Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Action Sports Jax's Brent Martineau joins Jacksonville's Morning News on a victory Monday.

It's Victory Monday in Jacksonville. Mayor Donna Deegan joins the Jacksonville's Morning News crew to talk about the future of the city's parks that have opened and are primed to open.

The agenda for Congress is full. The clock is ticking to fully fund the government and figure out what to do with expiring healthcare subsidies, along with what may come of the multiple strikes against Venezuelan boats. FOX's Ryan Schmelz elaborates.

Pope Leo takes his first international trip. FOX's Jonathan Savage joins JMN to share what Leo says is an essential factor in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Clark shares some health tips to keep you active during the holiday season, to save you from that New Year's Resolution you won't keep anyway.

Clark looks at how new battery technology allows you to save on your power bill, and shares a power management strategy for your home.

Artificial Intelligence is the cool new trend in technology and finance, but Clark looks at why you're still well served to get a foundation in STEM and computer science to stay on the cutting edge of this technology – and to know how to do things WITHOUT relying on A.I.

The City of Jacksonville's ACPS holds a memorial a month after abandoned Great Dane puppy Oak was found on the side of the road by Perrin Todd.

Ryan looks at the peace terms negotiatons US arbiters are working on between Russia and Ukraine. While neogitations continue, critics contend the terms are currently favoring Russia, so work continues. Meanwhile in DC, the health care subsidies that were forefront during the government shutdown are in disucssion now in Congress, and President Trump has indicated he's open to negotiating an extension deal.

Jaidon Walker, a student at Raines High School, discusses how a meeting with Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. led to a Mayoral office internship in the Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement & Youth Participation. He worked on the Legacy Project investigating Jacksonville's history of involvement in advancing civil rights. The experience has spurred an interest on his part to engage in local politics, with an eye toward an eventual City Council position where he can work on unity, bipartisanship, and partnerships in the community.

Jimmy Failla checks in with his hot take on holiday traditions (sing "Football bets, and dodging bookies, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-Failla"), why Elvis is still the King (just not with Jimmy's neighbor), and the toils of working through the holiday...in Vegas. Wasn't there a Vacation movie about that??? Hear more with Jimmy Failla on Fox Across America, every weeknight at 6pm!

The post-Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally the big holiday shopping/retail period -- Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday -- but with great deals, comes great opportunity to be scammed. Eben looks at the growth of online retail scammers, up 250% since October, just wawiting to Grinch your holiday shopping.

Ukraine peace talks continue, but so do Russian attacks on the country. Can representatives of the US, Ukraine, and Russia work out an agreement, or will this require in-person negotiations by Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin?

Clark looks at changes in flood risk insurance, and why it's not just a concern for coastal residents any more.

A recent video message from six Democratic lawmakers advising active duty military that they are not required to obey illegal orders, has stirred controversy and provoked extremely critical responses from the President and others. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in particular is being targeted in responses from the Pentagon, as he is a retired military officer. Col. Chris Budihas (Ret), WOKV military affairs expert and host of First Coast Military Life, looks at the situation, whether or not the messaging was illegal, and the resulting political theater.

Clark has a tip on how to keep track of your luggage when you travel, so you'll know where your bag is – even when the airline doesn't!

Action News Jax's Ben Becker looks at travelers who abuse wheelchair services at the airport, in an effort to beat the boarding crowds and secure preferred seating. Catch his full report on CBS47 and FOX30 tonight at 5:45pm.

Chase Robinson from First Coast Crime Stoppers shares how a local tip on a recent Mandarin murder lead to the capture and arrest of a subject in Dallas, TX. If you have a tip, your anonymity is protected and could be rewarded. Call 866-845-TIPS (8477).

Rachael Wyant, Director of Research for Downtown Vision, has a "State of Downtown Report" on growth and development regarding residential, commercial, and professional interests for the Downtown area, including the ribbon cutting for RiversEdge Park on the South Bank..

Ryan has the latest from DC, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green announcing her intent to resign in January. This marks the latest high-profile rift between President Trump and his MAGA allies. What's next for MTG, and what does this mean for Republican control in the House?

FOX News's Jonathan Savage has the latest on US-led peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. While Secretary Rubio says the talks are progressing, critics say the current proposal is skewed significantly in favor of Russia.

During the 10am hour of The Brian Kilmeade Show, Brian had a one-on-one interview with President Trump in advance of the Trump-Mamdani meeting later today. Brian's interview is presented in its entirety here, with Trump addressing Mamdani, socialism in America, Trump's criticism of Democratic veteran military objections, .Trump's peace plan for Russia/Ukraine, and more.

Florida's Voice with Drew Steele airs 9pm-midnight weeknights on WOKV. Drew joins JMN to discuss his career, his show, and the upcoming Salute America event. Get to know Drew here, then say hello in person on December 10th!

Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh turns a weather eye on the weekend, as temps are expected to remain mild to unseasonably warm leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday next week.

Wildlife Wanderer Curtis Dvorak joins JMN to discuss the upcoming Toast to Conservation event in February, featuring guest speaker Robert Irwin! Crikey! Tickets to the event have sold out, but corporate sponsorships are still available. The Colors of the Wild promotion starts this weekend, showcasing the Gardens and featuring a huge collection of incredible Chinese lantern exhibits. And Curtis shared breaking news: the new Manatee habitat opens March 6! Now is a great time to get a Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens membership -- and they make great holiday gifts too!

Ryan addresses a number of DC headlines. A controversial call by six veteran Democratic lawmakers to US troops to "refuse to follow unlawful orders," drew a harsh response from President Trump, who called the statements "seditious behaviour, punishable by death." This sent the White House into a damage control spiral, insisting Trump did not intend to call for literally executing congressmen. In other news, the House moved to repeal a provision allowing senators to (individually) sue the Justice Dept. for up to $500k/ea in regard to phone record searches in an FBI investigation called "Arctic Frost." And finally, the House staged a "vote" on a Resolution to Denounce Socialism, in part as a response to the election of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, who meets with Trump later today.

Marilyn Darius, Food Pantry Manager, LJD Jewish Family and Community Services' (JFCS) Max Block Food Pantry, joins JMN to discuss a Thanksgiving oriented food distribution event for Monday & Tuesday, providing some relief to area residents and homeless persons facing food insecurity issues. If you care to donate, you can drop off non-perishable food items, or donate cash to be utilized by their partners at Feeding Northeast Florida (whose bulk vendor deals make that cash go really far!). Visit JFCSJAX.ORG/FEEDING-HOPE/ for more information.

Tepeyolot Cerveceria is a San Marco area casual restaurant and craft brewery serving Mexican cuisine. All food is inspired by family recipes, and made fresh daily. Their brewery offers craft lagers, fresh margaritas, sangria, wine and various mixed drinks. Learn more at TEPEYS.COM or visit them on Kings Ave in San Marco.

Clark looks at the modern trend of parents continuing to financially support their adult children, and what impact could that have on those parents' eventual retirement.

John Hale, UNF Associate VP Administration & Finance, joins JMN to share details on the recently approved UNF Master Plan. It's been 18 months in development and will unfold over 10 years, offering new instructional programs, expanded campus and technology resources, and better service for their growing student body.

It's a "Week of Censures" in DC, with 4 attempts to pass censure resolutions in the past 2 days, including some in-party censure efforts - serving up quite a distraction from the ongoing "Epstein Files" drama. Speaking of Epstein, President Trump signed the bill compelling the relesase of Epstein related documents from the DOJ within the next 30 days - subject to certain exemptions.

Lots to do this weekend in the Jax area. "CLUE" continues its run at the Moran Theatre. In Jacoby Hall, the Jacksonville Symphony's presents "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" - you watch the movie, and the Jax Symphony plays the soundtrack live! The Florida Theatre's weekend lineup includes "RAIN - A Beatles Christmas Tribute" tonight, and Floyd Nation performs their "Wish You Were Here" tribute to Pink Floyd on Friday. There is always a great art exhibit on display at the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) downtown, including current display "Whitney Oldenberg: left behind." And the Jax Zoo's "Colors of the Wild" is on now -- and rumor has it Santa will be at the Zoo this weekend! All this and more in the Weekend Spotlight story! Tell us what you're up to!

Clark looks at how you can save on home internet pricing – and why “wireless home internet” from a cell service provider like Mint Mobile might be right for you!

Near-unanimous Congressional support saw the bill requiring the release of Epstein-related investigation documents advance to President Trump. Once he has signed it, the question becomes "What will the DOJ release, and when?" The DOJ/Attorney General still retains authority to redact or withhold information related to active investigations.

Election dust has settled, the shutdown is over, and Congress is back to work. All is not well within the parties, though, particularly among high profile Democrats -- as AOC distances herself from Hakeem Jeffries' primary challenger.

Jonesing for a new (to you) car? Clark has some tips about getting the best price, and why you don't want to finance for more than 42 months!

FSCJ President Dr. John Avendano, joins JMN to discuss a $1 million gift from the Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation for student scholarships through the FSCJ Foundation. The I Choose FSCJ Workforce Scholarship Fund and the Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund dollars will be awarded to students enrolled in critical academic programs that serve the highest workforce needs of the community, including health care, logistics, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, IT and cybersecurity, and culinary and hospitality. Additionally, preference will be given to students who are completing their final 15 credit hours to better position them to complete their programs of study and graduate.

The House looks to vote Tuesday on resolution to force release of the Epstein files, and has the endorsement of President Trump, after his abrupt position change earlier this week.

Jonathan has the latest on Gaza peace plan developments. Is the battle for Palestinian statehood causing a rift between the US and Israel?

Action Sports Jax's Brent Martineau joins JMN with a recap of last weekend's absolute mauling the Jags put on the visiting LA Chargers. The 35-6 domination brings the Jags up to 6-4 on the season, and puts them in a strong 2nd place position in the division.

Col. Chris Budihas (Ret), WOKV Military Analyst and host of First Coast Military Life, looks at the developing scenarios of US forces massing near Venezuela for "Operation Southern Spear," headed by the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Ryan has the latest from D.C., as Congress begins working on appropriations bills in an effort to pass them before the next funding deadline of January 30. Meanwhile, controversy surrounding the so-called "Epstein Files" continues, as President Trump shifts from avoiding the topic to advocating their release. What prompted this change?