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.

A mom recently reunited with her children says wrongful abuse allegations are destroying families.

The author of “Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Jew?” examines the history of Jewish hatred — and Jewish resilience.

The search for Jacksonville's identity becomes a Civic Council campaign.

Dr. Joe Sirven joins us in his monthly "House Call" to discuss the latest medical headlines and answer health care questions.

From shopping local to thrift-gifting we explore holiday gifts to feel good about.

Government expert and attorney Chris Hand breaks down the month's political headlines.

A board-certified sleep psychologist shares how to manage insomnia without medication and why we should look beyond “sleep hygiene” to achieve meaningful rest.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from corruption allegations against Florida lawmakers to the growth of a residential Downtown.

Economist and author Peter Atwater explains the “K-shaped economy” and why confidence (or its absence) drives human behavior.

We meet the Democratic candidate challenging James Uthmeier for the role of Florida's top cop.

From fallout over the shutdown to an about-face on the Epstein files, attorney and analyst Rick Mullaney helps decipher the political tea leaves.

A new task force confronts one of the most pressing and expensive challenges for families: child care.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from emergency SNAP gap funding to allegations of fraud in the city's telehealth contract.

TEDxJacksonville's keynote speaker says your job isn't to compete with a system, but to “become more human."

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan discusses city business, from the politics of her predecessor to a profusion of downtown parkspace.

New rules and vendor fees are changing who can participate in the iconic Downtown event.

The city has proven unwelcoming for some urban farmers. We talk to agricultural and legal experts who hope to change that.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from JTA's costly effort to boost ridership to growing pushback to charter school expansion.

Home to two iconic restaurants, a river ferry and world famous shrimp — but what's the future of Mayport Village?

The revered restaurant rating system will expand its Florida footprint to include the First Coast in 2026.

From a rise in sleep disorders to a decline in peanut allergies, we talk about the latest medical headlines with Dr. Joe Sirven.

From fallout from the government shutdown to disagreement over property tax cuts, we break down state and local political headlines.

It's the week's biggest headlines, from local fallout from the government shutdown to the uncertain future of a historic marine attraction.

From MAHA to resilience to affordable healthcare, former House Speaker and Northeast Florida lawmaker Paul Renner offers his vision for governor.

Life on the outside brings special challenges for formerly incarcerated women.

A new poll takes Floridians' political pulse, and a native St. Augustinian unearths a shocking story from the city's civil rights past.

Local schools must make way as a charter school network prepares to occupy dozens of existing school buildings in Duval and around the region.

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.