Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

So much happening in Jacksonville this weekend! There's comedy at the Florida Theatre, the Icemen and the Jumbo Shrimp are playing home games, music goes to the dogs as Kanine Social presents WOOFSTOCK! It's Record Day this weekend, UNF has the Vinyl-thon, and maybe you've heard of Elton John, or Styx, or The Who? They're all playing in town this weekend too. And it all starts with Jax River Jams...

Jared reports on the "air scare" that saw the Capitol Bldg. evacuated last night (it was an air stunt for a baseball game). He also looks at the latest Ukrainian aid package, which President Biden will discuss later this morning.

USA Today's John Kennedy joins JMN to discuss the latest Florida government events. New districting maps oust Rep. Al Lawson by dividing his district, and changing the local landscape to a Republican majority in 20 of 28 districts. Also in DeSantis's special legislative session, the Reedy Creek Development District (aka Disney World) - loses its independent government status.

Blair looks at the latest Ukraine aid package proposal, including heavy artillery and ammunition, and at a new Biden approval poll. President Biden will address the nation later this morning.

Jared reports that the Justice Department won't appeal a federal judge's decision to rescind mask mandates when travelling... UNLESS the CDC presents evidence that the pandemic condition has worsened again. This follows the White House's practice of deferring pandemic management guidance to the CDC.

Gretchen Kernbach reports on the 2nd dive student death in 2 months. Both were students at CDA Technical Institute. JSO has been called to investigate different incidents involving the school over 300 times in the last 10 years. See more of Gretchen's story in the Local News section of WOKV.com or tonight on Action News Jax.

Rich previews Shopability Saturday, coming up March 6! Sponsored by Connectable, the event showcases 150 companies in the Jacksonville area that give employment opportunities to persons with Autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental differences (IDD's).

BREAKING: Meghan has a live update about the Magnolia Gardens house fire this morning. The fire marshal is investigating the cause, and damage can be seen to bedroom and roof areas. Two of the three people home when the fire started this morning are in the hospital, one of them in critical condition. More information will be shared as the story develops.

Blair follows the latest developments in the travel mask mandate story. A federal judge lifted the mandate earlier this week, while the CDC had set a deadline of May 3rd. The White House is currently not seeking to appeal the ruling, leaving it for future consideration. The CDC's concern was to study the latest variant of Covid-19 before making a decision, but the judge's ruling forced their hand.

BREAKING: 2 people are hospitalized (1 critical) after a house fire on Breve Drive in the Magnolia Gardens neighborhood. The fire was reported by a neighbor, starting some time around 4am. The fire marshal has been requested.

Jared reports that the White House hasn't announced any plans to appeal a Federal judge's decision to lift mask mandates, though they are disappointed that people are dismissing CDC concerns.

Blair reports that the White House is not reacting publicly to yesterday's federal judge ruling on travel mask mandates, but Blair reminds us that local authorities may have their own masking regulations that are still in effect, so keep a mask handy just in case! In other DC news, President Biden continues his travel agenda, heading to New Hampshire today where he will speak to citizen groups on...

Courtney reports live from Jacksonville International Airport, where travelers are having mixed responses to lifting mask mandates.

Brian joins JMN to discuss the latest change in travel mask mandates, plus his thoughts on Title 42 changes. Get more from 9a-Noon with the Brian Kilmeade Show!

The Supreme Court will begin picking cases to hear for their next judicial term starting in October. The current term docket is set, and the Court will continue to hear scheduled cases and issue opinions until their Summer hiatus starting in June, when Justice Breyer will formally retire. Ketanji Brown Jackson will then be sworn in, and take her place on the Court in October.

Political analyst Rick Mullaney joins JMN to discuss the Florida redistricting maps proposed by Gov. DeSantis. The proposed maps will oust Rep. Al Lawson by breaking up his existing district, with the net result being 20 of 28 regional districts likely being Republican-based. Rick examines what this means, and what actions will likely follow the special session of congress where DeSantis wants the...

This week, the Biden administration travel from coast to coast, visiting three different cities focused on issues that impact all of us – such as high prices at the pump and in the store and supply chain issues. The President will also spend these trips talking about improvements in the works through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Republican National Committee voted to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates. Jared looks at what led to this decision, and what it means for debates going forward.

Mike Bender provides critical analysis of the redrawn zoning maps proposed by Gov. DeSantis, likely resulting in Rep. Al Lawson losing his district and 20 of 28 districts being Republican seats.

Blair reports that some senators want a Ukraine assistance coordinator appointed, as assistance offered so far comes close to $3 billion. More aid legislation is likely when Congress resumes session after the Easter break.

Jared looks at the latest military equipment aid proposed for Ukraine.

Lots to do this Easter weekend, starting with the Jax River Jams featuring Boyz II Men tonight! Follow that up with the return of the Mandarin Art Fair, take in one of the great concerts or markets happening this weekend, there's hockey with the Icemen, and check out the St. Augustine Easter Parade - the 2nd longest running Easter parade in the country! Learn more about these events and a lot of o...

Today, President Biden will be in North Carolina talking about ways to improve supply chain issues and create more manufacturing jobs with the Bipartisan Innovation Act. This trip comes as a new White House report show those issues may be here for a while.

Jared looks at the political races heating up in Georgia, as Trump endorses GOP challenger David Perdue over incumbent Brian Kemp, while Stacey Abrams challenges from across the political aisle. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatens a "Florida-Georgia Cold War" if Abrams wins, adding to the political melodrama.

Romney has the latest updates on the NYC subway shooting yesterday. At least 10 people were injured. Frank R. James, a person of interest, is being sought for more information.