Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Got plans this weekend? Lots of fun stuff happening, and you can see a detailed list of events in our Weekend Spotlight story off the main web page. Among some fun things - St. Augustine's Walk & Wine, the Riverside Arts Market, Saturday Morning Cereal at Keg & Coin, and of course there's the Jumbo Shrimp at home and the Jags host the Bucs for some preseason NFL fun!

CELLPHONES IN SCHOOLS - As students head back to school, there’s one item not included in their school supply list. This year more schools are banning cell phones from the classroom. So far, ten states have passed laws or adopted policies to limit cell phone use in schools, with more states likely to follow. Teachers have been pushing for these restrictions for years. According to Pew Research, mo...

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as a recent USA Today poll shows Vice President Harris gaining ground among Florida voters, despite over a million more registered republican voters than democrats. Trump still holds a +5 pt lead, but that gap is considerably less than his leads over Biden earlier this year. WOKV's Samantha Manning breaks down the polling data.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as President Biden has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group in the Middle East, after intelligence suggested Iran may strike against Israel this week. Domestically, the White House is hosting a digital information summit today, exploring how the technology industry impacts infrastructure, education, and more.

Chase Robinson, Executive Director of First Coast Crime Stoppers, joins JMN to share details about the organization's legacy, how they're working to protect the anonymity of tipsters, and to invite more participation from the community. See something? Say something! You can submit tips online, through a toll free national hotline, and locally via **TIPS, and tips get rewards upon arrest.

Alexus reports on a new program from Mayor Deegan seeking to motivate and reinforce school attendance, after a recent study revealed 40%+ of Duval County students demonstrated chronic absenteeism (10 days or more) in the 2022-2023 school year.

COST OF CAR OWNERSHIP - The cost of owning a car can quickly add up. From vehicle tax to gasoline and maintenance repairs, a new report by Bankrate found the hidden costs of owning a car can quickly add up to $6,684 a year. The rise in car insurance also played a factor. Between June 2022 and June 2024, average full coverage car insurance rates skyrocketed by 20 percent. Nicole D'Antonio is live i...

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Jared breaks down some campaign policy ideas, as both parties pitch a "no tax on tips" proposal with a national appeal to service industry workers.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as former President Trump returned to the X platform for a conversation with Elon Musk, that was rife with technical difficulties much like the ill-fated 2023 campaign announcement from Gov. Ron DeSantis. WOKV's Samantha Manning breaks down the key points discussed, and what this means for Trump's relationship with Musk and with the X platform.

Sheriff Michelle Cook joins JMN to share details on new school year safety measures in Clay County, as the Sheriff's office takes over campus security responsibilities and traffic flow increases for school traffic.

Alexus reports on Clay Co. back-to-school preparations, as students return for a new academic year today.

FOOD INSECURITY REPORT - As students head back to school, a new report is highlighting the growing problem of food insecurity on college campuses. Nearly two-thirds of the 3.3 million college students eligible for federal food assistance in 2020 did not access it, according to a Government Accountability Office report. Researchers point to the higher cost of education, including tuition, books and...

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as the Harris-Walz media blitz begins in battleground states, as political ad campaigns launch in support of their appearance schedules. Polls are showing very competitive results between the Harris vs Trump rankings in battleground states.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Jared recaps President Biden's latest interview regarding why he chose to withdraw from re-election. Beyond that, he looks at the newest ad blitz from the Harris-Walz campaign, and an alleged documents hack impacting the Trump campaign that has Iran saying "Wasn't me!"

Alexus reports from Lakeside Academy, one of several new schools opening this school year in St. Johns County.

Officer Chris Hancock, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, joins JMN to share preventable safety risks you can avoid on the road as kids go back to school today.

Garrett reports from Highlands Estates Academy, one of several newly opened schools in the Jacksonville area as kids head back to school today.

TIME IS MONEY - From gym memberships to subscription services, the White House is launching a new effort to target corporate practices that make it easier for you to cancel their service. The "Time is Money" initiative will make it easier to get refunds, cancel subscriptions, submit health care and insurance forms online, etc. Nicole D'Antonio is live in Washington with details and the pushback.

Logan reports on changes and expectations for the new school year, as students in Duval County go back to school today.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as former President Trump committed to debate Vice President Harris on ABC, scheduled for Sep. 10. WOKV's Samantha Manning has the details about this debate, and additional potential events.

Toni Foxx has the latest in new restaurants and tasty treats for you to check out!

Chandler Morgan has this week's update of what's new and what's happening Around Jax!

YOU DEICDE 2024 coverage continues, as SJC Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes joins JMN with details of early voting resources in St. Johns County. Early voting starts today and runs through Aug 17, for the live primary on Aug 20.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as former President Trump hosted a campaign press event at Mar-A-Lago yesterday, where he confirmed that he would debate VP Kamala Harris on Sept. 10. The debate will air on ABC, and had previously been scheduled when the expected participants were President Biden and Trump. VP Harris continues to make campaign stops with running mate Gov. Tim Walz in "battlegro...

Brent joins JMN with a preview of the Jaguars hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in a preseason matchup this weekend. While the high profile starters are only expected to play a series or two, this is the time to shine before roster cuts begin in advance of the regular season.