Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Jare reports on President Biden commuting some non-violent drug offenders' sentences, following a similar platform to what President Trump did previously. Biden also had a discussion with Mexico's President Obrador yesterday, on border control and migration policies.

WOKV recognizes Dr. Matthew McKillop in this week's First Responder Friday feature.

Clean Juice is a new juice bar in the St. Johns Town Center, speciailzing in farm fresh organic natural juices and healthy snacks. The owner and franchise spokesperson is local sports hero Tim Tebow, who invites customers to stop by for a healthy meal, snack, or post-workout smoothie. Learn more at CleanJuice.com, or visit them in the St. Johns Town Center.

Ben Becker is back with this week's edition of the Original Restaurant Report.

Logan reports from the St. Johns County Courthourse, where Vergilio Aguilar Mendez has a bond hearing regarding charges in the death of a SJC deput. Mendez' attorneys argue that Mendez had not committed any crime to be detained for, and the SJC officer's death was from an unfortunate coincidental health issue unrelated to Mendez.

Logan reports from Jacksonville International Airport, where lines are already long to check in for outgoing flights.

Logan reports on the continued bus delays today, as Duval County School District reports driver shortages impacting today's routes. As of 9:10am, some buses had still not gotten to school yet, and more delays are expected again this afternoon.

Dr. Kent Thielen, CEO of Mayo Clinic Florida, joins JMN to discuss Mayo's charitible gift to the Sulzbacher Center, the on-going relationship between the organizations, and future plans for expanding services and resources to NE Florida in 2024.

Jared reports on how senate negotiators are continuing to discuss terms for reconciling more Ukraine aid and domestic border security funding through virtual meetings over their holiday break.

So much stuff to enjoy in the 904 this weekend! Have you been to St. Augustine's Nights of Lights? Find the red bulb if you can! Or maybe rock out your holiday with the Trans Siberian Orchestra tonight at Vystar Arena. Looking for some holiday sophistication? Try the spicy speakeasy Velvet Underground cabaret at the Glass Factory, it's a little bit naughty and a little bit nice! Lots of local ligh...

Cindy Funkhouser, CEO of Sulzbacher Center, joins JMN to discuss a $5 million chairtiable gift from Mayo Clinic to the Sulzbacher Center, that will fund a variety of outreach health services through the new Enterprise Village campus, and other services to help vulnerable people in the Jacksonville community.

TRANQ THREAT - There’s a new law to address TRANQ, a drug recognized as a rising threat in this country. It’s a dangerous combination of fentanyl and xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. President Biden signed the TRANQ Research Act into law this week after it passed through Congress. Washington Correspondent Arielle Hixson explains what new steps the government is taking to fight this deadly...

Duval County School Districts is advising parents and students to expect significant delays in school bus pickups and dropoffs today, even moreso than usual, due to a holiday-related shortage of available drivers.

Logan reports on widespread school bus delays expected today this morning and this afternoon, as the Duval County School District anticipates a high level of "absent drivers" going into the holiday weekend.

Kirstin Garriss looks at the reactions of potential GOP candidates, as they criticize the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Trump from elected office in accordance to the 14th Amenment. Meanwhile, Trump says he will appeal to the US Supreme Court - it would be another of many Trump-related cases before SCOTUS in the coming year.

Robert has updates on two stories, first regarding the car vs. Amtrak train crash on Jacksonville's northwest side, and secondly on gas line repairs in SJC as hundreds of residents have their service restored, while hundreds of others still wait for additional repairs to finish.

BREAKING: Robert reports on a car vs. Amtrak train collision in the northwest Dinsmore neighborhood.

WOKV political analyst Rick Mullaney breaks down the legal AND the political significance of the Colorado Supreme Court decision that Trump violated the 14th Amendment regarding insurrection activities, making him ineligible for (certain) public offices. Trump has won similar cases in other states, and will be challenging this decision through the US Supreme Court.

Jared looks at what legislative business has been pushed back to 2024 as congress kicks rocks and starts their holiday break. He also looks at the Colorado court ruling that said Trump is ineligible to appear on the ballot due to the 14th Amendment, and GOP reactions.

Mark Kaye joins JMN with a look at Trump's ban from the Colorado primary, a year-end "Thanks" rundown, and a preview of "Whatever You Want Wednesday!" Hear more on the Mark Kaye Show noon to 3pm!

Robert reports on an investigation into how the Jacksonville Housing Authority used money allocated for utility payment assistance.

A.I. Holiday Gifts - In the height of the holiday season, last minute gifts are flying off the shelves. Sometimes it’s hard to find that perfect gift for a loved one, that’s where AI comes in. Innovative technology including Google Labs, Chat GPT and other bots are helping shoppers to craft ideal gifts for the holiday. Washington Correspondent Arielle Hixson breaks down the new shopping trend and...

Robert reports on a natural gas outage in St. Johns County, that has left some residents without heat TFN. Teco People's Gas is working to repair a damaged gas line.

Logan reports on a teen who was shoti in Jacksonville's Whitehouse neighborhood yesterday. After being shot, she walked to her local fire station on Beaver Street, and was transported to the hospital. The shooter has not been identified.

Jared reports on memorials for Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve as a US Supreme Court Justice. He also reports on the ongoing feud in congress regarding foreign aid vs. domestic border security, and pending funding approval for the FAA, as legislators prepare for their holiday break.