Claire Macchiarola
WUSF Rush Family Florida Matters Live & Local InternMy great-grandmother was born in Tampa to Cuban immigrants in 1925. Four generations later, I’m proud to call myself a Tampa native.
Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life — but I knew I loved people, and I loved listening to their stories. That passion eventually led me to public radio, where I’ve fallen in love with thoughtful storytelling and community-centered journalism during my college years.
I’m currently studying Electronic Journalism at the University of Central Florida, where I’ve focused heavily on audio reporting, podcast production and long-form storytelling.
My reporting has allowed me to interview hospice chaplains, elderly community members, immigrants, people living with sickle cell disease, and even individuals nearing the end of their lives — experiences that have deeply shaped the way I approach journalism and human connection.
It’s been my dream to work for NPR one day, so I’m beyond excited to intern with WUSF, the local NPR station I grew up listening to.
As a Florida Matters Live & Local intern, I’ll be helping produce stories and conversations focused on issues impacting the Tampa Bay region while continuing to grow as an audio journalist and storyteller.
So shoot me an email if you have any story ideas, or just want to talk about something affecting you or your community.
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Ye is bringing his tour to Raymond James Stadium this weekend despite a push by Sen. Rick Scott to cancel over the performer's antisemitic statements. We delve into the controversy. -
Shaded seats sound great, but how much public money should be spent on renovating the Bucs' facility? And, how can Tampa and Hillsborough afford that project while helping build a baseball “Forever Home.” -
Social Security reserves could run short by the 2030s if Congress doesn’t act, according to a report from the program’s trustees. Whom might this shortage affect, and what benefits could be cut? -
Through the eyes of a dog, coming fuel circle, VA under strain, grill rides, tagging rays and sharksDogs Inc. has a program for the public to get a better understanding of guide dogs. Then, is the latest drop in gas prices helping your budget? Also, a look at burnout and staffing shortages at the VA. -
Friday marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Hear from people from across Tampa Bay’s Black community about what freedom means to them. -
The U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next. -
An artificial intelligence tool used by police agencies identified an innocent man as a suspect. We delve into what can go wrong when police technology gets it wrong. -
The recent death of a woman sleeping in an alley has stirred homeless advocates against the state’s ban on public camping. Is the law necessary or simply driving our most vulnerable into dark, dangerous places? -
Can it possibly be a decade since the horrific Pulse shooting in Orlando? We hear reflections from two people who were there. -
Read 'em and reap, a different kind of 'takeover,' judged past its prime, a preservation reservationFor the second time this year, a “teen takeover” in the Bay area has ended in arrests. The youths appear to be finding trouble on social media. Can social media keep them out of it? A local group has some ideas.
