Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Lt. Chris Collins joins JMN, and discusses the use of technology and the role of A.I., particularly regarding the INTERCEPT Task Force dealing with Internet Crimes Against Children. Besides explaining that program, Lt. Collins has advice for parents on how to manage their children's use of technology, and how to secure your digital tech to protect your children and your data.

Ryan looks at the FY26 Congressional appropriations bills that are in the works, as a government shutdown approaches in September. Democrats have requested a meeting of the "Big 4" in Congress (Schumer/Jeffries, Thune/Johnson) to discuss the bills.

Briele Kedziora, SJCSO Recruiter & Intelligence Analyst, joins JMN. She discusses recuiting, the role of intellegence analysts, and explains how technology and the Real Time Intelligence Center helps with school safety.

Lt. West Kennedy and Sgt. Matt Harting join JMN. They discuss the Youth Services Unit, the Resource Officer Training Unit, school security resources and back-to-school preparations.

Sgt. Mike Clark and Cmdr. Keith Melton joins JMN. They discuss the SJC Jail Re-Entry Program, and the SJC Homeless Outreach initiative. Both programs are intended to help participants secure housing, employment, education, and necessary resource and support services.

Sheriff Rob Hardwick joins JMN to discuss recent events in SJC. He details how they use technology to promote safety in SJC, addresses concerns over recent e-bike incidents, details his recent visit to "Alligator Alcatraz," explains how local law enforcement traffic stops can evolve into ICE enforcement incidents, and shares tips for the upcoming back-to-school traffic adjustments.

You hear him from noon to 3pm daily, and now Erick Erickson joins JMN on Tuesdays. Today, Erick and Rich look at Texas Gov. Abbott's expressed intent to oust Democratic legislators for obstructing a quorum. The legislators argue that their absentia IS serving the interest of Texans by preventing a vote for mid-term redistricting. Hear more on the Erick Erickson Show at noon!

Ryan reports on House Speaker Mike Johnson meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing concerns of huamitarian intervention in Gaza.

Frank Kelleher, President of the Daytona International Speedway, joins JMN to share details about the upcoming NASCAR "season finale" Aug 23 Coke Zero 400, their bid to host the Jaguars during stadium construction, and the variety of events hosted at the Speedway. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 are available on the Speedway website, Ticketmaster, or at 1-800-PIT-STOP.

Congress is on hiatus until September, but that doesn't mean they aren't working -- while not in session, many Senators and Representatives are still hard at work, in their districts, meeting constituents, preparing legislation, setting appointments, and in the case of SC Rep. Nancy Mace declaring their intentions to run for other offices (she announced she's running for Governor of South Carolina...

Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh looks at this weekend's forecast and how it will affect you -- from the hot and humid Jaguars practice tonight, through weekend showers that will see inches of rain falling on parts of the Jacksonville area!

Sylvia Morrell with Nothing Bundt Cakes and Carla Montgomery from the Child Cancer Fund join JMN. Nothing Bundt Cakes is parterning with the Child Cancer Fund for an opportunity to "round up" your purchase, with the additional amount of your purchase going toward helping local families facing pediatric cancern challenges. The WOKV Care-A-Thon for the Child Cancer Fund is 2 weeks out, running Frida...

Chase Robinson from First Coast Crime Stoppers joins JMN to share details about some milestone achievements in solving crimes, getting drugs off the streets, and making communities safer through tips from the public. If you have a tip to share, you can do so anonymously throug a variety of means, including phone and app tips.

Ryan looks at the latest DC headlines. Tariffs that have been imposed but delayed will be taking effect soon, impacting prices on most consumer goods and materials. There is a legislative push to restrict sitting congresspersons and the President from actively trading securities (to take effect at a future date). Additionally, criticisms regarding federal immigrant detention facilities continues,...

This week's local business spotlight features Malachi's Ice Cream Bar, on Riverside Avenue. They feature a variety of flavor scoops, plus beer and wine service, and hosts a variety of community events. Visit MALACHAISICECREAMBAR.COM for more details.

Ryan reports on the latest Senate activity, as members work toward approving their appropriations bill schedule before a September shutdown deadline. (The last time they did pass all appropriations bills on time was 1996.) Meanwhile, pressure continues on full disclosure of details from "the Epstein Files," as President Trump continues efforts to distance himself from his prior relationships with...

Ret. Col. Chris Budihas joins JMN to share details about "First Coast Military Life," airing Sundays at 8am on WOKV. The show provides a forum for active duty, veterans, military families, and residents of the Jacksonville area community to interact about daily life, pre- and post- military service concerns, business opporunities, and more. You can't have a Jacksonville community without the servi...

Sheriff T.K. Waters joins JMN, discussing how the Sheriff's office works to maintain transparecncy with the public and responding to community concerns -- for example, he discusses the recent attention surrounding the McNeel traffic stop and subsequent investigation. In other JSO issues, he looks at recent town hall meetings, community outreach programs, relocating the Sheriff's Office to a new bi...

Vic Micolucci and Reagan Fink from the JSO Strategic Communications Office join JMN to discuss how social media and story telling is applied in JSO's strategies for public safety, community engagement, and crime resolutions.

Cmdr. Scott Lundquist from JSO's Traffic & Special Enforcement discusses how JSO is addressing back-to-school traffic challenges, including school zone speed enforcement, bus safety, and more.

Police Information Officer (PIO) Christian Hancock joins JMN, to discuss media relations, unsolved crimes, the Connect Duval program, and more. You can explore JSO's various resources and programs, and share information, at JAXSHERIFF.ORG .

Sgt. Michael Monts from the JSO Missing Persons division discusses the resources they use in investigations, the REVAMP program (Registry for Endagered, Vulnerable and Missing Persons) used for the safe return of registered at-risk persons, scent jar kits, trackers, and more.

Cmdr. Chuck Ford discusses JSO's Community Engagement resources, including (but not limited to) school corssing guards, the Police Athletic League, academic resources, the Teen Driving Academy, the Police Explorer program for older teens/young adults, and more.

Sgt. Phil Christie joins JMN to discuss the Economic Crimes division, and discusses how JSO investigates financial crimes, embezzlement, check fraud, scams, and more.

Ryan reports that while the House is in recess until September, the Senate is working on a variety of projects, including Trump nominee confirmations. Additoinally, they are working on appropriations bills, and various committee meetings including one today on the recent Iran strikes.