Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Simon reports from London as the US-Russia talks in Geneva end. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov say that dialogues will continue in the future.

Kirstin reports on the March 4 Life in D.C. today, an annual rally and demonstration protesting Roe v. Wade. This year's demonstration might be different than previous years' events, though, as SCOTUS is once again evaluating abortion laws.

Jared follows up on President Biden's address yesterday, and the Senate votes that failed to pass either (1) filibuster reform, or (2) the voter rights bill. Despite the vote results, vote reform may still see some measure of advancement through executive order or revised legislation proposal.

There is officially NO EXCUSE to not get out and do something this weekend. Sports. Theatre. Movies. Concerts. Speakers. Brews. Lights. Dogs. Markets. Pop ups. The JMN crew has some of the area highlights to keep you entertained this weekend!

After several high-profile legislative defeats, including yesterday's failures to pass filibuster reform or voting rights bills, Blair looks at Democrat options for future legislation projects.

Alicia reports on the "Grumpy's" fire in Middleburg. The popular restaurant suffered from fire and smoke damage last night. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no adjacent businesses were impacted.

President Biden will likely use today's press conference as an opportunity to (try to) persuade any senators on the fence to support the issue of voting rights reform, as the Senate will likely vote on that issue tonight.

Rich Jones looks at the suspended curbside recycling program, what its suspension means to customers and to the landfill workers, and when/if recycling collection will resume.

Blair previews President Biden's press conference today, scheduled for 4pm this afternoon. WOKV will carry the event live.

BREAKING: Alicia reports from a collision resulting in a gas leak near Philips Hwy and Sunbeam Road. The HazMat team is responding.

Jared looks at the likely progression of the voting rights bills debate in Congress, which is to say that the bills are unlikely to progress between filibuster resistance from the Republican senators, and internal party inconsistency amongst Democrats, where Sens. Manchin and Sinema will not support filibuster reform.

Jessica has an update about a Mandarin apartment structure fire fire from earlier this morning.

Kirstin reports on what’s next for voting rights bills before the Senate. Today, the Senate is scheduled to debate two voting rights bills that Democrats say would make it easier for people to vote and reverse efforts by several states to limit ballot access. This comes after thousands marched led by MLK’s family through DC yesterday on MLK Day, calling on the Senate to take action on these bills.

BREAKING: Jessica reports on an apartment fire on the 11000 block of Old St. Augustine Road. Fortunately, there are no injuries associated with the fire, but Red Cross has been contacted to assist displaced residents. JFRD reports that the fire is under control, and the state fire marshal has been requested to inspect the scene.

Brian joins JMN to discuss the Voting Rights Bill before Congress, and its inevitable failure before the Senate due to a Republican filibuster and internal party dissent among Democrats. Majority leader Schumer is expected to call for a vote on rules changes regarding the filibuster, but that measure too is expected to fail without full party support, as Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Sinema (D-AZ) c...

Jared reports that Congress is back in session despite the national holiday (MLK Day), as the Majority Leader pressures senators to support passing voting rights reform legislation. Despite Democrat posturing, there is a lack sufficient support within the Senate to advance the legislation, particularly after last week's failure to pass reforms for the filibuster.

Alicia reports on local travel impacts from a severe storm front passing through the Southeast. While Jacksonville isn't experiencing the severe weather directly, its impact has been felt in flight delays & cancellations.

Lucia Viti sits down with Cora Tyson, a friend and collaborator with Dr. King, who provided a safe house and headquarters during the St. Augustine Movement.

Rick Mullaney breaks down the Supreme Court decisions regarding OSHA workplace vaccine mandates, and health care worker vaccination mandates, and why these decisions have qualified differences.

Jared reports on the latest legislative impasse between due to ongoing resistance from Senators Manchin and Sinema, who will not support filibuster reform. With filibuster obstruction in place, this also means that the proposed voting reform legislation advocated by President Biden will not advance.

Blair reports on the SCOTUS decision blocking OSHA vaccine mandates for large companies, but with a modified response regarding certain health care workers.

Jared reports on President Biden meeting with Senate Democrats today, particularly party dissidents Manchin and Sinema, to solicit support for filibuster reform. This, in turn, would facilitate passing voting legislation that is expected to be fast tracked through the Senate in the next several days.

Looking for something to do this weekend? This weekend, Jacksonville has it all - hockey, comedy, live music, pop up markets, theatre, and more! The JMN crew has your events list here, or check out Madison Roberts' write-up on WOKV.com for a ton of fun things to do this weekend!

BREAKING: Alicia reports live from a Northside fire at JR's Seafood Restaurant on Main Street, just past Zoo Parkway.

Councilman Matt Carlucci joins JMN to discuss the ongoing recycling pickup issue. He will be hosting a meeting on this topic and possible solutions at 10am this morning at City Hall.