Podcast
South Florida Journal
Hosted by Dr. Kevin M. Petrich · EN
Florida Atlantic University's Broadcast Journalism and Advanced Broadcast Journalism students cover the stories affecting citizens in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
South Florida Journal for the Week of April 17th, 2026
Apr 1700:30:59Tap to summarizeAbout one thousand Broward County public school staff will be losing their jobs in the next four months. The budget cuts announced in February mark the latest chapter in the district’s long story of mounting financial issues and rapidly declining enrollment. Also, it’s been almost five years since Miami’s Surfside building collapse killed ninety-eight people. But in Palm Beach County, some building owners’ delayed compliance with new state requirements is still complicating efforts to prevent another tragedy.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of December 5th, 2025
Dec 500:18:40Tap to summarizeIt's been just over a year since Florida Legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis refined a law to redress abuses of the state book review process. But a new study by a free speech advocacy group again ranks Florida number one for book banning. Also, four years after Palm Beach County approved funding for a new, sixty-million-dollar mental health facility, the project remains stalled. As other area centers close down, growing numbers of patients have fewer options for care.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of April 18th, 2025
Apr 17, 202500:36:51Tap to summarizeAfter years of contentious discussion, Broward County is expanding its Monarch Hill landfill. But while commissioners have made their decision, the trash talk is likely to continue. And secondhand shopping has been recognized as a way to reduce textile pollution. However, as South Florida thrift stores receive an excess of fast fashion donations, landfills continue to feel the impact.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of December 13th, 2024
Dec 12, 202400:24:45Tap to summarizeFlorida universities usually take pride in their diversity. But a new state law has left school officials hesitant to hire students from nations considered “countries of concern.” And Florida universities have long provided safe spaces for students to collaborate and express themselves. So, even as Governor DeSantis and lawmakers have cut funding for diversity, equity and inclusion, students are creating their own spaces.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of November 1st, 2024
Nov 1, 202400:22:36Tap to summarizeThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection met with public outcry last August, when it released a plan to develop recreational facilities in nine state parks--including one in Hobe Sound and another in North Miami. Also this week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed millions of dollars in arts funding last June. The cuts have left many South Florida arts organizations struggling to meet their goals.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of May 3rd, 2024
May 1, 202400:25:40Tap to summarizeIn March, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation expanding telehealth and providing other resources for pregnant women. Still, South Florida medical professionals are looking for ways to further support local mothers. And earlier this year, the Broward School District surveyed teachers, students, and parents, asking what they thought about a four-day week. The results might surprise you.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of April 12th, 2024
Apr 12, 202400:24:51Tap to summarizeThe National Weather Service recorded almost 114 inches of rain in Fort Lauderdale last year--the most in the United States. Now, as commissioners attempt to upgrade the city’s infrastructure for climate resilience, systemic challenges are hindering their efforts. And scientists’ discovery of dangerous bacteria levels in Treasure Coast waterways this past January concerned residents. However, local officials’ efforts to reverse decades of damage could depend as much on public education as on better water management.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of March 29th, 2024
Mar 29, 202400:27:16Tap to summarizeThey’re common at airports and stadiums. Now, with metal detectors making their way into all Palm Beach County high schools, some wonder whether officials are too reliant on the devices. And Florida saw over five thousand opioid overdose deaths last year. But an emergency treatment once only administered by medical professionals has become available over the counter at your local pharmacy.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of December 8th, 2023
Dec 7, 202300:37:01Tap to summarizeAfter positive results in trials, the FDA has approved the first and only oral treatment for postpartum depression. However, for South Floridians and their physicians, the cost and insurance coverage for the drug remain uncertain. And AI has grown rapidly over the past year, even making its way into education. But local teachers are concerned about students using the technology to complete assignments.
Transcribe →South Florida Journal for the Week of November 17th, 2023
Dec 2, 202300:22:04Tap to summarizeThey call it Mount Trashmore. For over a century, Broward County has relied on this landmark to store waste. But officials are growing concerned that it’s running out of space. And, the National Library of Medicine has proposed a possible cure for intractable epilepsy in children. But using an FDA-approved medication derived from marijuana has raised questions about its safety and potential for addiction.
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