Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues as US military forces suffer their first casualties in the Israel/Hamas conflict, prompting a vow of response from President Biden. Meanwhile, the rhetoric and criticism escalates between GOP candidates. The RNC appears poised to name Trump as the official candidate, but Nikki Haley reminded the nation that the primaries are a long way from over.

RECORD HOMELESSNESS - A new report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies claims a growing number of Americans are becoming homeless. Expensive rents and soaring costs are hard to afford, driving many from their homes. High rents, inflation and an expiration of pandemic-era relief also contributed to homelessness. According to the report about 653,000 people reported experiencing homeless...

Alexus reports on a 3-alarm structure fire at the Rise Doro Apartments complex, near the Sports District at A, Philip Randolph Blvd & Adams Street. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. JFRD has been on scene since approximately 930pm Sunday evening.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues as the RNC has apparently chosen sides already, having prepared (then withdrawn) a resolution declaring Donald Trump to be the party's candidate for President. The problem is, Nikki Haley is still in the race, and only two states have held a caucus or primary so far. Meanwhile, Trump faces a verdict and possible damages that could be issued as soon as today in th...

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as the RNC proposed a resolution skipping primaries and just naming Trump the party candidate. Trump discouraged it, and wants to win "the old fashioned way," while Nikki Haley reminded the RNC that -voters- will decide the candidate, not a resolution. Meanwhile, bipartisan negotiations for border control legislation are falling apart, and Dems say Reps "want an...

Ben Becker is back with this week's inspection stories.

WOKV salutes Clay County Firefighter John Long.

Toni Foxx & Elaine Gonzales (@ElaineEatsJax) look at a local restaurant that received a major honor!

SENIOR CARE CONCERNS - There are more than 30,000 assisted living facilities nationwide that care for nearly one million residents every day, according to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Lawmakers are examining the current state of these long-term options including the services, costs and workforce. This all comes after a recent Washington Post investigation found more than 2,000 p...

Sentry Firearms is a new Mandarin area firearms, hunting/camping supplies, and outdoor recreational equipment retailer. Visit them online at SentryFirearmsUSA.com.

Chandler Morgan updates what's new and what's happening this week around Jacksonville.

Logan reports on a Westside apartment community, "Valencia Way Apartments" (formerly known as "Eureka Gardens") being designated a public nuisance, and the owner being tasked to provide (improved) security or face the risk of the property being shut down.

Alexus reports on downtown business owners' frustrations with nuisance behaviors from homeless people in the area, and those business owners' unwillingness to contribute financially to the solution, alleging it's the city's financial responsibility.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Jared looks to the South Carolina primary and the next head-to-head matchup between Trump and Nikki Haley. While House republicans seem to have embraced the MAGA movement, Senate support is still variable. The weeks until the next primary may see gains or losses of political sentiment for either candidate.

So much fun stuff happening around Jacksonville this weekend. No plans? INCONCEIVABLE! The Florida Theatre is screening "The Princess Bride" with special guest Cary Elwes! Looking for some thrills and laughs? Check out the Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus! The Jax Symphony has Mozart, Handel, and more! Players By The Sea presents "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical!" And speaking of the sea, the 79th a...

PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES - Prices for prescription drugs are going up. Less patients can afford medication that could be essential for staying healthy or staying alive. A report by the office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation claims in just one year, prices for more than 4,200 prescription drugs increased, on average, by 15.2%. A poll of over 1,000 adults by the KFF claims 30%...

Alexus reports on UNF closing its diversity offices after a vote from the Florida Board of Governors last night, and in compliance with state laws passed last year that forbid DEI program funding. UNF administration claims no employees will lose their jobs with these centers' closures, and other campus offices will take up the various services. Student organizations are allegedly not impacted.

Logan reports on a Florida House bill that would require a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, and would require age verification for new account settings. Critics pit legislative rhetoric "to protect children" against parental rights to manage their children's activities.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Trump expresses his ire with Nikki Haley after his New Hampshire primary victory. While Haley has vowed to continue her campaign, critics (apparently including the White House) are reconciling to a probable Trump/Biden rematch.

Mayor Deegan joins JMN to share details about a new year-long River City Readers initiative, and the short AND long term goals of increased literacy in the community. Additionally, she reviews changes with JaxPort, plus the transportation initiatives grant discussed at the Conference of Mayors in DC.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues as immigration and border control policies remain a popular GOP legislative agenda item, as Republican legislators are using it to leverage approval for a 2024 federal budget.

Mark joins JMN to review the New Hampshire primary, his guess on who will be Trump's VP candidate, and what's ahead on today's "Whatever You Want" Wednesday on the Mark Kaye Show, noon to 3pm.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues as WOKV political analyst Rick Mullaney recaps Donald Trump's primary win in New Hampshire, and the challenges ahead for Nikki Haley for the South Carolina primary and beyond.

TOBACCO CONTROL REPORT - A new report by the American Lung Association evaluates the states and the federal government’s actions to eliminate the nation’s leading cause of preventable death—tobacco use. It found that state policymakers and the federal government must do more to protect the public from tobacco as they have yet to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The American...

Alexus reports on the anniversary of James Weldon Johnson Park, and plans for a park redesign.