Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Nicole Payne from Brooks Family YMCA joins JMN to share details about this weekend's "TOUCH A TRUCK" event, where kids can get up close to big trucks, equipment, and even a helicopter. The event starts at 8am with a quiet hour for stimulation-sensitive visitors, then things get fired up starting at 9am. It is a free event, but visitors are encouraged to bring school supply donations. Brooks Family...

MOMS RSV VACCINE - This week, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for moms-to-be so their babies will be born with the necessary protection against the scary respiratory infection. RSV has led to packed hospitals with wheezing babies every fall and winter. Federal regulators are giving the greenlight to Pfizer’s maternal vaccination which would help babies when they’re most vulnerable — from bi...

Alexus reports on an urban "stink study," and its results should be released later today. This study was in response to thousands of complaints of an unpleasant chemical odor, particular distinct in the Murray Hill area, and potentially related to a Westside industrial factory.

Jason joins JMN to update us on TS Hilary's impact on California, and to preview another system developing off the coast of Texas. Fortunately, Florida remains clear from all of the currently active weather systems in the Gulf and Atlantic.

You Decide 2024 coverage continues with Blair MIller, reporting that former President Trump will not be participating in the first RNC Debate Wednesday evening from Milwaukee, possibly opting for a live interview with former Fox personality Tucker Carlson. Every other RNC candidate stands to gain from Trump's absence, but for the fact that his absence will itself be a dominating topic.

Jared reports on the upcoming GOP debate in Milwaukee, happening this Wednesday at 9pm. WOKV will carry the debate live. Hot topics expected include inflation, the Russia-Ukraine War, etc., but the whole event is overshadowed by the expected absence of former President Trump.

Robert reports on an initiative in St. Augustine requiring a special permit to sell and serve alcohol after midnight. There was a previous ordinance for a 12am cutoff in place until 2005, when it was set aside for Super Bowl tourism... and never reinstated. Recent increased frequency of late night violence incidents and public safety concerns have prompted the new consideration. A public workshop...

Jenn VonHagen joins JMN to share information abut the upcoming PURE CRUSH 5K benefit run for Love Justice International. LJI intercepts vulnerable people before they become victims of human trafficking. The race is Saturday, Sept 9, and starts at Toon Town in Downtown Jax. You can visit LoveJustice. NGO/PureCrush for more information or to make a donation.

POTUS HAWAII VISIT - Happening today, the President and the First Lady will be in Maui to see the damage of deadly wildfires firsthand. They will also meet with emergency responders, survivors, community members as well as federal and state officials. A White House official tells us the two will start with an aerial tour of impacted areas before landing near Lahaina. This comes as the federal gove...

Robert reports on an online sales deal gone bad when the buyer and seller met, and has tips on how you can maintain your safety when you meet someone to finalize online sales transactions.

You Decide 2024 coverage continues with Samantha Manning, reporting on recent criticisms from Chris Christie directed at both the current and former presidents. Christie is among several GOP candidates that will participate in "The Gathering," a conservative convention in Atlanta this weekend, before participating in the GOP debate Wednesday, along with Gov. DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, and...

Carla Montgomery joins JMN to discuss the upcoming Boots & Bling Gala, Saturday Sep. 9, at the Jacksonville Golf & Country Club. It's a great opportunity to dress up and get down in support of the Child Cancer Fund, and maybe see Rich Jones in some fringy vest or cowboy getup! You can make a donation, get your Boots & Bling Gala tickets, and get more information at ChildCancerFund.org.

The Jacksonville Coffee Company has opened a new cafe in the Baymeadows/Deerwood area. Check them out for delicious cappuccinos, espressos, cold brews, teas, and good ol' fashioned coffee. They even sell espresso machines and coffee grinders, "empowering and inspiring the home barista in everyone!" Visit them at 8221 Southside Blvd. (Southside at Baymeadows Rd), and fuel up!

Jared previews the upcoming Camp David summit as President Biden hosts leaders from Japan and South Korea. This is the first time that foreign leaders have visited the presidential retreat since 2015.

Meghan updates the latest information in the murder investigation of Jared Bridegan, as his ex-wife Shanna Gardner-Fernandez has been indicted for his 2022 murder. She is the 3rd person to be charged in this murder, after her husband Mario Fernandez Saldana, and confessed shooter Henry Tenon.

CHILD VACCINATION RATES - The number of kindergarten students who are up to date on their routine vaccinations continue to decline, according to research from KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation). This comes as the nation braces for another uptick in COVID, flu and RSV all at once. KFF findings show the national measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate among kindergarteners during...

Meghan reports that an additional arrest has been made in the Jared Bridegan murder investigation. His ex-wife Shanna Gardner-Fernandez has been arrested in Washington, and will be extradited to Florida. Fernandez-Bridegan is charged with murder and other charges related to Bridegan's death.

Kirstin looks at former President Trump's ratings in GOP voter polls, with good news and challenges related to his viability as a GOP candidate for the 2024 presidential race.

Jared reports on the Biden Administration taking a "victory lap" on the 1-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. While critics note that consumer costs are still high, people are realizing the net gains in job growth, increased domestic manufacturing, and falling inflation rates.

Looking for things to do this weekend in the 904? All sorts of good stuff going on! Sip & Stroll happens tonight downtown. The Game & Party Con is all weekend at the DoubleTree by the Airport, if you're a board gamer/social gamer. Check out the Honey Bee festival at the Fairgrounds and get some delicious local honey. And have you been to the Thrasher Horne Center in Orange Park? Check it out for s...

Alexus reports on a new survey for parents requesting feedback to help with hiring a new Duval County School Superintendent. Parents have the option to respond online or in-person at upcoming community forums.

A Florida statute says that students living within 2 miles of a school are not eligible for bus transportation. Meghan reports that last year this rule was not enforced, but this year it is causing concern for St. Johns County parents whose kids now have to walk through high traffic areas like International Golf Parkway.

ABORTION PILL ACCESS - Access to mifepristone, the most common form of abortion in the US, may become more restricted soon. A new federal appeals court ruling overturned part of a lower court ruling that would have revoked the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug. This decision also left in place other restrictions that would end the availability of the drug by mail, allow it to be...

Meghan reports on yesterday's I-95 shooting and crash that left a driver dead. JSO is investigating, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The Biden Administration is celebrating the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which has seen some (arguable) economic success, but critics note that daily consumer prices on things like groceries, fuel, and energy bills remain higher than they were previously. Biden will campaign with several stops across the nation over the next few days arguing the success of Bidenomics, and will make...