Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Justin Cousart joins JMN to share all the details about tomorrow's (Sat Aug 9) TOUCH A TRUCK event at Brooks Family YMCA off Centurion Parkway in the Deerwood area. The fun starts with a horn-free hour at 8am, with all manner of big trucks, construction equipment, firetrucks, police cars, boats, food trucks, and more. Bring some school supplies to donate! It's free, but we recommend you register in advance at WOKV.COM or EVENTBRITE.COM. See you tomorrow for TOUCH A TRUCK!

Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh breaks down when and where you can expect the heat, the showers, or a combo of both, so you can plan your weekend activities accordingly.

Dr. Michael Koren, clinical researcher and host of The Medevidence Hour, joins JMN to discuss a recent directive from the US Dept of Health and Human Services to cease funding MRNA vaccination research programs. Dr. Koren discusses how this impacts current studies in-progress, and impedes advancing research.

Our local business spotlight focuses on The Selfie Showroom on Jacksonville's northside. Visit THESELFIESHOWROOM.COM or @theselfieshowroom for more information, and to see the kinds of photo fun you can have there!

Ryan reports on the Trump tariffs that took effect at midnight, and the expected economic impacts they entail. Additionally, he reports on a potential meeting between Trump and Putin, that may be a step closer to resolving the Ukraine/Russia war.

SJC Sheriff Rob Hardwick discusses proposed e-bike regulations and revisions to Florida statutes after a number of youth-related injury incidents. You can hear more from JMN's visit with Sheriff Hardwick in our ON-DEMAND interviews.

A mass shooting event yesterday at Ft. Stewart left 5 service personnel injured, before the alleged shooter, Sgt. Quornelius Radford of Jacksonville, was taken into custody. First Coast Military Life host and retired Col. Chris Budihas joins JMN to discuss the event, its impact on the military community, and shares experiences of his time serving at Ft. Stewart. You can hear more from Budihas on this and other issues affecting our service commuinty on First Coast Military Life, Sunday mornings at 8am.

In 2021, the NE Florida community was shocked by the tragic muder of 13 yr-old Tristyn Bailey. Her parents, Forrest & Stacy Bailey, along with SJCSO Cmdr. George Harrigan join JMN to discuss the importance of transparency and accessibility between law enforcement and the community in investigations, and a number of programs that have evolved since Tristyn's murder. Programs include the Tristyn Bailey Foundation, the Women Against Violent Encounters (WAVE) program, internet safety presentations, and more.

Lt. Chris Collins joins JMN, and discusses the use of technology and the role of A.I., particularly regarding the INTERCEPT Task Force dealing with Internet Crimes Against Children. Besides explaining that program, Lt. Collins has advice for parents on how to manage their children's use of technology, and how to secure your digital tech to protect your children and your data.

Ryan looks at the FY26 Congressional appropriations bills that are in the works, as a government shutdown approaches in September. Democrats have requested a meeting of the "Big 4" in Congress (Schumer/Jeffries, Thune/Johnson) to discuss the bills.

Briele Kedziora, SJCSO Recruiter & Intelligence Analyst, joins JMN. She discusses recuiting, the role of intellegence analysts, and explains how technology and the Real Time Intelligence Center helps with school safety.

Lt. West Kennedy and Sgt. Matt Harting join JMN. They discuss the Youth Services Unit, the Resource Officer Training Unit, school security resources and back-to-school preparations.

Sgt. Mike Clark and Cmdr. Keith Melton joins JMN. They discuss the SJC Jail Re-Entry Program, and the SJC Homeless Outreach initiative. Both programs are intended to help participants secure housing, employment, education, and necessary resource and support services.

Sheriff Rob Hardwick joins JMN to discuss recent events in SJC. He details how they use technology to promote safety in SJC, addresses concerns over recent e-bike incidents, details his recent visit to "Alligator Alcatraz," explains how local law enforcement traffic stops can evolve into ICE enforcement incidents, and shares tips for the upcoming back-to-school traffic adjustments.

You hear him from noon to 3pm daily, and now Erick Erickson joins JMN on Tuesdays. Today, Erick and Rich look at Texas Gov. Abbott's expressed intent to oust Democratic legislators for obstructing a quorum. The legislators argue that their absentia IS serving the interest of Texans by preventing a vote for mid-term redistricting. Hear more on the Erick Erickson Show at noon!

Ryan reports on House Speaker Mike Johnson meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing concerns of huamitarian intervention in Gaza.

Frank Kelleher, President of the Daytona International Speedway, joins JMN to share details about the upcoming NASCAR "season finale" Aug 23 Coke Zero 400, their bid to host the Jaguars during stadium construction, and the variety of events hosted at the Speedway. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 are available on the Speedway website, Ticketmaster, or at 1-800-PIT-STOP.

Congress is on hiatus until September, but that doesn't mean they aren't working -- while not in session, many Senators and Representatives are still hard at work, in their districts, meeting constituents, preparing legislation, setting appointments, and in the case of SC Rep. Nancy Mace declaring their intentions to run for other offices (she announced she's running for Governor of South Carolina just this morning!). He also speaks to the latest developments regarding President Trump firing the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief.

Sylvia Morrell with Nothing Bundt Cakes and Carla Montgomery from the Child Cancer Fund join JMN. Nothing Bundt Cakes is parterning with the Child Cancer Fund for an opportunity to "round up" your purchase, with the additional amount of your purchase going toward helping local families facing pediatric cancern challenges. The WOKV Care-A-Thon for the Child Cancer Fund is 2 weeks out, running Friday 8/15 AND Saturday 8/16. Visit NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM and come see the JMN crew tomorrow at their Crown Point location off San Jose. Visit CHILDCANCERFUND.ORG for more details on CCF and the Care A Thon!

Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh looks at this weekend's forecast and how it will affect you -- from the hot and humid Jaguars practice tonight, through weekend showers that will see inches of rain falling on parts of the Jacksonville area!

Chase Robinson from First Coast Crime Stoppers joins JMN to share details about some milestone achievements in solving crimes, getting drugs off the streets, and making communities safer through tips from the public. If you have a tip to share, you can do so anonymously throug a variety of means, including phone and app tips.

Ryan looks at the latest DC headlines. Tariffs that have been imposed but delayed will be taking effect soon, impacting prices on most consumer goods and materials. There is a legislative push to restrict sitting congresspersons and the President from actively trading securities (to take effect at a future date). Additionally, criticisms regarding federal immigrant detention facilities continues, as Democrats sue for being denied access to Alligator Alcatraz.

This week's local business spotlight features Malachi's Ice Cream Bar, on Riverside Avenue. They feature a variety of flavor scoops, plus beer and wine service, and hosts a variety of community events. Visit MALACHAISICECREAMBAR.COM for more details.

Ryan reports on the latest Senate activity, as members work toward approving their appropriations bill schedule before a September shutdown deadline. (The last time they did pass all appropriations bills on time was 1996.) Meanwhile, pressure continues on full disclosure of details from "the Epstein Files," as President Trump continues efforts to distance himself from his prior relationships with sex-traffickers the late Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell, who is negotiating terms for testimony.

Ret. Col. Chris Budihas joins JMN to share details about "First Coast Military Life," airing Sundays at 8am on WOKV. The show provides a forum for active duty, veterans, military families, and residents of the Jacksonville area community to interact about daily life, pre- and post- military service concerns, business opporunities, and more. You can't have a Jacksonville community without the service personnel who live and work in the area. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, a military family member, friend, or neighbor, this show is for you -- First Coast Military Life, Sundays 8am.

Sheriff T.K. Waters joins JMN, discussing how the Sheriff's office works to maintain transparecncy with the public and responding to community concerns -- for example, he discusses the recent attention surrounding the McNeel traffic stop and subsequent investigation. In other JSO issues, he looks at recent town hall meetings, community outreach programs, relocating the Sheriff's Office to a new biulding complex, and a variety of JSO initiatives oriented toward increasing public safety and reducing crime.

Vic Micolucci and Reagan Fink from the JSO Strategic Communications Office join JMN to discuss how social media and story telling is applied in JSO's strategies for public safety, community engagement, and crime resolutions.

Cmdr. Scott Lundquist from JSO's Traffic & Special Enforcement discusses how JSO is addressing back-to-school traffic challenges, including school zone speed enforcement, bus safety, and more.

Police Information Officer (PIO) Christian Hancock joins JMN, to discuss media relations, unsolved crimes, the Connect Duval program, and more. You can explore JSO's various resources and programs, and share information, at JAXSHERIFF.ORG .

Sgt. Michael Monts from the JSO Missing Persons division discusses the resources they use in investigations, the REVAMP program (Registry for Endagered, Vulnerable and Missing Persons) used for the safe return of registered at-risk persons, scent jar kits, trackers, and more.

Cmdr. Chuck Ford discusses JSO's Community Engagement resources, including (but not limited to) school corssing guards, the Police Athletic League, academic resources, the Teen Driving Academy, the Police Explorer program for older teens/young adults, and more.

Sgt. Phil Christie joins JMN to discuss the Economic Crimes division, and discusses how JSO investigates financial crimes, embezzlement, check fraud, scams, and more.

Ryan reports that while the House is in recess until September, the Senate is working on a variety of projects, including Trump nominee confirmations. Additoinally, they are working on appropriations bills, and various committee meetings including one today on the recent Iran strikes.

Brian joins JMN with the latest details on yesterday's mass shooting in Manhattan, and thoughts on President Trump's trade agreements with the European Union developing deals in Asia. Hear more on the Brian Kilmeade Show, 10am-noon.

Ryan has the latest on reactions to the US / EU trade deals, the DOJ interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell re: "the Epstein files," a Biden aide testifying about the former President's mental acuity during this service term, and developing interest in Georgia primaries.

The Wildlife Wanderer is back with details of on-going and up-coming events at the Jacksonville Zoo, and how the facility is set up to protect you and the animals from the summer heat. Tunes & Blooms is ongoing through the summer. Brew at the Zoo is coming up in September! And the Manatee River is coming soon! Do you have your annual membership yet?

Jonathan reports on trade agreements between the US and European Union. A blanket 15% tariff will be applied on most imported EU goods, with 50% tariffs on steel remaining in place. Many in the EU aren't seeing this as a win, calling it "unbalanced," but see it as a "least bad" solution vs. an outright trade war.

Ryan reports on a recent report from National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election. Previous reports implicated the Trump campaign in an intentional misinformation campaign leading up to the election. Gabbard's latest report inverts liability to blame the Obama administration. Skeptics speculate that this report, along with a series of other recent document releases (rgarding MLK Jr.'s assassination, etc.) are attempts to distract attention from President Trump's potential inclusion in the so-called "Epstein Files" scandal.

It's a hot weekend so whatever you're doing, stay hydrated! There's a Beaches Pop-Up with vendors, food trucks, and all sorts of fun Saturday at the Seawalk Pavilion. Want to get out of the heat for a bit? Check out the "War At The Beaches" exhibit at the Beaches Museum. And if you're downtown, there's lots of music at the Florida Theatre this weekend -- Ryan Adams performs tonight, and Lorrie Morgan performs Saturday. Lots of other things going on -- what are you up to this weekend?

Brian previews today's show, looking at Tulsi Gabbard's ongoing investigations into the Obama and Biden administrations. Tune in for this and more on the Brian Kilmeade Show 10a-noon.

Our local business spotlight shines on the Jacksonville Flower Market, where you can find "the perfect bouquet for any occasion." Visit JACKSONVILLEFLOWERMARKET.COM or find them on Instgram for more information.

Brian looks at the headlines he'll be discussing on today's show -- Trump's economic successes (...?) vs. his diminishing public favor ratings, Columbia University's educational concessions in today's restricted-speech-and-globalism academic era, and Tulsi Gabbard's latest "government intelligence" allegations regarding the Obama era administration's "witchhunt" against Trump. Hear more on the Brian Kilmeade Show 10am-12pm.