Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

2026 Midterm election primaries start today in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas. A number of GOP incumbents are retiring or facing inter-party challengers, creating opportunities for Democrats to flip seats. With controlling margins in state and federal legislatures very close, every primary is important. WOKV will recap primary results tomorrow.

Israel's Operation: Roaring Lion and the US's companion Operation: Epic Fury continue, Iran has stepped up its retaliations strikes with missile and drone attacks on surrounding countries. President Trump says he is prepared for the campaign to last 4 or more weeks, with the hardest hits yet to come. Global fuel and economic impacts are already being felt.

WOKV military analyst Col. Chris Budihas looks at the ongoing processes in Operation: Epic Fury. So far, two US Embassies have been closed (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) and non-essential personnel have been ordered to evacuate other regional embassies as Iran retaliates with missile and drone strikes. The current political rhetoric is that the US will not put "boots on the ground," but if engagement is p...

Alex Traiman, Jerusalem Bureau Chief for Jewish News Syndicate, provides a live report from Israel as Iranian missile strikes continue. Today marks the 4th day of the US Military's Operation: Epic Fury, supporting Israel in military action against Israel. Traiman says Israelis are overwhelmingly in support of the military actions, and have been expecting a major military campaign since the Oct 7 a...

Jeff McCausland looks at the events of Operation: Epic Fury, the goals American and Israeli military hope to achieve, and how long this military campaign might be expected to last.

Mayor Deegan joins JMN to discuss current issues in Jacksonville, including how current military actions in Iran and abroad impact local families in the Jacksonville military communities, the latest controversies regarding JEA, the 49th Annual Gate River Run & Jax Food and Wine Festival, local sports franchises, stadium renovations, a treat for Jacksonville's junior readers, and more.

The DHS funding shutdown has forced missed paychecks as the immigration policy standoff deepens. Tonya updates how this shutdown is additionally impacted by active military operations, and what pressure that creates to resolve the funding issue before Congress is on break again.

WOKV military affairs analyst Chris Budihas joins JMN, and shares thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury, strategic initiatives in play, and the unusual delay in a formal public briefing (2 days later?) after a major military engagement. Hear more with Chris Budihas every Sunday at 8am with First Coast Military Life.

Representative Bean joins JMN to share thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury, and legislative brifings to come later this week.

Representative Rutherford joins JMN to share thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury, and legislative briefings to come later this week.

"Operation Epic Fury" - US and Israel launched military operations against Iran over the weekend. The UK is allowing limited use of British bases for air strike launches. In Kuwait, the US Embassy has been attacked, and Kuwait “accidentally” (?) shot down several US fighter jets - those air crews are fine, though.

Eben reports on domestic legislator reactions to "Operation: Epic Fury." Unsurprisingly, reactions tend to generally favor party lines, with Republicans supportive and Democrats critical of the military strikes, but calls for a review of War Powers have renewed in Congress.

MON – Despite some opinions that college is less valuable now, enrollment is at a ten-year high. Clark looks at how to get the most value for your college investment, whether it’s vocational skill training at your local community college, getting you into the workforce sooner, or the degree and independence of the “four-year sleep away” university experience. The biggest value isn’t about college...

The UF Proton Therapy Institute celebrates 20 years of service in Jacksonville, and today's Good News features Jacksonville City Councilman Terrance Freeman shares his prostate cancer journey, and how treatment with the UFPTI got him through the fear, uncertainty, and depression of cancer to the other side -- remission, advocacy, and being a support resource for other men on their journey.

Action News Jax state and local government Jake Stofan has the latest updates from the Florida Legislative Session. Topics in review include E-bike restrictions related LEO documentation of E-bike incidents, and the establishment of an FDLE animal cruelty registry to track offenders, similar to the sexual predator registry. There will be an additional "special session" of the Florida Legislature t...

Chase Robinson from FCCS joins JMN, asking for your help to resolve recent events including the teen takeover/shooting events at Jax Beach last weekend and the possibility of another similar event this weekend. Additionally, FCCS is collaborating with multiple Florida law enforcement agencies on cases of human trafficking in our area. If you have a tip on any crime, your anonymity is guaranteed an...

Action News Jax meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh joins JMN with a look at this weekend's forecast. Rain is coming early Saturday, but it's just passing through before we get warm and dry again, with temperatures rising through the week as we move closer to the Gate River Run and Players' Championship events coming up.

Michigan Governor Whitmer says Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Candaa will open this year, despite President Trump's threats to block it. It is the first new international crossing in the area in Canada paid all the construction fees and will reap all of the toll benefits, raising the ire of President Trump and prompting his familiar lamentations about unfair trade, tariff, collection, and...

Former Senator & Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before a Congressional hearing regarding the Epstein files. While it was supposed to be a closed hearing, a photo leak allegedly originating with Rep. Boebert disrupted the day's testimony. Clinton claims she did not recall any occasion of meeting Epstein personally but recounted several charity events that her husband, former President...

Sally Hazelip, Head of School for the North Florida School of Special Education, joins JMN to discuss the JTA Connexion Plus fare hike, and how it will negatively impact the special needs community.

Another round of diplomatic talks between US and Iran has wrapped, with no concrete agreement announced. Iran is insisting on its sovereignty in choosing how to manage any nuclear development program. President Trump has been threatening possible military intervention if Iran refused to cooperate. The US gov’t has advised all non-essential American personnel in the Israel embassy to evacuate now,...

Next week, Instagram will begin to alert parents if teens search for self-harm or suicide, or other controversial topical flags. FOX's Eben Brown breaks down the intent and process for parent company Meta's new new content policy.

FRI – Clark looks at volunteerism, a great way to invest your ideas and work efforts into your community to make things better now!

Daniel Davis, President and CEO Jax Chamber, joins JMN to share details on the Jax Food & Wine Festival, Saturday March 7 at Artists Square Park. This is the inaugural event, featuring tastings from the Foley wine collection, local chef cuisine, music, and more -- and it's a great way to celebrate/recover from the Gate River Run! Visit JFWF.COM for tickets.

It's back to the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) for the Artemis II rocket, after discovering more repairs are needed. The next launch window is in April. Eben Brown has the details.