Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

This weekend is the Ronald McDonald House McGala, and Megan Weinstein, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Jacksonville, and Kemal Gasper, VP of Community Engagement for VyStar Credit Union, join JMN to discuss how your contributions provide support services for families dealing with critical pediatric illnesses or injuries. RMHC has been supporting families for 35 years in the Jacksonville are...

Discussions raised at yesterday's Duval Co. School Board meeting regarding school funding and possible consolidations/job losses will continue at a joint City Council/DCSB this morning. The joint meeting will be at City Hall, starting at 10am.

TEACHER SHORTAGE - As students prepare to leave on summer break, there is already a big push to address the ongoing teacher shortage across the country. According to the Department of Education, the economy lost 730,000 public education jobs during the early months of the pandemic (February to May 2020). Unfortunately, many school districts are *still* struggling to return to pre-pandemic staffing...

Logan reports on yesterday's Duval County School Board meeting. Two finalists were named in the ongoing superintendent search, while the issues of school consolidation and job elimination due to funding shortfalls were met with criticism from the community.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as we're now less than 6 months from election day - and a new poll suggests that the presidential race is neck-in-neck. Kirstin Garriss breaks down the poll results and what we can expect in the months to come.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke yesterday in advance of IDF action in Rafah, while negotiations for a cease-fire continue. Domestically, Biden will speak at a Holocaust remembrance event in condemnation of antisemitism after recent college demonstrations.

Dr. Sunil Joshi, Chief Health Officer for the City of Jacksonville, shares information about the Mental Health Matters Jax drive, as the city seeks to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health care. Call 904-516-2551 to learn about mental health resources in Jacksonville, and if you or a loved one are in crisis call 988.

Brian looks at the latest in the Israel/Hamas conflict, as Israel warns of imminent military action in the city Rafah, while Hamas blames Israel for intentional delays on cease-fire negotiations. Hear more on the Brian Kilmeade Show 10a-noon.

VETERAN EMPLOYMENT - *This morning* lawmakers on Capitol Hill will focus on ways to increase employment opportunities for US veterans. According to the Department of Labor, in April 2024 the veteran unemployment rate was 3.2%. That’s up from 2.2% the year prior. Advocates say there needs to be more support for the military service members who transition to civilian life every year.

Alexus reports that the Duval Co. School Board will narrow their new superintendent candidate field to finalists at a meeting today, with finalist interviews scheduled for May 13.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as former President Trump essentially held auditions for potential Vice Presidential candidates. The so-called "short list" candidates appeared at a fundraising event and made high-profile TV appearances over the weekend.

Robert updates development plans for the riverfront site where River City Brewing Company once stood. See new development renderings and hear the complete story at 5pm tonight on Action News Jax on CBS47 and FOX30.

Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, updates us on the opening of the first phase of the Emerald Trail, "the LaVilla Link." An opening ceremony will happen at 10am this morning at the Convention Center.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as House Republicans continue to fracture into competing internal factions. Despite internal party opposition, Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) threatens to call for an ouster vote for Speaker Mike Johnson, while House Democrats have vowed to oppose the vote. Meanwhile, a possible short list of VP candidates for the Trump campaign is stirring up speculation, partic...

KIDS ONLINE SAFETY - This week, lawmakers are trying to make progress on several bills that would protect kids online. The bills would increase privacy for children online by adding regulations for users under 16. It would also ban targeted ads for minors. If passed, they would be the most significant piece of legislation aimed at keeping kids safe online. Now there’s a big push for the bills to b...

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as former President Trump will be back in a NYC courtroom today, but it's his recent remarks about the 2024 election that are raising red flags. Trump is refusing to commit to accepting the results - and is even suggesting that he's prepared for a fight if he loses. WOKV's Samantha Manning has the latest on Trump's controversial election statements, and updates...

Meteorologist Corey Simma joins JMN to look at the weekend forecast, and what impact it will have (in this case, not so much) on this weekend's activities. Spoiler alert: use your sunscreen!

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as President Biden specifically and directly addressed the pro-Palestine/anti-Israel protests on college campuses across the country. While advocating the right and need to express dissent, he reminded protestors that trespass, vandalism, and violence are not protected rights. In other DC news, a proposal is being considered about allowing certain specifically q...

Ben Becker has this week's follow up of recently inspected restaurants.

What do the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo have in common? They're both this weekend, and Chandler Morgan tells you how you can enjoy these themes in this weekend's "Around Jax!"

WOKV salutes our First Responder of the week, George Pillsbury of the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department.

This week's For Locals By Locals featured business is SPICE GRILL JAX.

Alexus reports on a number of demonstrators arrested at UNF after the campus set a 10pm curfew. The campus green has since been cleared of demonstration materials and refuse, in advance of commencement ceremonies starting this morning.

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM - A program helping to close the digital divide is now at risk. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps provide internet service to nearly 23 million households across the country, including many military families and senior citizens. *This week* lawmakers met on Capitol Hill to raise alarms about the end of ACP and discuss possible options to keep the progr...

Logan reports on a massive drug bust on the Westside, as a caller tip lead to 9 arrests.