Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Nick Howland, Executive Director of The Fire Watch, working for veteran suicide prevention, is one of several special guests at Salute America who have served our country and continue to serve the community at large. Visit THEFIREWATCH.ORG to learn more about how you can help to save veterans' lives.

Alexus reports on Brentwood resident concerns about opening a liquor store near Kipp Voice Academy. Instead, residents are urging the City Council to direct funding to a new community center.

Pedestrian deaths are on the rise, and the increase has led to a push for major infrastructure changes. Drivers struck and killed at least 7,500 pedestrians in 2022 - that’s the highest number since 1981. Cities across the country, from Washington D.C, to San Francisco have taken steps to ban the ability to take a right on red. Although safety advocates are pushing for the ban - some at the wheel...

Alexus reports on declining gas prices, where some Florida area prices haven't been this low since last year.

Alexus reports on an St. Johns County officer-involved shooting near Davis Park over the weekend.

Samantha Manning from our DC bureau looks at the role of social media in modern elections, and the potential impact that artificial intelligence may have in influencing votes, policy, security, and more.

Toni Foxx and Elaine Gozalez from the Elaine Eats Jax food blog take a bite out of the Ocala Food & Wine Festival.

Ryan reports that the House passed an Israel defense aid bill for $14 billion, but the bill is dead in the water twice between the Senate (who won't endorse it) and the President (who would veto it outright) because of the funding allocations sourcing and lack of Ukraine support, among other issues.

Michael Haskins, organizer of PORCH FEST, joins JMN to discuss this weekend's music event in the historic Springfield community. Nearly 30 different performers will play from various homes in the neighborhood. It's a no-charge, family friendly, walkable event, and all proceeds from vendor sales go back into supporting the community arts via Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR).

Logan reports on children getting sick after visiting the toy aisles at a Palatka Walmart. No specific chemical aggitant has been identified that caused the incidents, but after multiple incidents were reported Walmart has made arrangements to have the particular store thoroughly cleaned.

First Responder Friday recognizes Daniel Ray, from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Motorcycle Unit. Nominated by Lisa, Officer Ray is described as "...someone who will do anything, for anyone, any time." Ray has been with JSO for 13 years, the last 3 in the motorcycle unit. Additionally, he is an instructor in the S.M.A.R.T. motorcycle safety training course, and frequently participates in commu...

Ben Becker is back with this week's Restaurant Report.

Families in 17 million households struggled to put food on the table last year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a significant jump from the previous year when pandemic-era food assistance was still available at the time. USDA findings also reveal that nearly 7 million households experienced even more hardship last year. Families had what was defined as...

Flying Fish Taphouse is a northside micro-brewery on Airport Road at Ranch Road . As you would expect, they offer a wide selection of draft beers as well as wines, bottled beers and specialty cocktails. Executive Chef Scott Welch has prepared a food menu specializing in fresh and local products, ranging from gator tail to schnitzel. The venue will also feature live music. To see their full menu, p...

Logan reports that the Clay County School Board voted 4-1 to disband their school district police force, and return school safety/security services to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. This rescinds a policy change made in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland in 2019.

Alexus follows the latest in the Jared Bridegan murder investigation. Bridegan's ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, entered a written "not guilty" plea by way of her attorney Jose Baez yesterday, and she will not be present in court today for a formal arraignment.

Jonathan reports on the latest developments in the Israel/Hamas conflict, as Israeli bombings continue on the Jaballa refugee camp. President Biden has requested a "pause" in engagements to allow evacuation of foreign nationals and wounded.

While the Jags have a bye week, there's still a lot going on in Jacksonville this weekend! Parents? You can play hookey with hockey, as the Icemen host the South Carolina Sting Rays for an early game today. And there's so much music this weekend! Tonight internet sensations Mia X Ally perform at Jack Rabbits! The Jacksonville Symphony performs the music of John Williams (ft. music from Star Wars,...

As we head into the holiday season, Butterball Turkey Talk Line Expert Gwendolyn Carlyle joins JMN to share tips on preparing and serving the perfect holiday meal.

With a new Speaker in place, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL 3rd) joins JMN to discuss foreign aid plans for Ukraine and Israel, plus the imminent government funding crisis as another shutdown approaches.

Jared reports on the upcoming meeting between President Biden and China's President Xi Jinping in San Francisco.

Brea Kratzert from Wounded Warrior Project joins JMN to share details about this weekend's 5K fundraiser, where participants can "Carry Forward" by carrying flags, weights, or for the truly fierce, another person! All funds raised help Wounded Warrior Project, starting Saturday morning at 7am. Visit CARRYON.WOUNDEDWARRIORPROJECT.ORG for more information or to register.

As the Israel/Hamas war brews in the Middle East, Islamophobia is on the rise across the country. In response, the Biden Administration is developing the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia in the United States. The move led by the Domestic Policy Council and the National Security Council is the latest step to counter Islamophobia, Anti Semitism, and related forms of bias and...

Logan reports on the "We The People" rally at City Hall today, as more than a dozen local advocacy organizations with diverse political, demographic, and social backgrounds will unite at City Hall to share their concerns with legislators at the Duval Delegation meeting.

Alexus reports on a special needs student who got on the right bus, but was dropped off at the wrong school. Duval County Public Schools says it was an issue with the transportation company, Student Transportation of America, and additional driver training and improved delivery rosters will be implemented.