SYNOPSIS: Miami is a Southern city by geography, but by history, demographics and culture it’s really not like anywhere else in the South — or, arguably, the world. In this week’s conversation, Cuban-American writer and environmental activist Andrew Otazo helps us understand the politics and personality of the South Florida tourist mecca. He’s the author of a book and website called The Miami Creation Myth, and he explains how the city is built to be consumed — and not by the people who actually live there. In the news round-up, we look at the looming threat to the Voting Rights Act posed by a redistricting case out of Louisiana. The U.S. Supreme Court has already weakened the landmark civil rights law in a series of decisions, and a request from the court earlier this month suggests its conservative majority might be ready to knock out one of its last major protections for racial minorities. And in our arts and culture segment, we check out two new songs from Hayley Williams, leader of the Tennessee pop-rock band Paramore. She has some sad and scathing words for and about her hometown of Nashville.

Show Notes: “The Miami Creation Myth” Andrew Otazo “Court Asks for New Briefs in Louisiana Redistricting Case” SCOTUSBlog “How We Got Here: Louisiana’s Redistricting Case Puts the Voting Rights Act on Trial” Louisiana Illuminator “‘Colorblind Constitution’: Supreme Court wrangles over the future of race in the law” NBC News “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party” Hayley Williams “True Believer” Hayley Williams

CONTACT: Jesse Mayshark [email protected] (865) 214-7764