Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Ryan reports on the "Vote-A-Rama" Senate legislation marathon, as Republicans and Democrats squared off until almost 5am. A budget reconciliation bill passed, along with two of 26 proposed legislative amendments.

Dr. Amber Santos, Director of Innovation & Immersive Education at JU, details an upcoming tech eduction experience for Atlantic Coast High School students in cooperation with Mayo Clinic. These students will have an immersive experience in anatomy, exploring such topics as the heart, lungs, and anatomical system functions, incorporating virtual reality, cyber learning, robotics, and more.

Anthony Labruna, Exec. Dir. at American Principles Project, joins JMN to discuss a "DOGE Dividend" proposed by President Trump, possibly "returning" 20% of DOGE savings to the American people and applying an additional 20% of the recovered funds toward the national debt. DOGE's Elon Musk suggested $5000/ea, but no definite amount has officially been declared. Among the concerns - who is eligible t...

Ryan looks at the latest Senate confirmation votes, where it's not a question of whether Patel or McMahon will pass, but whether or not lame duck Sen. Mitch McConnell will continue his opposition votes for Trump's nominees. The legacy senator and President Trump have seen a far less amicable relationship than during Trump's previous tenure.

Scott MacFarlane looks at several developing stories in DC, including the latest on an apparent partisan shift in the Department of Justice, as Trump's influence leads to additional case dismissals in advance of Kash Patel's confirmation as FBI Director. And Linda McMahon is on track for confirmation to head the Department of Education, just in time for Trump to eliminate that department.

Ryan looks at the latest in Senate confirmation hearings, as Kelly Loefller, Trump's pick to head the Small Business Administration, may ironically require some Democrat support to pass a confirmation vote. Controversies continue around DOGE authority and the related mssive volume of federal layoffs. and America's agriculture industry is still facing challenges related to Bird Flu.

Political & Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest on DC headlines, as Kash Patel's confirmation as FBI Director is all but inevitible despite Democrat procedural delays. And many are questioning the movitation behind the Trump DOJ dropping the corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and what this might mean regarding future political corruption prosecutions.

Ryan has the latest updates from Washington DC, where the Trump Administration and members of Congress are pushing for changes in FEMA, and there are petitions to the Supreme Court regarding presidential authority to dismiss certain agency heads.

Rafael Urquiza presents details on how Sylvan Learning Systems in Orange Park and North Jacksonville address academic needs for K-12 students.

Chandler reports on the latest innovations in articifical intelligence and traffic monitoring data, as technology becomes available to address traffic control needs. Get Chandler's full story of how AI is coming to Jacksonville's roadways at 5:45pm with Action News Jax on CBS47 and FOX30!

Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products, joins JMN to share how entrepreneurial efforts and philanthropic intentions can serve their personal business interests and the public good. He cites examples of Sawyer Products' services in pest control and water filtration, and how these materials were provided to hurricane Helene victims to meet essential needs.

Ryan has the latest DC headlines, including what's next in Senate confirmation hearings and the massive federal employee layoffs taking place last week.

Bill Olson joins JMN to share an update on the new Fairgrounds westside property. A powerful storm caused considerable damage on-site yesterday, where a new pavilion was under construction.

Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin rejoins JMN to talk about the programming and event variety offered at the Theatre. Besides the expected entertainment features, corporate functions, private events, and more are available, plus the Theatreworks! Arts & Education program that is curriculum themed for kids. And the venue is so storied, it even has its own event mythology!

Florida Theatre Chairperson Don Cameron joins JMN and recounts how his relationship with the Florida Theatre has grown through the years, from attending movies there when he was a kid to attending shows and events as the Chair now. Part of the continued success of the Theatre is that it offers such a diverse range of entertainment, reaching different audiences of all ages, so it really does have "...

Ryan checks in with the latest on President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" proposal, and an update about mass federal employee terminations.

Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin joins JMN, and share some of the rich legacy of the Florida Theatre, some historical shows and moments, and how the Theatre remains relevant today with modern shows in a classic venue.

Marketing Director Sarah Kraynik joins JMN to share details about upcoming events at the Florida Theatre, heading into its 98th season of entertaining Jacksonville!

WOKV's Chase Bunker talks to Alton Brown in advance of tonight's "Last Bite?" tour. A few tickets are still available for what Alton describes as a "culinary variety show," and writing as someone who has seen his live shows before -- It's a great time!

Florida Theatre Board of Directors member Carolun Klucha joins JMN, to share her story of discovering the Florida Theatre and becoming involved in membership, leading to her current role as a board member.

This week's First Responder Friday salutes Sgt. Kristin Casper of the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Tomorrow night it's Fox News personality Brian Kilmeade's "History, Liberty, & Laughs" tour live at the Florida Theatre! Brian takes a moment from the set of Fox & Friends to join JMN and share what you can expect from his stage show. Hear more with the Brian Kilmeade Show 10a-Noon, and see him live tomorrow night at the Florida Theatre!

Lots of good stuff happening in the 904 this weekend - starting off with JMN LIVE ON LOCATION at the Florida Theatre tomorrow morning! Friday night, Alton Brown presents his "Last Bite?" cooking, food science, and entertainment variety show. And Saturday, it's WOKV's Brian Kilmeade live on stage for his "History, Liberty, and Laughs!" show. All of these events are part of the Florida Theatre's 98t...

Ryan has the latest on upcoming Senate confirmation votes for RFK Jr. and Kash Patel, both of whom are expected to pass due to the Republican majority -- despite "surprise" (?) objection votes from Mitch McConnell on two previous cabinet nominee votes (Hegseth & Gabbart). Additional DC headlines include Trump's plans to revise the Department of Education, and the latest DOGE concerns.

Senator Rick Scott joins JMN for an update on upcoming confirmation votes, as Kash Patel and RFK Jr. are expected to be approved for their respective cabinet nominations. He additionally shares thoughts on President Trump's first 100 days, and expectations for Florida's future.