Hosted by Melissa Ross, First Coast Connect is an hour-long call-in program that features local newsmakers, civic and community leaders, arts, activities across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, along with spot news features and a weekly roundtable of local journalists.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from council pressure on the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to back-to-back losses for the state attorney.

A local documentary series looks back at the unprecedented federal investigation into officer corruption, drug dealing and murder at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Acclaimed author and environmental reporter Craig Pittman talks about the endless inspiration of his home state.

A former prison investigator flags safety concerns as the Department of Corrections chief submits a “staggering” budget request.

Teachers at the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville discuss threats, retaliation and the chilling effect of secret surveillance.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a controversial arrest by Jacksonville police, to city leaders denying School Board members their own attorney.

A conversation with the author whose book and podcast, “Bone Valley,” helped free a wrongfully convicted man after 36 years in prison.

Employment and housing are just two of the challenges facing foster care “graduates” aging out of the state system.

An international migratory expert explains the economic and environmental forces reshaping global migration, ahead of an appearance in Jacksonville.

From social media posts to JEA to critiques of the current administration, former Mayor Curry says, "It is what it is."

It's the week's biggest headlines, from an aborted sale of the Duval Schools headquarters to the city's riderless “driverless” vehicles.

A former Republican turned Democratic candidate hopes to be Florida's next governor.

Riverside Avondale Preservation's second annual Music Tour features the author of a new history of the legendary Jax Beach nightclub Einstein A Go-Go.

From a gubernatorial critique of an airport hologram to the resignation of a top staffer, we talk city news with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.

As manatee deaths rise in Northeast Florida, a local nonprofit convenes scientists, conservationists and maritime professionals with one mutual goal: saving the gentle giants while keeping the shipping economy afloat.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a new tool for tracking domestic violence to a hologram hullabaloo staged by state officials.

State laws designed to treat people who are trafficked as victims instead of criminals aren't working as planned. A new report shows what's happening instead.

A new generation of local environmental activists is tackling everything from litter to climate change. We meet three of them.

A local political and legal expert analyzes the Trump administration's crackdown on the president's personal enemies and political rivals.

Family members and a local historian remember the 33 lives lost when the cargo ship left Jacksonville and sailed into a hurricane.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from late-night budget wrangling to an unexpected expansion of beach driving on Amelia Island.

From a marathon budget debate to the state of free speech in the Free State of Florida, we get expert analysis of the latest news.

Super Bowl-winning coach Tom Coughlin turns his focus to food insecurity in families dealing with childhood cancers.

Mayor Robbi Correa discusses how the small town is managing what locals hope is a downtown renaissance.

Can your neighbors extend your life expectancy? We explore the effects of new urbanism on health.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from state pressure on city finances to a new future for the historic JEA tower.

“The only neurosurgeon in Sierra Leone” is now performing lifesaving operations because of the Jacksonville-based Mission:BRAIN.

Three health care CEOs warn of impacts ahead of a City Council vote to cut spending on health programs.

How to have reasoned debate about hard topics in an age of social media manipulation.

A new study recommends expanding the definition of a potentially catastrophic storm to include real hazards — like storm surge and rainfall.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from contentious council debates to possible incentives for a Southside surf park.

We ask Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan about rallying community support for her budget and a recent City Council walkout, and take your calls and questions.

Extreme temperatures and a warming climate pose increased risks to pregnant women and their unborn children.

A new regional campaign takes aim at e-bike, scooter and motorized skateboard safety in response to a surge in accidents and head injuries.

A Florida professor is using music to teach about climate change — including the collapse of the oyster population.

From Downtown Pub subs to the state's elimination of vaccine mandates, we discuss all the week's headlines with our panel of experts.

Investigative reporter Shoshana Walter's new book, “Rehab: An American Scandal,” explores the multibillion-dollar for-profit industry.

From a “raging fire” in public health to pregnancy robots in China, we talk about the latest medical headlines with Dr. Joe Sirven.

A new campaign is urging the governor to stop executing former service members.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a police shooting in Atlantic Beach to a rapidly emptying Alligator Alcatraz.

A century after a pivotal exhibition planted the flag for modern art in Jacksonville and the South, a new book examines its lasting impact.

Education experts contend advancements in artificial intelligence are changing how we value traditional measures of human intelligence.

Investigative reporter Joshua Sharpe helped exonerate an innocent man and lead investigators to the suspect now charged with two brutal Camden County murders.

The Big Beautiful Bill is coming due for health care costs, according to insurance industry forecasts.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from a major reversal in a Department of Justice redlining case to growing pushback on cuts to Meals on Wheels.

From the politics of Jags ticket perks to the policies of immigrant detention, we discuss the latest state and local headlines with government expert Chris Hand.