First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross

Government expert Chris Hand breaks down how local projects fared financially and how the governor's veto pen could still change those calculations.

Former Jacksonville journalist and politico Abel Harding tries his hand at fiction with the release of "Last Time I'll Ask."

Bows, dogs, bait? A final vote on Florida's proposed black bear hunt will determine the ground rules. And Sporting JAX unveils two international friendlies.

The U.S. launched a surprise weekend attack on Iran's nuclear sites – but are we at war?

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a contempt finding for Florida's attorney general to bad “Karma” at a local automotive dealer.

Local bookstore owners and bibliophiles recommend the best beach books and rainy day must-reads.

A local orthopaedic surgeon returns from a surgical mission to the war-torn nation.

A vote to remove DEI from public school policy draws pushback.

From an attempt to silence reporting on Hope Florida to a new Jacksonville bill limiting aid for immigrants, we discuss all the week's headlines.

Jacksonville University public policy expert Rick Mullaney breaks down the latest White House headlines.

The incoming CEO of 904Ward discusses the mission to end racism at a time of growing backlash.

Jax power couple and civil rights icons Gwen and Alton Yates talk about their new memoir.

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia seeks designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

We discuss the week's biggest headlines, from a presidential selection debacle at UF to a Pride fest spanning the St. Johns.

We discuss the proposed clawback of money for public media, and a lawsuit over local Confederate tributes gets another day in federal court.

Ahead of the annual observance, the educator and thought leader reflects on the evolving conversations and realities surrounding diversity and equity.

A new University of North Florida poll shows shifting priorities among residents and broad support for banning concealed weapons in City Hall.

In our monthly “House Call” with Dr. Joe Sirven, we discuss the growing difficulty in booking doctor appointments.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from drama on the City Council floor and political change on the dais to the effects of NOAA cutbacks on hurricane season.

A new research study confirms the presence of pollutants and pesticides in the blood of some southern Georgia residents.

As hurricane season gets underway, First Coast News' Chief Meteorologist Tim Deegan passes the torch to Lewis Turner.

From dwindling hopes for a budget deal to Hope Florida, we discuss the latest state political headlines with government expert Chris Hand.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a land grab backlash to an end to “free lunch” at Duval schools.

We tell you about the history of Duval's signature frozen treat before it becomes a temporary team identity for the Jumbo Shrimp.

A new documentary explores how political philosopher Hannah Arendt's view on the roots of political terror and totalitarianism remains relevant today.

After 18 years of advocacy and 87 published op-eds, the parents of a schizophrenic son say they will fight till the end for a better care system.

The rise of an internet cybercriminal network known as “The Yahoo Boys” has been linked to nearly two dozen suicides, and many more destroyed lives.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from St. Johns County's search for a schools superintendent to Jacksonville's request for more DOGE oversight.

We talk to columnist and author Mark Woods about the future of “America's Best Idea” at a time of unprecedented challenges.

From maternal mortality to cancer fatality, health outcomes for women of color continue to be defined by disproportionate harm.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan discusses the latest city business and takes your calls and questions.

Following announcement of a 2½-year hiatus, we talk to MOSH's CEO about the museum's plans for the future.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a wild week for wildlife to increasing tensions in City Hall.

The new chief of the Northeast Florida Criminal Training Center discusses her path to leadership in law enforcement.

Neurologist Dr. Joe Sirven discusses the latest medical headlines, including 17 ways to cut your risk of stroke, dementia and depression.

As lawmakers take a one-week break, our political analysts take stock of what's failed, what's passed (so far) and what's next.

The attorney for a jail inmate injured in custody plans to sue the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a push to regulate e-bikes to new state regulations around dangerous dogs.

Thirty years after the hazardous waste processor packed up and vanished, Clay County residents still struggle with the plant's toxic legacy.

From surging assessments to mortgage “blacklists,” we talk about the new challenges of condo ownership.

A new task force report aims to stop continued destruction of the city's historic fabric.

We take a closer look at the effects of proposed billion-dollar cuts to PBS and NPR with WJCT President and CEO David McGowan.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from the latest figures on local homelessness, to student protests at both the high school and college level.

With just one work week left for Tally lawmakers, attorney and government expert Chris Hand updates us on the legislative yeas, nays and TBDs.

Teachers and students are resisting a legislative proposal defunding AB/IB and dual enrollment programs in Florida's public schools.

From the courtroom to the counselor's office, we explore why Duval County's child abuse rates remain stubbornly high.