Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Fox Across America host Jimmy Failla is performing at the Florida Theatre on March 29th, and you can hear him weeknights from 6-9pm on WOKV. Jimmy joins JMN (say THAT 3 times fast!) to talk about his comedy show, his radio show, Pickleball, and more! Get tickets at FloridaTheatre.com or FoxAcrossAmerica.com to see Jimmy live on March 29!

April 5 is the 2nd annual Smoothie King Crown Cup Pickleball Tournament at Argyle Forrest Park! MaliVai Washington joins JMN to share details of the event, raising funds for the Mal Washington Youth Foundation. Visit MalWashington.com to register, donate, or learn more about his youth foundation.

Jonatan reports on the latest developments in the Russia/Ukraine War, as European military leadership organizes "a Coalition of the Willing" to review concerns and resolution options, particularly as it pertains to management of the largest nuclear power resource in Europe - currently under control of the Russian military. President Trump has inserted himself into the conversation, offering to hav...

Curtis Dvorak, the Wildlife Wanderer from the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, joins JMN to talk about their recent recognition by USA Today as one of the Top 10 zoos in the country!

Ryan reports on the latest in Russia/Ukraine War ceasefire negotiations -- Russia's President Putin and US President Trump agreed to terms of a temporary Russia/Ukraine cease fire and prisoner exchange, where the terms were very much pro-Russia and did not obligate Putin to recognize Ukraine's independence. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy was excluded from yesterday's call, and his previously propos...

Another Truth Social posting from Presidnt Trump is generating controversy, alleging that former President Biden's preemptive pardons issued at the end of his term are illegitimate because they were signed with an "autopen" and that he (Trump) was overturning the pardons. Besides the absurdity of the accusation, use of an autopen (a mechanical device used for bulk document signings) is common and...

Ryan reports on the Senate approving a funding resolution to stave off a government shutdown last weekend. This keeps the government funded through September, when the next fiscal year appropriations are due. The approval comes at the cost of confidence in Democrat leadership, as Sen. Chuck Schumer and 9 other Democrats sided with Republicans to pass the GOP funding measure, despite objections of...

Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh has your Weekend Forecast - when weather might impact The Players, and what you can expect for next week!

Tyler Oldenburg, Tournament Chairman, joins JMN to discuss the importance of volunteers in making the Payers a success. Some 1500-2000 volunteers service the event annually, and most of them are returning volunteers -- Tyler volunteered for 12 years himself! Visit ThePlayers.com for more information on how you can volunteer for next year's event.

MaliVai Washington joins JMN to share how collaboration with The Players, and being designated as a Charity of the Day, expands their reach and influence to tremendous exposure opportunities. Organizations like the Mal Wasington Youth Foundation, First Tee, and other youth-oriented sports programs teach life skills, discipline, responsibility, problem solving, and more, and grants from organizatio...

Ryan looks at the possible government shutdown at midnight, if a funding bill is not approved in the Senate. Democrat leader Chuck Schumer has offered support for the GOP funding resolution, preferring to avoid a shutdown, but his offered support is not going over well with other Democrats in Congress.

JMN coverage from The Players has been sponsored by Shark Coatings, and Jay Mariano of Shark Coatings joins JMN to share experiences from TPC and how collaborating with The Players has widespread impacts on the community - through business, charity, networking, and promotional opportunities. Visit SharkFloorCoatings.com for more information!

Earlier this week, the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens lost one of their feature animal ambassadors, Archie, the Southern White Rhino. At 55 years old, Archie was the oldest rhino of his species in human care, and had enjoyed a long and productive life. Corey Neatrour, the Supervisor of Large Mammals, joins JMN to share details of Archie's Celebration of Life this weekend, and remembers the iconic anim...

Carla Montgomery from the Child Cancer Fund joins JMN to discuss their collaboration with The Players, and how grants and programs like "Dreams Come True" help families dealing with pediatric cancer challenges enjoy events like The Players. Visit ChildCancerFund.org for more information.

Jeff Willoughby, Executive Director of First Tee of North Florida, shares how First Tee and The Players teach golf and life skills to children in the North Florida area. By teaching critical thinking, patience, and situation management, children are prepared for challenges life may present, and a hobby they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

You can't have a premiere golf tournmanet if you don't have a premiere golf course. To that end, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations and “chief agronomist" Jeff Plotts leads the team that keeps the course at Sawgrass in peak form.

Dr. Lawrence Moss, President & CEO of Nemours Health, joins JMN to discuss the partnership between Nemours and The Players, and how they collaborate to provide children's health care resources and support. Visit the Nemours Kids Zone at The Players!

Ryan reports on the latest develoipments regarding a possible government shutdown effective Friday. While the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through September, the measure does not currently appear to have sufficient support to pass the Senate.

Players Tournament Director Lee Smith joins JMN ahead of today's first round. Event staff and amenities are all set for fans, and the golfers are ready to go for the 2025 Players Championship.

Lawrence Nicolas, the new CEO of the Jacksonville Humane Society, joins JMN to share how the JHS and the Players collaborate to provide a better community for Jacksonville's people and animals, through grants, adoption events, and community outreach. Visit JaxHumane.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

First Coast Honor Flight's Candace Mabry joins JMN to share details about last night's Players Championship Military Appreciation Day surprise. Six Vietnam Veterans will be sponsored for a trip to Washington DC. Visit FirstCoastHonorFlights.org for more information.

Mike Hightower, Chair of Five Star Veterans, joins JMN. Five Star Veterans is a non-profit that helps veterans with mental health and experiential challenges as they re-integrate into civilian life.

Ryan looks at the latest developments regarding a potential government shutdown this weekend. Vice President Vance is expected to meet with Republican House members today, in an effort to ensure enough support to pass the latest continuing resolution funding bill and postpone the government shutdown. For those keeping score, Congress has not sucessfully passed an annual appropriations budget on ti...

In honor of TPC, Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh recounts the time he got a hole-in-one at the Sawgrass 13th hole.

Tournament Director Lee Smith joins JMN to discuss Tuesday's practice round, the Military Appreciation Day concert, and what fans can expect from this year's Players event.