First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross

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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.

WJCT


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 1,217 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 51:00


    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.

    Toxic concerns in Brunswick, Georgia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 51:00


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

    Change in the weathermen

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 51:00


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

    Talking politics with Chris Hand

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 51:00


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

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 51:00


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

    The history of the Duval honey dripper

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 51:00


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

    'Facing Tyranny'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 51:31


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

    'This will be our swan song'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025


    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.

    A surge in financial sextortion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 51:00


    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.

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 51:00


    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.

    National parks at a crossroads

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 51:00


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

    The 'Untold Truth' about Black women's health

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 51:00


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

    Ask the Mayor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 51:00


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

    mayors ask the mayor
    The future of MOSH

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 51:00


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

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 51:00


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

    Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Cmdr. Erica Weber

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 51:00


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

    A House Call with Dr. Joe

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 51:00


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

    A legislative pause

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025


    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.

    Jail injury raises questions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025


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

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025


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

    Solite's long shadow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025


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

    Condos in crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025


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

    Ending 'demolition by neglect'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025


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

    Public broadcasting and the future of federal funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025


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

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025


    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.

    A legislative forecast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025


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

    The fight to save Advanced Placement programs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025


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

    Fighting child abuse

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025


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

    Kids at risk; JU's 'unforgivable' cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025


    Pediatric advocates say state and national policies are making Florida kids less safe. Then: Faculty members at Jacksonville University decry recent cutbacks.

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025


    From ICE on campus to the latest on a troubling jail death, we discuss all the week's headlines with our media roundtable.

    The power of defiance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025


    The author of a new book explores the power of “No.”

    Starting the Journey over

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025


    Sixteen years after the Jacksonville Journey began, the city looks to retrace its steps in an effort to fight crime.

    The trade war in your wallet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025


    How the president's unstable tariff policies are affecting the global economy, international relations and your budget.

    The president vs. the legal system

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025


    How do the president's attacks on judges, educational institutions, law firms and accepted norms challenge the legal system, and how might the outcomes affect ordinary Americans?

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025


    It's the week's biggest headlines, from a state move to reduce AP funding in schools to a jail inmate in critical condition.

    Inside Veterans Treatment Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025


    Judge Mose Floyd discusses the successes and challenges of running the region's largest diversion court for military veterans.

    The future of Head Start funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025


    The CEO of one of the region's largest Head Start programs talks about student success and an uncertain funding future.

    Ask the mayor

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025


    From local immigration law to federal tariffs, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan breaks down the latest headlines — and answers your questions.

    mayors ask the mayor
    Competing pressures in Atlantic Beach

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025


    Advocates worry laws proposed to streamline city operations could diminish citizen participation.

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025


    It's the week's biggest headlines, from Florida's special election takeaways to the mayor's non-veto of immigration legislation.

    Making advance medical directives stick

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025


    A Florida nurse-turned-advocate is fighting to change end-of-life care through legislation.

    Another black bear hunt?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025


    Florida wildlife officials host three public meetings to decide whether to hold the state's first bear hunt in a decade.

    Sleeping with a teddy bear to combat insomnia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025


    In our monthly “House Call” from Dr. Joe Sirven, we discuss the latest medical headlines.

    'Florida' author Lauren Groff

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025


    We talk to award-winning novelist Lauren Groff about her work, her writing process and her mission to bring banned books back to Florida.

    First Coast Week in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025


    Our media panel unpacks the week's top headlines — from a City Council crackdown on immigration to a state legislative push to loosen restrictions on child labor laws.

    Talking politics with Chris Hand

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025


    From special election drama to JEA rate hikes, the author and government expert offers analysis of the latest state and local political headlines.

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