Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

WED – Clark looks at smart phone marketing traps. New phones use new chips that cost a lot, but the changes in the newest models aren’t that big a deal. If your current phone is working, just keep using it.

Lawrence Nicolas, CEO of the Jacksonville Humane Society, shares details of "Kitten Season," as Spring represents the peak breeding season. He explains the difference between "feral" cats and "community" cats, shares population management strategies, and as always recommends you visit the shelter to adopt your newest furry friend.

WOKV's Benjamin Fridkis speaks with Erick Erickson on topics of the potential future of US-Cuba relations, the exit of U.S Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Vice President JD Vance on his way to Islamabad to meet with Iran delegates, and the photos of an Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon.

Adrienne Arnone is the VP of Murphy's Kittens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit stray cat sanctuary and adoption program serving Saint Johns County, They promote humane stray population control that works, using the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) standard.

First Coast Military Life host and WOKV military analyst Col. Chris Budihas, Ret., looks at the latest events in the Iran conflict. The current ceasefire expires tomorrow. Is an extension likely? What does a final peace agreement mean for either side? Is there a compromise to be made that will satisfy either or both sides? And if so, what is a reasonable timeline for enforcing terms of a peaceful...

Pakistan is setting up for another round of US/Iran related peace talks, but whether there will acutally BE another set of discussions remains to be seen. The existing ceasefire agreement expires on Wednesday, leaving the whole state of affairs between strkes on Iran, Iranian retaliations, and use of the Strait of Hormuz in question.

Carla Montgomery of the Child Cancer Fund, and charity golf tournament sponsor Matt Igou of Seaside Claims Services, join JMN with an update on this year's tournament results -- over $174,000 was raised for the Child Cancer Fund at this year's event. The next CCF event is the Yacht Rock Party on the Royal Princess is May 8th, tickets are going fast but sponsorships are available. And WOKV's 12th C...

There are disagreements in the GOP as to when fuel costs will reduce significantly, given the volatile Iran conflict and ceasefire negotiations. Treasury Secretary Bessent suggests prices may be back to approx. $3/gal by the summer. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says its's more likely not until next year before prices settle, drawing the displeasure and criticism of President Trump who insists it...

Chief Mock joins JMN to update the current Clay Co. wildfire that has impacted over 3000 acres so far. A burn-ban is in place until drought conditions improve, and Chief Mock has suggestions on how you can protect your property from encroaching fire. If you have questions or non-emergency concerns about the Clay Co. fires, call 877-252-9362. For emergencies, of course call 911.

Shreveport, Louisiana police provided an update on the shooting that left eight kids dead. Eben Brown reports.

TUE – Clark has a tip on your credit report. You can check it for free – and you should! – because it may have inaccurate info. If you find errors or accounts that aren’t yours, challenge them until the credit bureau makes corrections!

The ongoing drought has the Northeast Florida area at extreme risk of wildfires, and near Green Cove Springs a fire is underway already affecting some 1700 acres. The Florida Forest Service is working on contingency interventions to achieve some containment, and some evacuations have been ordered.

The House voted to extend an expiring FISA law on warrantless surveillance through end of April. The Senate needs to also approve by Monday, but if the House is any example not everyone in the GOP is on board for this extension.

MON – Clark has a scam alert! If you get a message asking you to “validate” your 401K or IRA, do not click on any links in that message!

While the formal cease-fires between Israel/US-Iran and Israel-Lebannon officially continue, the Strait of Hormuz remains in dispute. Friday, Iran refuted Trump's boasts of an agreement to "open the Strait," and the weekend wrapped with the US seizing an Iranian ship in the first ship-to-ship kinetic engagement, putting the current ceas-efire and any future peace talks in jeopardy.

Curtis Dvorak, the Wildlife Wanderer from the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens, joins JMN with an update on the new manatee rehabilitation exhibit, and to share details of the upcoming ExZOOberation Seagrass Derby on May 2. Visit JACKSONVILLEZOO.ORG for more information.

Rich Jones sits with Action News Jax State & Local Government Reporter Jake Stofan looks at investigations into JEA and into the Jacksonville City Council. He also explains why Gov. DeSantis wants several special legislative sessions in the near future.

2026 midterm environment taking shape with Republicans grappling with razor-thin margins and high-profile resignations while Democrats are dealing with scandals and a "socialist label."

NATO is allegedly looking at backup plans should the US pull out of the alliance. While that is extremely unlikely (it would require a 2/3rds approval vote of Congress), Trump can and has threatened to reduce military support, and that would radically increase expenses and resource deployment coordination among European members -- a valid concern, given active military campaigns between Ukraine/Ru...

FRI – Clark looks at rising airfare costs. One mistake people make when shopping flights is just looking at a favorite airline. Shopping multiple airlines, though, using sites like Google Flights or Hopper, can save you a ton.

The UF Proton Therapy Institute celebrates 20 years of service in Jacksonville, and today's Good News features Michael Klein's story, as he celebrates his 1-year anniversary of finishing treatment - cancer free, and advocating proton therapy!

Kemal Gasper from VyStar Credit Union and Claire Chenn from Ronald McDonald House Jax join JMN to discuss the Ronald McDonald House McGala on Saturday, April 25 at TPC Sawgrass. Funds raised support the RMHC Jax faciltiies, assisting families with children undergoing medical care in the Jax community. Visit RMHCJacksonville. ORG for more information.

WOKV military analyst and host of First Coast Military Life, Col. Chris Budihas, looks at recent and ongoing military activities, including more US Nay strikes on alleged drug-boats (now in the Pacific), the Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and more. He also previews this weekend's edition of FIrst Coast Military Life (Sun 8am) with Lt. Gov. Jay Collins -- AND there are several events...

President Trump says Iran war is 'very close to being over,' but is it really? Any ceasefire negotiations are at least slow in advancing, in part due to disputes on Iran's nuclear development programs, and also in ongoing hositilities between Israel and Hezbollah resources in Lebannon, whom Iran claim as an extension of their forces. There does seem to be some positioning toward future talks, thou...

Yesterday saw the official ground breaking on The Village at Lake Forest, a housing project partnership between Ability Housing, Duval Public Schools, The Community Foundation, and Bank of America. The Village will be on the site of the old Lake Forest Elementary School.