meaningful dialogue on how creative expression drives social change, economic impact, and community connection, ensuring that the voices of those shaping the arts are part of the broader conversation.
As homelessness rises in Central Florida, local governments are enforcing public camping bans, leaving many with fewer options for shelter. We explore the challenges faced by the unhoused community, the impact of these laws, and what’s being done to address the crisis. Hear from advocates, officials, and those directly affected as we dive into the realities of homelessness in our region.
Joe Mario Pedersen from Central Florida Public Media joins NewsNight’s Steve Mort to discuss the process of Medicaid redetermination which resulted in some children losing treatment coverage for complicated conditions following the pandemic.
NewsNight Podcast
Local News Collaborative
WUCF is joining nine other local news outlets in a regional collaboration to report on the local impact of Florida’s new Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping bill (House Bill 1365), set to be enforced Jan. 1. For six months these news outlets will share and cross-publish their reporting to work toward creating a more informed and engaged Central Florida community. This collaboration is an ongoing effort, which additional news organizations may join over time.
Latest Stories on Florida's Public Camping Ban

Orlando nixes plans for controversial SoDo homeless shelter
By WKMG News 6 / ClickOrlando.com
Meet the NewsNight Staff
Steve Mort
Steve is the Host and Executive Producer for NewsNight and has been based in Orlando since 2005. Before joining WUCF in 2019, he traveled on assignment with the PBS NewsHour. He’s also reported for a wide variety of international news outlets.
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