First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross

Railroad maintenance workers raise fears about staff cuts and the potential for automation at Jacksonville-based CSX Transportation.

A new graphic novel explores the extraordinary migration of Cuban children, and DCPS urges voters to stay the course on school support

A new book explores Jacksonville's central and distinct role in the history of Gullah Geechee culture.

A new lawsuit accuses the state of illegally keeping mentally ill patients in jail, and a new photography exhibit captures pre-development Florida.

From Aaron Zhan's early release from prison to Kevin Carrico's sudden departure from the Boys & Girls Club, we discuss all the week's headlines on our Friday Week in Review

Political analyst Chris Hand breaks down what got cut (and what made the cut) in the city's $2 billion budget, as well as what mass layoffs signal about JTA's future.

Educator Hope McMath scores a victory in her free speech fight after she was removed from the classroom over controversial social media posts.

The most powerful executive faces a possible corrective in November's elections, considered by some to be the most consequential in modern history.

Meteorologist Lew Turner delivers the long-range forecast; Miami Herald reporter Claire Heddles examines the local version of Alligator Alcatraz.

A principal removed after a weapon is found in his car, and the community reacts to racist displays at a high school volleyball game.

A new documentary chronicles the promised “hostile takeover” of Florida's New College and the protests that followed.

A new leader takes the helm of WJCT Public Media at a dynamic time in both media and nonprofit journalism. We ask her about her short-term goals and long-term vision for the organization.

A documentary highlighting the critical role of wildlife corridors comes as funding cuts imperil the program's future.

Florida Realtors pour millions into the campaign for Amendment 3.

From political fundraising at a Tampa Bay Rays game to the Duval teachers union's struggle for survival, our media roundtable discusses the week's headlines.

Local cattle ranchers and economists say President Trump's beef import plan is raising pressures on an already-strained business sector.

From the sudden departure of JEA's CEO to the state pullback on Flock surveillance cameras, we discuss the latest city news with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.

A best-selling mystery writer explains how her years as a crime reporter inform her dark fictional worldview.

From the state's lockstep Flock removal to a surprise goodbye from JEA's CEO, we discuss the week's headlines with our panel of media experts.

Community members raise the alarm about potential health and quality of life impacts of a proposed concrete manufacturing plant.

From a local band's viral hit, “Love,” to a solo performance by Billy Strings' musical collaborator, we drop the needle on the First Coast music scene

A new art exhibition showcases the work of seven indigenous artists reimagining the history of Native Americans in Florida.

A court order overturning Breathalyzer results could erase hundreds of pending DUIs.

From a bombshell grand jury report to the controversial use of flock cameras, we discuss all the week's headlines with our panel of journalists.

Having lived amid the “movable feast” of 1970s Key West, a St. Augustine artist and restaurateur is part of a new documentary on the turbulent time.

Flock cameras are watching more than roads; humanity gets a dazzling view of the Milky Way.

Florida has purged or diluted references to climate change in state science textbooks, a new report finds.

Experts explore the changing landscape for America's national parks

Primary lessons, political surprises and post-election analysis.

A former Ukrainian diplomat turned local TV producer helps keep her nation's needs and cultural heritage in sight on the First Coast.

The last of St. Augustine's activist rabbis returns to the First Coast to speak about the enduring message of the Civil Rights Movement.

The last of St. Augustine's activist rabbis returns to the First Coast to speak about the enduring message of the Civil Rights Movement.

The story of Sophia Nickerson Starks, the woman who built Jacksonville's beauty empire.

The classic novel about Florida's environmental despoliation and development is now the subject of a TV series.

It's the biggest headlines of the week, from a reported candidate assault to concerns about the expanding role of the City Council's in-house lawyer

An author who says she loves Florida enough to hate it releases a new book of essays on life in the Sunshine State.

An attorney and advocate makes her bid for Florida House District 13.

From the administration's budget balancing act to law enforcement's opposition to property tax cuts, we discuss recent headlines with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.

After three decades seeking and holding state and local office, the Democrat explains why she's running to return to the state Capitol.

Law enforcement criticizes the “staggering” impact of proposed property tax cuts.

With the team leading the inaugural UpShot league, we sit down with Jacksonville's first pro women's B-ball squad.

After positive recent polling, the perennial congressional candidate hopes the fifth time's the charm.

We ask congressman Byron Donalds, a Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate, about his stance on AI regulation, immigration, property taxes, school choice and more.

City Council fails to override a mayoral veto; lane reductions are considered in the Brooklyn neighborhood; JEA's CEO takes a leave of absence.

The next phase of Sulzbacher's Enterprise Village is underway. We discuss the origins of the project and the significance of moving core services for the area's unhoused community out of Downtown.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Palatka, one of Florida's oldest and most significant Black churches, earns a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.