Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Matt reports from Lviv on the latest in the Russia/Ukraine war.

Kirstin reports that the House will take on 2 major pieces of legislation today. The first has to do with seizing oligarch resources, the second has to do with recovery efforts in Ukraine.

Rebecca Cox Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Jared takes a look at Title 42 regulations ending, and whether Congress will intervene in legislating an extension.

Sometimes a single word is the difference between a missed opportunity and an excellent resource. Celebrate "differences," not disabilities, with the Shopability event this weekend, recognizing the companies that embrace their IDD employees (intellectual and developmental differences). Rich Jones has the preview!

Kirstin reports on President Biden's "Second Chance" policy, as he issues his first pardons and commutations, oriented around non-violent drug offenders. The policy plan advances employment and empowerment initiatives to combat recidivism.

Kennedy reports on Celebration Church's allegations of emotional and financial abuse against former pastor Stovall Weems.

Brian and Rich take a deeper look at the Twitter purchase. Hear more on the Brian Kilmeade show 9a-Noon!

Jared looks at what's next in DC, as legislators return to Congress and President Biden hopes to secure more aid for Ukraine before their next session break.

Kirstin details that latest DC developments, where President Biden will be talking to Congress about another Ukraine aid package, after the Secretaries of State and Defense meet with Ukrainian leaders in Kyiv.

Kennedy reports from the scene of a double shooting in Jax Beach Sunday night in the Brix Tap House/Ritz area. Two armed individuals, evidently shooting at each other, were identified with gunshot wounds and taken to the hospital. Police are continuing to investigate.

Jared looks at the latest White House measures regarding Ukraine, including the latest military supplies and funding for refugees. While the US has been quick to contribute cash and resources if the name of "defending democracy," there is concern about how much will be donated and for how long, when we have domestic issues that need funding too.

Florida Representative Angie Nixon (D, FL-19) joins JMN to discuss the recent redistricting maps Governor DeSantis proposed, that among other changes divides a local Democratic district into two Republican ones, and changes the state's potential representation in Congress. Rep. Nixon and others criticize this as attempting to silence Black voters. While the redistricting was approved by the Florid...

Daniel Davis, CEO of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, talks about the importance of recognizing individuals with IDD (intellectual and developmental differences) and their contributions to the workforce. That's why he's proud to endorse Shopability Saturday on April 30, a city-wide celebration of IDD-inclusive businesses.

Blair reports on the latest White House announcements regarding Ukraine, including a refugee program, and on-going military aid/funding.

So much happening in Jacksonville this weekend! There's comedy at the Florida Theatre, the Icemen and the Jumbo Shrimp are playing home games, music goes to the dogs as Kanine Social presents WOOFSTOCK! It's Record Day this weekend, UNF has the Vinyl-thon, and maybe you've heard of Elton John, or Styx, or The Who? They're all playing in town this weekend too. And it all starts with Jax River Jams...

Jared reports on the "air scare" that saw the Capitol Bldg. evacuated last night (it was an air stunt for a baseball game). He also looks at the latest Ukrainian aid package, which President Biden will discuss later this morning.

USA Today's John Kennedy joins JMN to discuss the latest Florida government events. New districting maps oust Rep. Al Lawson by dividing his district, and changing the local landscape to a Republican majority in 20 of 28 districts. Also in DeSantis's special legislative session, the Reedy Creek Development District (aka Disney World) - loses its independent government status.

Blair looks at the latest Ukraine aid package proposal, including heavy artillery and ammunition, and at a new Biden approval poll. President Biden will address the nation later this morning.

Jared reports that the Justice Department won't appeal a federal judge's decision to rescind mask mandates when travelling... UNLESS the CDC presents evidence that the pandemic condition has worsened again. This follows the White House's practice of deferring pandemic management guidance to the CDC.

Gretchen Kernbach reports on the 2nd dive student death in 2 months. Both were students at CDA Technical Institute. JSO has been called to investigate different incidents involving the school over 300 times in the last 10 years. See more of Gretchen's story in the Local News section of WOKV.com or tonight on Action News Jax.

Rich previews Shopability Saturday, coming up March 6! Sponsored by Connectable, the event showcases 150 companies in the Jacksonville area that give employment opportunities to persons with Autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental differences (IDD's).

BREAKING: Meghan has a live update about the Magnolia Gardens house fire this morning. The fire marshal is investigating the cause, and damage can be seen to bedroom and roof areas. Two of the three people home when the fire started this morning are in the hospital, one of them in critical condition. More information will be shared as the story develops.

Blair follows the latest developments in the travel mask mandate story. A federal judge lifted the mandate earlier this week, while the CDC had set a deadline of May 3rd. The White House is currently not seeking to appeal the ruling, leaving it for future consideration. The CDC's concern was to study the latest variant of Covid-19 before making a decision, but the judge's ruling forced their hand.

BREAKING: 2 people are hospitalized (1 critical) after a house fire on Breve Drive in the Magnolia Gardens neighborhood. The fire was reported by a neighbor, starting some time around 4am. The fire marshal has been requested.