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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In 1949, four young African Americans were falsely accused of raping a white teen in Lake County. The Groveland Four, as they became known, were posthumously exonerated in 2021. But can justice delayed ever be served? -
From a proposed Polk County data center to an invasive pest threatening crops, environmental challenges are mounting across Florida. Let’s get some details on those environmental stories. -
State Rep. Dotie Joseph says she didn’t have a run for governor on her bingo card. Yet, here she is in a crowded field vying against David Jolly for the Democratic nomination. -
It’s time for the Florida Python Challenge, when novices and pros traipse the Everglades to hunt for the invasive species. Last year's winner talks about what goes on during the event. -
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $810 million from the state budget. A large portion of that involved water infrastructure and flood mitigation. How will that decision affect residents? -
Public transportation is a big problem in the area, but the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is trying to make it a little easier to get across the bay – especially if you need to catch a flight in Tampa. -
As prices rise, the math of living just isn’t adding up for many Florida families. Now comes word of a connection between housing costs and foster children being kept from their parents. -
The United States is about to turn 250. For many Florida families, it means food, fun and fireworks. For others, it can be time to reflect on history — where we were and where we are going. -
Florida has embraced the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. But what happens when residents push back and ask local elected leaders to take a stand against it? -
A divided Supreme Court relies on the 14th Amendment in rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order. What's the fallout? Legal and immigration experts join the show.
