Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Florida leads the nation in recreational boating, with 1.2 million registered boats and $31.3 billion in annual economic activity, supporting nearly 110,000 jobs. Robert Newsome, Chief Administrative Officer and SVP Operations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), discusses what boating means for Florida's economy, why the state is the nation's largest boating market, and the latest trends shaping how people get on the water. He also discusses how boaters are navigating fuel prices and the growing popularity of rentals and boat clubs.

Jeff Monosso has this FOX Wheels update on the latest iteration of Ford's Mustang, as the legacy muscle/sports car brand introduces their first-ever 4 door version.

Luigi Mangione entered a guilty plea in federal court to charges related to the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione faces separate state charges in NY, including murder charges. FOX News' Tonya Powers has the latest with his murder case(s) moving forward.

Eben covers the latest on the US/Iran conflict, as the 60-day period from the Memo of Understanding expires, with no resolution achieved and none in site.

The US and South Korea are holding one of their annual major military drills, an 11-day operation called Ulchi Freedom Shield. Despite the long-established scheduled exercises and allience between SOKO and the US, President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back the scope and volume of exercises, claiming his friendship with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un reduces any risk of actual incidents.

MON – Clark shares his best strategy on how to deal with scam calls.

Chase Bunker is in for Kristine Bellino. FOX News' Tonya Powers recaps the kitchen legacy of Crisco, the all-vegetable shortening product used in baking and frying for 115 years. Long before modern health or marketing trends about vegetarianism, veganism, being kosher, or gluten-free, Crisco has been a part of recipies from entrees to desserts. "Crisco'll do you proud every time!"

Chase Bunker is in for Kristine Bellino. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down - who might be next to serve as the WH Press Secretary? FOX News' Jared Halpern looks at possible candidates for the post. Jared also looks at the demands of the Press Secretary job, and why it typically turns over every 2 or 3 years.

The Cleveland Clinic launches a prescription drone delivery program. Eben Brown has the details on how technology is changing the game, and how this may impact other chronic treatment clinics' future delivery methods.

FRI – Clark says airfare rates will be coming down soon – especially for “economy” tickets!

Dr. Jeffrey Rubin discusses common financial stressors in our lives, and what we can do about them - to improve our health, our finances, our future plans, etc.

Reports are emerging of potential mental health crises aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, after alleged suicide attempts by multiple crew members in the midst of their current 9th month of deployment in an active theater. The ship has not docked in port for over 250 days. Retired Col. Chris Budihas, host of First Coast Military Life, joins JMNID to share some perspectives about the crews' conditions, mental health challenges of deployment, and what resources the military may employ. Hear more on First Coast Military Life every Sunday at 8am.

The US State Department has yanked more than 175k visas under the Trump administration so far, for a variety of alleged offenses and/or arbitrary objection. Questions abound as to whether these revocations have been conducted through due process, and whether certain nationalities have been targeted. FOX News's Tonya Powers has the details.

Action News Jax State & Local Gov't Reporter Jake Stofan checks in with a weekly update on the state of Florida government and politics. Early voting continues through Sunday, with the Florida primary next week. Jake looks at the current polling stats, the new COJ budget from Mayor Deegan, and more.

A deadly Ebola outbreak has killed 2,000+ in the Congo, as experts reveal what Americans should know.

THU – Clark looks at the new normal of high interest loan rates. His advice? THINK before you borrow!

FOX News's Tonya Powers has the latest on social media and technology firm META's trial woes, as jury selection begins in the latest social media trial. Meta is accused of designing and deploying harmful features that addict children. What do we need to know?

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has been convicted of war crimes in absentia by a Damascus court. FOX News's Jonathan Savage has the latest detals on the trial, as the former Syrian dictator is currently living in exhile in Moscow.

FOX News's Jeff Monosso updates the only-in-America story of multi-state gas/convenience store monolith Buc-ee's suing Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, over alleged image copyright infringement. It's one of MANY lawsuits that have some viewing Buc-ee's as a big bully.

Jimmy offers his takes on the primary elections, as the success streak of Democratic Socialist candidates crashed out in Wisconsin. Does this mean the polling data could be wrong, and the DSA isn't as popular as some would have you believe? Don't get it twisted though -- Lindsey Graham's sister is headed for a run-off election, showing Republicans get always get it done either. Then there's Trump's "Great Escape" from Tukiye using Air Force 1 as a decoy. And Fox News's Kennedy recently got married -- Jimmy has the latest on the K-trian's honeymoon hijinks tonight on FOX ACROSS AMERICA starting at 6pm!

Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski is the founder and director of The First Responder Project, a nonprofit providing mental health support, peer training, and recalibration retreats for first responders and military personnel. These folks' jobs often put them in service during peoples' worst moments, and that entails its own challenges, begging the question - Who helps the helpers? These folks! Visit FIRSTRESPONDERPROJECT.ORG for more information.

Sgt. Kevin Briggs, retired California Highway Patrolman, is the keynote speaker for the Zero Suicide St. Johns Summit. He shares his personal and professional experiences and methods to start the conversation and engage people who may be considering self harm. You can hear additional information in a full length interview from JMN IN-DEPTH with Kristine Bellino, available on WOKV On-Demand Audio.

Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems, discusses the Zero Suicide Summit. Participants get training in intervention and care resources to provide crisis abatement, so they can bring these resources into their work and social communities. If you or someone you know are in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate assistance.

Mr. Dennis Maneja, Chief Operating Officer at St. Augustine Youth Services, join JMN to discuss mental health and crisis management resources for children, teens, and young adults.

WED – Clark looks at the pressures and expenses of kids' sports programs.

Sgt Kevin Briggs is a California Highway Patrol officer (known as "the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge"), noted for his work in suicide prevention. He will be the keynote speaker for the Zero Suicide St. Augustine event Wednesday, Aug 12. He joins JMNID to share some of his experiences and what motivates him to be an advocate for this cause.

FOX News's Tonya Powers has the latest update on the Luigi Mangione trial coverage, as he faces federal and state charges regarding the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Erick joins JMN and shares his favorite guilty pleasure fast food, his favorite thing to cook himself, and thoughts on what's cooking with the Florida Primary election. Hear more on the Erick Erickson Show weekdays at noon!

France places a ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, starting today. How did they go about this? Is there any hope for similar legislation in the U.S.?

TUE – A.I. is intruding into everything – including buying & selling stocks for you in some brokerages! Clark shares his opinion of why this is a REALLY bad idea!

A recent study from WalletHub ranked the best and worst states to have a baby in. FOX News's Tonya Powers breaks down the ranksings, and where Florida finished on the best & worst lists.

It's Back To School time in Florida! FOX News's Eben Brown looks at proposals to change school hours to start later - what does that mean for parents who work? And with schools restricting student use of phones & electronic devices, how useful is the Fortify FL real-time security app?

Christian Hancock, JSO Public Information Officer, joins JMN to discuss back to school traffic adjustments and tips to get students safely to school as the new academic year starts. Look for siginificant increases in daily traffic, frequent school bus stops, and LOTS of pedestrians in your local school areas.

The US/Iran conflict continues, as Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects the latest US negotiated deal with Gaza. Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw troops until HAMAS is gone. Meanwhile, Iran refuses to re-open the Strait of Hormuz without control concessions from the US, which President Trump adamntly refuses to agree to.

MON – “Bear Markets” mean see stock values decline. What simple strategy does Clark suggest that will help you mitigate the market?

The WOKV Newsroom put together this analysis of candidates and issues on the primary ballot, as a resource to help you make informed election choices. Find more informaiton on the WOKV Voting Guide, and tune in to WOKV for full election coverage and results. Early voting is active through Sunday, 8/16, and the formal primary election is Tuesday, August 18.

Andew Linn, Owner/Broker for ERA One Team, joins JMN and details incentives available to help home buyers. A recent Redfin survey estimates an average income requirement of +/- $110k to meet expenses associated with owning a single family home in Florida. Linn addresses fiscal and legislative measures to help buyers enter the market and make achieving the "American dream" affordable and accessible. Visit ERAONETEAM.COM to learn more.

WOKV political analyst Dr. Sean Freeder, ANJ State & Local Government reporter Jake Stofan, and JMN host Rich Jones give you a primer on the candidates and issues appearing on regional ballots for the August 18 Florida primary election. Early voting opens this weekend throughout the North Florida area. If you want more in-depth (pun intended!) coverage, an extended feature with more detailed analysis of this year's ballot will air Saturday at 4pm, Sunday at 11am, and be available on demand. Be sure to follow additional election analysis as we move toward the Novemeber general election.

A Senate Committee voted to hold Dr. Fauci in Contempt of Congress. The contempt charge is regarding his failure to provide testimony (despite invoking his 5th Amendment Constitutional right to not answer). It is NOT in any way-shape-size-or-form related to his stewardship of health issues during the pandemic, despite people confusing and conflating these issues. What's next? More political theater, as Rand Paul and others seek some way to blame Fauci for … something ... at a state level, so his pre-emptive federal Presidential pardon would not apply.

Just when you thought we were getting over tainted food worries, there is a salmonella alert affecting Chipotle and Qdoba restaurant customers. The issue entails jalapenos sourced from Sineloa, Mexico, and isn't as severe as the tainted-lettuce cylosporiasis drama. This jalepeno issue has not been attached to any grocery retailers (yet). PRO TIP -- avoid jalepno lettuce wraps TFN!!

August 7th in National Purple Heart Day. COJ Military Affairs Director Harrison Conyers describes Jacksonville's "Purple Heart Trail," part of this evening's Purple Heart ceremony. Events begin at 630pm at the Veterans Memorial Wall downtown.

Strait of Hormuz latest: No deal has been reached yet on the re-opening, as Iran and Oman want tolls for safe passage; President Trump says that is unacceptable (but thinks it's okay if the US charges safety tariffs). Short form? STILL no improvements. In other international news, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe starts this weekend in Scotland, it is the world's largest arts festival and ranks with the Olympics and World Cup in total ticket sales.