Shows
Seeking Rents – The PodcastWhy so many state lawmakers don't care what you thinkIn this episode: Longtime Florida journalist and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Mary Ellen Klas dug through a trove of legislative and electoral data from around the country to understand what happens when one party commands total control of a state’s government. She joined the show to talk about what she found. Show notes:This Is Why You Don’t Recognize Your State Government (Bloomberg Opinion) Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get ful...2024-11-2142 min
Florida This WeekFTW 101824 Cleanup and recovery from 2 hurricanes, Flooding issues after 2 hurricanes, Florida Homeowner's Insurance Woes, Pushback on Climate change and hurricanes, Taxpayer funded ads against Amendments 3 & 4This week's topics:Cleanup and recovery from 2 hurricanesFlooding issues after 2 hurricanesFlorida Homeowner's Insurance WoesPushback on Climate change and hurricanesTaxpayer funded ads against Amendments 3 & 4With guests:Lawrence Mower, Tallahassee Correspondent, Tampa Bay TimesRebecca Liebson, Real Estate Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesMary Ellen Klas, Policy and Politics Columnist, Bloomberg OpinionAdam Goodman, Edward R. Murrow Sr. Fellow, Tufts University, Political Consultant, RepublicanAlan Clendenin, Tampa City Councilman, District 1, DemocratLisa Miller, President, Lisa Miller and AssociatesChristina Diamond, Chief Executive Officer, Ruth's List, Democrat
2024-10-1855 minFlorida This WeekFTW 011924 Desantis Continues Presidential Run, Surprise Win for Democrat in Florida, Possible Social Media Ban for Florida Youth, More Limits on DEI in FloridaThis week's topics:Desantis Continues Presidential RunSurprise Win for Democrat in FloridaPossible Social Media Ban for Florida YouthMore Limits on DEI in FloridaWith guests:Trimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media StrategiesKimberly Leonard, Politics Reporter, Politico, Author, "Florida Playbook"Kirby Wilson, Politics Reporter, Tampa Bay TimesMary Ellen Klas, Politics & Policy Columnist, Bloomberg Opinion
2024-01-1926 min
Florida RoundupFlorida politics and its national influence; special session recapThis week on The Florida Roundup, we heard from some Florida voters about what’s on their minds ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Plus, we talked with a U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican member of Florida’s congressional delegation, and Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican U.S. lawmaker. And we spoke to veteran Capitol reporter Mary Ellen Klas about Florida’s influence on national politics. Then later, a recap of this week’s special legislative session from our partner stations.2023-11-1049 min
The Florida RoundupFlorida politics and its national influence; Special session recapThis week on The Florida Roundup, we heard from some Florida voters about what’s on their minds ahead of the 2024 presidential election (09:06). Plus, we talked with a U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican member of Florida’s congressional delegation (02:17) and Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican U.S. lawmaker (10:54). And we spoke to veteran Capitol reporter Mary Ellen Klas about Florida’s influence on national politics (21:54). Then later, a recap of this week’s special legislative session from our partner stations (37:14).2023-11-1049 minFlorida This WeekDeSantis vs. Disney, DeSantis vs. Trump, Tallahassee Tax Cuts, Earth Day Recycling TipsThis week's topics:DeSantis vs. DisneyDeSantis vs. TrumpTallahassee Tax CutsEarth Day Recycling TipsWith guests:Susan Glickman, Director, Florida Clinicians for Climate ActionMary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Miami Herald-Tampa Bay TimesJason Garcia, Publisher-Seeking Rents, Newsletter-Podcast
2023-04-2126 minFlorida This WeekBill to Eliminate Democratic Party, Homeowners Insurance Woes after Ian, Permitless Carry Bill, Trump Complaint Against DesantisHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests: Senator Blaise Ingoglia, Florida District 11, RepublicanRepresentative Susan Valdes, Florida District 62, DemocratMitch Perry, Political Reporter, Florida PhoenixMary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Miami Herald-Tampa Bay TimesThis week we discuss:Bill to Eliminate Democratic PartyHomeowners Insurance Woes after IanPermitless Carry BillTrump Complaint Against DesantisTo learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
2023-03-1726 min
The Nicole Sandler Show20230220 Nicole Sandler Show - Wide Awake & WOKE in FloriDUHI'm so sick of seeing laudatory stories about the bigot, racist, fascist governor of Florida. Ron DeSantis is a bully who believes his point of view is the only valid viewpoint and any other thoughts or ideas are therefore "woke," "indoctrination," or some other nonsense he spews every time he opens his ugly mouth. Just when you think he can't go any lower, he does something else despicable. The latest? In response to last week's protests of his actions in Tallahassee, he pushed through an order to disallow such protests in the future, damn your first amendment rights. (Don't you...2023-02-211h 08
The Democracy GroupWho Stole the American Dream? | Village SquareCastHedrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning former New York Times reporter and editor and Emmy award-winning producer/correspondent, has established himself over the past 50 years as one of America’s premier journalists. His best-seller, “Who Stole the American Dream” is a startling and revealing portrait of the past 30 years of U.S. political and economic history, hailed both for its compelling stories and ”brilliant analysis.”In 26 years with The New York Times, Smith served in Saigon, Cairo, Paris, the American South and as bureau chief in Moscow and Washington. In 1971, he was a member of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team for the Pe...2023-01-091h 18
Village SquareCastWho Stole the American Dream?Hedrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning former New York Times reporter and editor and Emmy award-winning producer/correspondent, has established himself over the past 50 years as one of America’s premier journalists. His best-seller, “Who Stole the American Dream” is a startling and revealing portrait of the past 30 years of U.S. political and economic history, hailed both for its compelling stories and ”brilliant analysis.” In 26 years with The New York Times, Smith served in Saigon, Cairo, Paris, the American South and as bureau chief in Moscow and Washington. In 1971, he was a member of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team for the Pe...2023-01-051h 17Florida This WeekNew Laws on Homeowner's Insurance, Vaccine Investigation, Politifact Lie of the YearHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests: Chip Merlin, Attorney, President & Founder, Merlin Law Group, RepublicanVictor DiMaio, Political Consultant, Pres. & Ceo DiMaio & Associates, DemocratMary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times-Miami HeraldKatie Sanders, Managing Editor, PolitifactThis week we discuss:New Laws on Homeowner's InsuranceVaccine InvestigationPolitifact Lie of the YearTo learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
2022-12-1725 minFlorida This WeekEx-Felon Voter Arrest Concerns, Lawsuit filed against Anti-Woke Law, Lieutenant Governor Questions, Dark Money & ElectionsHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests: Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Miami Herald/ Tampa Bay TimesMatt Dixon, Tallahassee Bureau Chief, Politico FloridaMichael Van Sickler, Assistant Managing Editor, News, Tampa Bay TimesAdriana Novoa, Ph.D.,Associate Professor of History, University of South FloridaSam Rechek, Senior Student, University of South FloridaThis week we discuss:Ex-Felon Voter Arrest ConcernsLawsuit filed against Anti-Woke LawLieutenant Governor QuestionsDark Money & ElectionsTo learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
2022-09-1026 minFlorida This WeekSpecial Session on Maps, Desantis vs. Disney, Math Books and CRT, Tenure Changes in FloridaHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests: Cecile Scoon, Attorney, President, League of Women Voters of FloridaState Senator Jeff Brandes, Florida District 24, RepublicanMary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times-Miami HeraldJoe Henderson, Columnist, Floridapolitics.comThis week we discuss:Special Session on MapsDesantis vs. DisneyMath Books and CRTTenure Changes in FloridaTo learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
2022-04-2326 min
What Next | Daily News and AnalysisDisney vs. DeSantisFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company are at odds over a controversial Florida law dubbed “don’t say gay,” which would limit instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. While DeSantis is a big supporter of the legislation, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek eventually came out against it, vowing to work to repeal the law and setting up a showdown between the governor and the entertainment giant.Guest: Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol bureau chief for the Miami Herald in Tallahassee, Florida.If you enjoy th...2022-04-1326 minFlorida This WeekFlorida's $112 Billion BudgetHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests: Rita Ferrandino, Innovation Consultant, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education | CEO & Founder, Arc Capital | DemocratDarryl Paulson, Emeritus Professor of Government & Politics, USF-St. PetersburgApril Schiff, President & Co-Founder, Strategic Solutions of Florida | RepublicanMary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times / Miami HeraldThis week we discuss:The Legislature finishes work on a $112 Billion dollar budget and a long list of new laws.Among them the Parental Rights or the Don’t Say Gay Bill which is getting pushback from som...2022-03-1927 min
"E & P Reports" from Editor & Publisher Magazine hosted by Mike BlinderFlorida's public notice reversal. A panel discussionAs E&P reported earlier this week (Florida legislators put news publishers — in the state and beyond — on notice), the news publishing industry was stunned to learn that the Florida State Senate voted in favor of a bill that changed the requirement for government entities to place public notices in local newspapers. The amendment that changed the existing bill, which just went into effect a few weeks earlier, will now allow local governments and private parties to provide notice about government meetings, zoning changes, and legal proceedings to appear on obscure government websites rather than being placed first on the...2022-03-1743 min
Anti-SocialFPL Attacks a Reporter: Mary Ellen Klas, Miami HeraldThe state's largest utility, FPL, ran paid ads critical of Mary Ellen Klas, ostensibly over a story about rooftop solar power. But there's a lot more to it -- including the "ghost candidate" story unfolding in Key Biscayne and other Florida communities. We interview Klas, the Tallahassee bureau chief of The Miami Herald about the story that expanded to something seemingly totally different -- the ongoing process of redrawing Florida's state and federal election districts. We did ask FPL to come on the show, but it declined. Send us a textSup...2022-01-1552 minFlorida This WeekLegislative Session BeginsHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests: Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Co-Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times/Miami HeraldTom Lee, Former State Senate President, Republican Damien Filer, Communications Director-Progress Florida, DemocratThis week we discuss:The state legislature begins its annual session with far reaching proposals from the governor and the majority party. How far will the legislature go in an election year?To learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/floridathisweek
2022-01-1526 min
The Rotunda with Trimmel GomesEpisode 176: Cockeyed OptimistThe Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, highlights the first day of the 2022 Florida legislative session. Gomes recaps Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address and opening day speeches from Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls. Gomes interviews Democratic Senator and gubernatorial candidate Annette Taddeo and longtime lobbyist Barbara DeVane, Florida NOW (National Organization of Women). Republican Rep. Cord Byrd addresses the void in public input during public testimony on redistricting, as Democratic Rep. Dan Daley calls for changes to improve publ...2022-01-1249 minThe Rotunda with Trimmel GomesEpisode 175: Sending A MessageThe Rotunda Podcast, hosted by Trimmel Gomes, is back from hiatus with a new episode featuring the Miami Herald’s senior Tallahassee reporter, Mary Ellen Klas, who responds to Florida Power & Light’s unusual public attack against her coverage. The nation’s largest power company launched a webpage accusing Klas of being “a reporter with a historically anti-utility bias.” Klas tells Gomes the Herald’s executive editor, Monica Richardson, stands in support of her coverage and has said: “a hit dog will holler.”Also, on the program, Republican state Representative Alex Andrade rejects the suggestion that the 2022 Le...2022-01-1019 minFlorida This WeekSurgeon General in Hot Seat, Floridians Charged in D.C. Riot, Montreal Stadium Sign, and Redistricting Moves AheadHost, Rob Lorei, talks about important news from Florida this week and gets political insights from guests:Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Co-Bureau Chief, Tampa Bay Times/ Miami HeraldZac Anderson, Political Editor, Sarasota Herald-TribuneTrimmel Gomes, Journalist, President, Gomes Media StrategiesRenaud Brossard, Quebec Director & Interim Atlantic Director, Canadian Taxpayers FederationThis week we discuss:Calls for the resignation of Florida’s surgeon generalLocal connection to the January 6th capitol insurrection riotA Canadian taxpayer’s group opposes plans for the Ray’s stadium in MontrealAnd the battle over redistrictingTo learn more about Florida This Week, visit www.wedu.org/flo...2021-10-3026 min
TruthspressoCOVID Lies: The Rebekah Jones StoryLet's kick off the next hundred episodes of Truthspresso with a bang!A young woman named Rebekah Jones became a media darling last year. She was fired from the Florida Department of Health in May 2020. She claims that Governor DeSantis pressured staff to fudge the numbers to cover up the real COVID case and death totals. Allegedly conditions are much worse in Florida than the governor wants people to know.Police raided Jones' house and took her computers. She was later arrested and is currently facing court battles.Is the governor a criminal...2021-05-2444 min
Reopening AmericaFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis Declares Pandemic Emergency Over, Cancels Local Covid Rules and Bans Vaccine PassportsFlorida has taken another step in moving on from the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning vaccine passports and an executive order invalidating all remaining local emergency orders, saying the state is no longer in a state of emergency. Some mayors were pushing back on the orders while other lawmakers argued they were trying to strike a balance of protecting people and protecting their civil liberties. Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief at the Miami Herald, joins us for these new orders and how they impact the national conversation. Learn more abo...2021-05-0409 min
The Daily DiveFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis Declares Pandemic Emergency Over, Cancels Local Covid Rules and Bans Vaccine PassportsFlorida has taken another step in moving on from the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning vaccine passports and an executive order invalidating all remaining local emergency orders, saying the state is no longer in a state of emergency. Some mayors were pushing back on the orders while other lawmakers argued they were trying to strike a balance of protecting people and protecting their civil liberties. Mary Ellen Klas, Capitol Bureau Chief at the Miami Herald, joins us for these new orders and how they impact the national conversation.Nex...2021-05-0419 min
Legal Talk NetworkDeSantis vs. Big TechFlorida plans to prevent censorship, political favoritism, and mishandling of personal data on social media platforms... but is it Constitutional? Professor Clay Calvert from the University of Florida explains. Special thanks to our sponsor . Source: Click Orlando.com article by Thomas Mates ‘’ Tampa Bay Times article by Mary Ellen Klas ‘’2021-02-2623 min
Prime Time Crime31. Whistleblower Rebekah Jones Exposed Florida's COVID Fiasco - Part 1As Florida’s State Health Department Data Analyst, Rebekah Jones was allegedly asked to downplay the COVID numbers while the state was ravaged by an alarming amount of cases and deaths. Governor Ron DeSantis was not pleased by her refusal. Rebekah was soon fired for insubordination. She created her own COVID site working with Johns Hopkins and the CDC. This is the story of the FDLE raid that went down at Rebekah’s family home early this month. Katrina’s guest is Miami Herald Reporter, Mary Ellen Klas.
External clip from (https://twitter.com/GeoRebekah/status/1336065787900145665)
...2020-12-2421 minVillage SquareCastA Local Press, part 2: Local journalism and the national divideIn part 2 of A Local Press, we expand the circle of wisdom and experience with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Bob Sanchez and local nonprofit startup Tallahassee Reports' Steve Stewart. Plus former Tallahassee Democrat publisher Skip Foster and Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau Chief Mary Ellen Klas stick around for Q & A. This program is facilitated by Jennifer Portman, Enterprise Editor for USA Today. No longer represented by local shoe leather reporting done by a journalist you knew and saw at town meetings, many American communities now only think of the media as distant strangers who can't b...2020-11-2451 minVillage SquareCastA Local Press: Local journalism and the national divideIn 1798 James Madison wrote of the press: "To the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression." In 2020, if Madison was correct then reason and humanity could be in for an even rougher ride, with hometown newspapers collapsing across the country. But to think of this threat to hometown journalism as being just a local story is to miss the bigger story. No longer represented by local shoe leather reporting done by a journalist you knew and...2020-11-1257 min
The Man CaveThe Man CaveMary Ellen Klas, Tallahassee Bureau Chief for The Maimi Herald joins the show to discuss her being left out of a press conference held by Gov De Santis over the weekend.2020-04-0118 minThe Man CaveThe Man CaveAndy & Sebas discuss the latest in coronavirus, Trump, NFL Draft for Dolphins and so much more. Mary Ellen Klas, Tallahassee Bureau Chief for The Maimi Herald & Dara Kam, Sr. Reporter News Services of Florida2020-04-0147 minThe Man CaveThe Man CaveAndy & Sebas discuss the latest in coronavirus, Trump, NFL Draft for Dolphins and so much more. Mary Ellen Klas, Tallahassee Bureau Chief for The Maimi Herald & Dara Kam, Sr. Reporter News Services of Florida2020-04-0147 min
Miami HeraldCafé Con Politics episode 4On the newest episode of the Miami Herald’s Cafe con Politics podcast, Mary Ellen Klas, bureau chief of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau, joins us to break down the race for Florida governor and whether Florida Republicans are embracing a post-ideological future under President Donald Trump.2018-08-0600 min
Fluent in FloridianMiami Herald Capital Bureau Chief, Mary Ellen KlasMiami Herald Capital Bureau Chief Mary Ellen Klas is a celebrated journalist within the sunshine state. She notes that her interest in journalism was sparked at a young age. “I got into journalism because, as a little kid, I was really interested in writing. […] Florida as a state was growing fast and every newcomer who was engaged didn’t think twice about subscribing to a newspaper. So it was a really exciting time to be a journalist.”2017-06-2727 min