Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Jeff shares his latest insights on Operation: Epic Fury, as action escalates and the theatre involved expands. Secretary Hegseth says we will achieve "succes," but what does that mean and at what cost? And do Israel and the US have sufficient allied support?

Dr. Sean Freeder shares the latest UNF statewide poll data, including attitudes on governor & senate candidates, immigration policies, property taxes, and more.

HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous hosts Dave & Jenny Marrs will be at the Jax Home & Patio Show this weekend at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. They joined JMN to share how they bring ideas from their show to live stages, offer practical tips for starting home renovaion projects, and share the chaos that is family life off-camera. The Jaxksonville Spring Home & Patio Show is this weekend, March 6-8. Visit JACKSONVILLESPRINGHOMESHOW.COM for tickets and information.

DHS Sec. Kristi Noem testified before a Senate oversight hearing on the Department of Homeland Security, addressing multiple issues including the ICE policies that lead to multiple fatal shootings in Minnesota.

WOKV military analyst Col. Chris Budihas looks at what we know about Operation: Epic Fury so far, the strategic measures in play, and how the theatre is expanding with Hezbollah getting involved, and the implications if a NATO country is attacked outright. Additionally, he looks ahead to a very personal edition of First Coast Military Life coming up this Sunday at 8am.

Tonya has projected results from yesterday's primary elections. Among the high-profile races In Texas, Talarico wins the Dem. US Senate nomination in a close race Crockett, while Cornyn and Paxton go to a runoff for the Rep. bid. Gov. Abbott won the Rep. Gov. nomination handily. US Rep Dan Crenshaw lost his incumbent bid for reelection to the House.

While Defense Secretary Hegseth is advising America about Operation: Epic Fury, Jimmy Failla is getting his guidance from Captain Crunch and General Mills, giving you a comedic respite from a very serious world. He shares his thoughts on the military effort, primary election results, and why "less is more" works for political campaigns.Hear more with Jimmy Failla weeknights at 6pm on Fox Across America!

Eben looks at security measures the US may be employing domestically, in light of heightened risks associated with Operation: Epic Fury retaliation. While not definitively linked, the recent mass shooting in Austin TX is an example for consideration of risk/response scenarios.

Jonathan has the latest on Operation: Epic Fury, as NATO reports an Iranian-launched missile was intercepted en route to Turkey's airspace. This would be the first overt attack on a NATO member; NATO currently remains uninvolved. The late Ayathollah Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei may be the next Supreme Leader.

Ruthie Blum, Senior Contributing Editor for the Jewish News Syndicate, and co-host of the Israel Undiplomatic podcast, joins JMN live from Tel Aviv. Ruthie reports that in addition to strikes from Iran, Hezbollah is firing missile strikes from Lebanon, and Lebanese missile strikes offer very little advance warning time to seek safety. Despite increased violence, attitudes among Israelis are generally favorable for the current operations against Iran and the associated US support, and optimistic for quick resolution.

WED – Clark looks at how new technology can provide important diagnostic and tracking data to help you and your doctor manage your health care.

Brian shares thoughts on prolonged military campaigns, and how Americans have a long history of wanting rapid results and resolution... but history shows that isn't always possible. Hear more of Brian's thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury and other headlines on the Biran Kilmeade Show daily at 10am!

TUE – The summer concert and events season is coming, and ticket demand might be high! Clark says if you have to buy from a re-seller, make sure you're purchasing on a platform that will guarantee your ticket – so you don't get scammed!

Mike McCormick of Florida's Poison Control Centers, and guests Kim & Bryan Kelly join JMN. The Kellys lost their son Palmer 6 years ago to drug addiction. They are turning their pain into purpose in cooperation with Drug Free Duval, raising awareness about addiction and recovery/help resources. They are promoting the 2nd Annual A.L.I.V.E. Golf Classic, May 4 at Queen's Harbour Yacht & Country Club. A.L.I.V.E. = All Life Is Valuable Everyone. Visit DRUGFREEDUVAL.ORG for more information. The Florida Poison Control Center is available at 800-222-1222.

2026 Midterm election primaries start today in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas. A number of GOP incumbents are retiring or facing inter-party challengers, creating opportunities for Democrats to flip seats. With controlling margins in state and federal legislatures very close, every primary is important. WOKV will recap primary results tomorrow.

Israel's Operation: Roaring Lion and the US's companion Operation: Epic Fury continue, Iran has stepped up its retaliations strikes with missile and drone attacks on surrounding countries. President Trump says he is prepared for the campaign to last 4 or more weeks, with the hardest hits yet to come. Global fuel and economic impacts are already being felt.

WOKV military analyst Col. Chris Budihas looks at the ongoing processes in Operation: Epic Fury. So far, two US Embassies have been closed (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) and non-essential personnel have been ordered to evacuate other regional embassies as Iran retaliates with missile and drone strikes. The current political rhetoric is that the US will not put "boots on the ground," but if engagement is prolonged, how long before more local Navy personnel are among those deployed to the region? Hear more analysis and military oriented content with Col. Chris Budihas on Fist Coast Military Life every Sunday at 8am.

Alex Traiman, Jerusalem Bureau Chief for Jewish News Syndicate, provides a live report from Israel as Iranian missile strikes continue. Today marks the 4th day of the US Military's Operation: Epic Fury, supporting Israel in military action against Israel. Traiman says Israelis are overwhelmingly in support of the military actions, and have been expecting a major military campaign since the Oct 7 attack.

Jeff McCausland looks at the events of Operation: Epic Fury, the goals American and Israeli military hope to achieve, and how long this military campaign might be expected to last.

Mayor Deegan joins JMN to discuss current issues in Jacksonville, including how current military actions in Iran and abroad impact local families in the Jacksonville military communities, the latest controversies regarding JEA, the 49th Annual Gate River Run & Jax Food and Wine Festival, local sports franchises, stadium renovations, a treat for Jacksonville's junior readers, and more.

The DHS funding shutdown has forced missed paychecks as the immigration policy standoff deepens. Tonya updates how this shutdown is additionally impacted by active military operations, and what pressure that creates to resolve the funding issue before Congress is on break again.

WOKV military affairs analyst Chris Budihas joins JMN, and shares thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury, strategic initiatives in play, and the unusual delay in a formal public briefing (2 days later?) after a major military engagement. Hear more with Chris Budihas every Sunday at 8am with First Coast Military Life.

Representative Bean joins JMN to share thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury, and legislative brifings to come later this week.

Representative Rutherford joins JMN to share thoughts on Operation: Epic Fury, and legislative briefings to come later this week.

"Operation Epic Fury" - US and Israel launched military operations against Iran over the weekend. The UK is allowing limited use of British bases for air strike launches. In Kuwait, the US Embassy has been attacked, and Kuwait “accidentally” (?) shot down several US fighter jets - those air crews are fine, though.

Eben reports on domestic legislator reactions to "Operation: Epic Fury." Unsurprisingly, reactions tend to generally favor party lines, with Republicans supportive and Democrats critical of the military strikes, but calls for a review of War Powers have renewed in Congress.

MON – Despite some opinions that college is less valuable now, enrollment is at a ten-year high. Clark looks at how to get the most value for your college investment, whether it's vocational skill training at your local community college, getting you into the workforce sooner, or the degree and independence of the “four-year sleep away” university experience. The biggest value isn't about college or no college, but where college is going to lead.

The UF Proton Therapy Institute celebrates 20 years of service in Jacksonville, and today's Good News features Jacksonville City Councilman Terrance Freeman shares his prostate cancer journey, and how treatment with the UFPTI got him through the fear, uncertainty, and depression of cancer to the other side -- remission, advocacy, and being a support resource for other men on their journey.

Action News Jax state and local government Jake Stofan has the latest updates from the Florida Legislative Session. Topics in review include E-bike restrictions related LEO documentation of E-bike incidents, and the establishment of an FDLE animal cruelty registry to track offenders, similar to the sexual predator registry. There will be an additional "special session" of the Florida Legislature to address property tax reformations, so legislators can focus their attention specifically on this complex issue.

Chase Robinson from FCCS joins JMN, asking for your help to resolve recent events including the teen takeover/shooting events at Jax Beach last weekend and the possibility of another similar event this weekend. Additionally, FCCS is collaborating with multiple Florida law enforcement agencies on cases of human trafficking in our area. If you have a tip on any crime, your anonymity is guaranteed and it could be worth money. Call 866-845-TIPS (8477). or dial **TIPS on your cell phone.

Action News Jax meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh joins JMN with a look at this weekend's forecast. Rain is coming early Saturday, but it's just passing through before we get warm and dry again, with temperatures rising through the week as we move closer to the Gate River Run and Players' Championship events coming up.

Michigan Governor Whitmer says Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Candaa will open this year, despite President Trump's threats to block it. It is the first new international crossing in the area in Canada paid all the construction fees and will reap all of the toll benefits, raising the ire of President Trump and prompting his familiar lamentations about unfair trade, tariff, collection, and political rhetoric.

Former Senator & Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before a Congressional hearing regarding the Epstein files. While it was supposed to be a closed hearing, a photo leak allegedly originating with Rep. Boebert disrupted the day's testimony. Clinton claims she did not recall any occasion of meeting Epstein personally but recounted several charity events that her husband, former President Bill Clinton, traveled to and/or attended with Epstein. The Clintons are being forced to testify vs. threats of congressional contempt. President Clinton testifies today, the first time a former president has been required to testify -- raising the question of when/if current President Trump will be subject to the same compulsion.

Sally Hazelip, Head of School for the North Florida School of Special Education, joins JMN to discuss the JTA Connexion Plus fare hike, and how it will negatively impact the special needs community.

Another round of diplomatic talks between US and Iran has wrapped, with no concrete agreement announced. Iran is insisting on its sovereignty in choosing how to manage any nuclear development program. President Trump has been threatening possible military intervention if Iran refused to cooperate. The US gov't has advised all non-essential American personnel in the Israel embassy to evacuate now, just in case.

Next week, Instagram will begin to alert parents if teens search for self-harm or suicide, or other controversial topical flags. FOX's Eben Brown breaks down the intent and process for parent company Meta's new new content policy.

FRI – Clark looks at volunteerism, a great way to invest your ideas and work efforts into your community to make things better now!

Daniel Davis, President and CEO Jax Chamber, joins JMN to share details on the Jax Food & Wine Festival, Saturday March 7 at Artists Square Park. This is the inaugural event, featuring tastings from the Foley wine collection, local chef cuisine, music, and more -- and it's a great way to celebrate/recover from the Gate River Run! Visit JFWF.COM for tickets.

It's back to the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) for the Artemis II rocket, after discovering more repairs are needed. The next launch window is in April. Eben Brown has the details.

Sec. of Defense Hegseth is reviving his push to punish Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly over "illegal orders,” appealing a judge's previous order that Kelly is not to be punished. Kelly responded on X that “These guys don't know when to quit.” The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 92, defines illegal orders as any that violate the US Constitution, US laws, or laws of war, so a precedent exists.

Lots going on this weekend in the 904. Nate Bargatze brings laughs to the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena tonight. The Beaches Night Market happens at the Seawalk Pavilion. It's the last weekend for the Calida Rawles art exhibit at the Cummer. Styx performs this weekend at The Amp in St. Augustine. We welcome Leigh Ann Rassler to the Weekend Spotlight with details for the 31st NE Florida Scottish Games, this weekend in Green Cove Springs - where you can meet TV's Highlander (Adrian Paul). All this and more is in our Weekend Spotlight story.

Cuban military had a fatal armed encounter vs. a Florida-registered speedboat. Secretary Rubio heads to the Caribbean to meet with leaders about US policy in the region. In other international news, US delegates are continuing discussion with Iran regarding nuclear restrictions.