Today on “First Coast Connect,” University of North Florida history Professor David Courtwright (01:08) talked about the nation’s long history of opiate addiction. Our series “Moveable Feast with Leigh Court” featured Flippin’ Good Cookies owner Janice Newton (32:33). And we spoke with MOMS for Sight Executive Director Lisa Pleasants (42:53).

Today on “First Coast Connect,” University of North Florida political science Professor Matt Corrigan (01:03) talked about a local connection to the scandal involving Russia and the Trump administration. We spoke with author Ryan Cragun (21:47) ahead of his talk Monday night with the First Coast Freethought Society and Cole Pepper (38:19) brought us this week’s sports news.

Today on “First Coast Connect,” our weekly Media Roundtable included Florida Politics reporter A.G. Gancarski and WJCT’s Ryan Benk and Kevin Meerschaert (01:11). The Humana Foundation’s Laura Nolan and University of Florida professor and endowed chairwoman in Health Disparities Research Carolyn Tucker (38:20) discussed the foundation’s recent $444,000 donation to four Jacksonville nonprofit organizations. Finally, Rethreaded founder Kristin Keen and Wayne Bailey (46:22) with The River City

Today on “First Coast Connect,” we spoke with a local Turkish refugee (01:03) about the situation in his native country and the crackdown on dissidents since last year’s attempted coup. We did not reveal his name to protect family members still in Turkey. Cenegenics Jacksonville Medical Director Earl Eye (32:26) told us about a new erectile dysfunction treatment that eliminates the needs for pills or surgery. We were joined by Players By the Sea cast members Lucas Kish and husband-and-wife

Today on “First Coast Connect,” we discussed the opening of Jacksonville’s first medical cannabis dispensary with Trulieve spokeswoman Victoria Walker (01:09). Terrell Hogan attorneys Matt Sowell and Fadi Chakour (23:47) joined us to discuss Medical Malpractice Awareness Month. IKEA spokesman Joseph Roth (35:04) told us how the store opening in Jacksonville this year will use environmentally friendly building techniques, including the installation of solar panels. Finally, recently retired

Today on “First Coast Connect,” we spoke with League of Women Voters of Florida President Pamela Goodman (01:15) on President Trump’s Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. Our latest episode of “Moveable Feast” featured Joe Finnegan (27:02), owner of St. Francis Inn and the Casa de Sueňos in St. Augustine. Finally, First Coast Connect Book Club leader Stacey Goldring (38:53) talked about the bicentennial of the birth of Henry David Thoreau.

Today on “First Coast Connect,” we talked about local transportation projects with Florida Department of Transportation spokespeople Ron Tittle, Odette Struys and Mary Justino (01:03). Organizer Laura Bearl (37:48) told us about the upcoming Swim Shorts Film Festival, and Cole Pepper (44:02) talked about sports news including the Sharks arena football championship game Monday night at Veterans Arena.

Today on “First Coast Connect,” our weekly Media Roundtable included Dan Scanlan from the Florida Times-Union, Folio Weekly Editor Claire Goforth and David Cawton (01:10), reporter for the Jacksonville Financial News and Daily Record. Duval Audubon Society Education Director Brett Moyer (38:48) told us about the large flock of purple martins that have been roosting in downtown Jacksonville the past several weeks, and artist Gabriel Dawe (45:19) discussed his new exhibit on display in the Museum

Today on “First Coast Connect,” we heard legal analysis of a federal lawsuit filed by a transgender student against the St. Johns County School District from attorney Mike Freed (01:09). Monique Burr Foundation Program Outreach Manager Joni Shook (29:44) talked about the new program Summer Safety Matters. And local activist Matt Killen (40:08) gave us a preview of a new event called Clean City Saturday.

Today on “First Coast Connect,” we spoke with Chelsea Murphy (01:11) from Right on Crime about prison reform in Florida. The latest segment of “Moveable Feast” featured Anita Comiskey (25:26) and her product Amelia Toffee, and 5 & Dime founding member Craig Leavitt and Shortstack Theatre Company co-artistic directors Emily Suarez and Avery Sedlacek (36:27) talked about their upcoming summer acting camps.