Michael Bell in court on June 23, 2025.( News4Jax)

Just weeks from a scheduled execution, two key witnesses recant their testimony, then reverse themselves in court. Last week, Duval County Circuit Judge Jeb Branham denied granting death row defendant Michael Bell a new trial or resentencing hearing in the 1993 double murder of Jimmie West and Tamecka Smith. We talk about the legal implications of the case and possible next steps with the reporter who broke the story.

Guest:

• Nichole Manna, investigative reporter at The Tributary.

Then, a historic community ramps up business revitalization efforts through neighborhood-based entrepreneurship. The Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association offers peer to peer mentoring services to established and upstart businesses alike, with the goal of providing entrepreneurial support to promote inclusive neighborhood revitalization.

Guests:

• Michael Haskins, executive director at Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.
• Patti Peeples, business adviser and facilitator at Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association.

And, merging fashion and sustainability with community connection, content creator and event curator Alyce Rose does not fully accept Jacksonville’s recently received superlative, “most boring city” in America. She joins us to discuss community building and the power of thrifting ahead of her upcoming event, which features vintage and thrift vendors, a clothing swap and a food truck. “Thriftnic” takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Ruby Beach Brewing.