Issues - A Production of WPBT2

This Week on Issues - 06/05 & 06/07

Friday, June 5 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 7 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Interview with Miami Today’s Michael Lewis
In his recent editorial, Michael Lewis, editor and publisher of Miami Today, challenges local leaders to address three key areas: schooling, transit and government.  He joins us on the program to share his thoughts on how to approach these critical topics.

Guest:
Michael Lewis, Miami Today

ISSUE TWO: Cuba’s Future in the O.A.S.
This week, the Organization of American States (O.A.S.) overturned a 1962 resolution which denied the Cuban government an active participation in the organization.  We gathered a panel to analyze this controversial O.A.S. decision.

Guests:
Armando Gonzalez, El Nuevo Herald
Orlando Gutierrez Boronat, Ph.D., Cuban Democratic Directorate
Tim Padgett, TIME Magazine
Marifeli Perez-Stable, Ph.D., Inter-American Dialogue

This Week on Issues - 04/10 & 04/12

Friday, April 10 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 12 @ 12:30 PM

 

ISSUE ONE: Chinese Drywall: State of Emergency?
A number of Florida homes built after 2003 with Chinese drywall may emit a foul-smelling odor which may or may not be harmful to the homeowner's health.  With that in mind, area politicians are asking Governor Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency for future FEMA assistance.  Is this the best way of addressing this problem?

Guests:
Alexander Rundlet, Esq., Podhurst Orseck, P.A.
Mayor Michael Udine, City of Parkland

ISSUE TWO: Political Week in Review
State politicians continue to play election musical chairs, with Agricultural Commissioner Charles Bronson being the latest to step into the game.  We discuss this and the upcoming tea party in Broward County.

Guest:
Anthony Man, SunSentinel

ISSUE THREE: Mortgage Crisis and Homeless Teens
Another side unusually unseen in our mortgage crisis is the impact it has on youth.  With the fiscal crisis in full swing, many teens are finding themselves homeless. Paola Iuspa-Abbott, reporter for the Daily Business Review, explains.

Guest:
Paola Iuspa-Abbott, Daily Business Review

This Week on Issues - 03/06 & 03/08

Friday, March 6 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 8 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Crist’s State of the State Address
On Tuesday, Governor Charlie Crist gave his third State of the State address, calling for lawmakers to turn the current economic crisis into an opportunity.  Florida legislators began their session this week with an immediate $700 million shortfall.  What solutions does Crist propose and what lies ahead for the state’s legislative session?

Guests:
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Michael Mayo, SunSentinel
Beth Reinhard, The Miami Herald
Justin Sayfie, Sayfie Review

ISSUE TWO: Changing Philanthropic Landscape
Ruth Shack, Dade Community Foundation’s president for more than twenty years, recently announced her plans to step down.  We discuss how the philanthropic landscape has changed during her tenure and what role government should play in the community.

Guest:
Ruth Shack, Dade Community Foundation

 

This Week on Issues - 02/13 & 02/15

Friday, February 13 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 15 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Obama’s Town Hall in Florida
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama visited Ft. Myers for a town hall session to advance his stimulus package.  We discuss the significance of the Florida venue and the challenges ahead as the president promotes his bipartisan message.
 
Guest:
Robert Watson, Ph.D., Lynn University

ISSUE TWO: Manufacturing and Distribution of Fake ID’s
The manufacturing and distribution of false identification is not new—but the buyers and the methods used to replicate licenses may be.  How easy is it to get a fake ID?

Guests:
Valerie Boldrin, FAU Student Journalist
Darren Covar, Florida Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

ISSUE THREE: Foreclosure Figures Down in Florida?
Figures released this week by RealtyTrac show foreclosures in the state have dropped—real estate analyst Jack McCabe explains how this can be and why improving the economy lies in solving the mortgage crisis.

Guest:
Jack McCabe, McCabe Research and Consulting

This Week on Issues - 01/30 & 02/01

Friday, January 30 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 1 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Vote on the Economic Stimulus Package
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted across party lines to pass an economic stimulus bill estimated to cost near $900 billion.  What are the political and financial implications of this package?
 
Guests:
Laura Kozloski Hart, Ph.D., Barry University
Casey Klofstad, Ph.D., University of Miami
 

ISSUE TWO: Interview with Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho
Education funding was thrown a small lifeline this week when Governor Charlie Crist vetoed cuts proposed by the state legislature in their attempt to balance the budget.  We discuss school funding with Miami-Dade School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
 
Guest:
Alberto Carvalho, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

ISSUE THREE: State of the South Florida Housing Market
Despite a boost in existing home sales, the mortgage crisis could impede Florida’s economic recovery.  What’s in store for the South Florida real estate market?
 
Guest:
Jack McCabe, McCabe Research and Consulting

This Week on Issues - 01/09 & 01/11

Friday, January 9 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 11 @ 12:30 PM

 

ISSUE ONE: Interview with City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz
As the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz joins us to discuss the organization’s Mainstreet Economic Recovery Plan, and shares the latest in local projects such as the Port of Miami Tunnel and the Florida Marlins stadium. 

Guest:
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz, City of Miami

ISSUE TWO: Florida’s Education Quality 10th Best?
Respected publication Education Week released their annual rankings on Wednesday, placing Florida as the 10th best in the country in education quality.  How did the state place so high when public perception of our state's education is so low?

Guest:
Louie Rodriguez, Ed.D., Florida International University

ISSUE THREE: Lawmakers Tackle the Economic Crisis
The Florida legislature began a special session to balance their budget on Monday--amidst growing concern both at the state and national level of the strength of our economy.  We discuss how lawmakers are dealing with the fiscal emergency.

Guests:
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Manuel Lasaga, Ph.D., Strategic Information Analysis

This Week on Issues - 09/26 & 09/28

Friday, September 26 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 28 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Suspension of a Presidential Campaign?
The presidential race slowed down this week as lawmakers headed for Washington in an attempt to craft a rescue plan for Wall Street.  On Wednesday, Republican presidential nominee John McCain called for a suspension of his campaign and of the presidential debates.  How political has our economic crisis become? 

Guest:
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University

ISSUE TWO: One-on-One Interview with Norman Braman
Philanthropist and auto magnate Norman Braman sued local government over the way it managed a deal to build a new baseball stadium for the Florida Marlins.  He joins us on the program to discuss his future legal plans and defends his assertion that Community Redevelopment money is inappropriately being used to fund the stadium.

Guest:
Norman Braman, Braman Management Association

ISSUE THREE: State of the National Economy
The financial crisis can be felt in many areas outside of the business sector.  How is the economic meltdown affecting Florida residents day-to-day?

Guests:
Lloyd Mitchell, St. Thomas University
Stephen Morrell, Ph.D., Barry University

This Week on Issues - 09/19 & 09/21

Friday, September 19 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 21 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Gas Price Gouging in the Wake of Hurricane Ike?
The Florida Attorney General's Office is investigating whether gasoline price gouging took place during a declared period of emergency.  Consumers have complained that gas prices spiked in the wake of Hurricane Ike.  How much is usual profit versus gouging?

Guest:
Cindy Guerra, Office of the Attorney General of Florida

ISSUE TWO: Is Florida Still a Swing State?
The use of the Electoral College to determine the presidency elevates swing states to prominence every election cycle. Which state will we watch this year?  Given our voting and recent polling data is Florida still a swing state?

Guests:
Casey Klofstad, Ph.D., University of Miami
Robert Watson, Ph.D., Lynn University

ISSUE THREE: Beacon Council’s Local Business Survey
The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official economic development organization, released results from their annual business survey.  How do local businesses feel about the current economic climate?

Guest:
Jaap Donath, Ph.D., The Beacon Council

This Week on Issues - 09/05 & 09/07

Friday, September 5 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 7 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Review of Republican National Convention
On Thursday night, the Republican party closed out its convention with John McCain formally accepting the presidential nomination.  But plenty of attention was on Wednesday night's speaker, vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.  We discuss the convention and what both parties need to do now to persuade undecided voters.

Guests:
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Anthony Man, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Joseph Uscinski, Ph.D., University of Miami

ISSUE TWO: Florida Wages Not Matching Cost of Living
On Monday, Florida International University released their annual Labor Day report titled, "The State of Working Florida."  We review the report’s recommendations and how our state's wages do not cover the increase in the cost of living.

Guests:
Harriet Johnson Brackey, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Manuel Lasaga, Ph.D., Strategic Information Analysis
Bruce Nissen, Ph.D., Florida International University

Thursday Sneak Peek

Here's a brief glance at what we're planning for tomorrow's Issues.

The first segment will be a review of the Republican National Convention.  How did it differ from the Democratic convention and what do both parties need to do now to strengthen their base while also reaching out to undecided voters?  The second segment is on a study released by FIU on Florida wages not keeping up with the cost of living.  If you'd like to see their findings, visit their site here.