Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

OBESITY RATES REPORT - A new report out today shows the obesity rate is climbing nationwide. It reveals that 22 states had an adult obesity rate at or above 35 percent last year, according to nonprofit health policy organization, Trust for America’s Health. Researchers say this is an increase from the previous. They also explain that a decade ago, no state had an adult obesity rate at or above the 35 percent level. We break down state-by-state data for your community, the factors contributing to these rates and possible solutions.

Logan reports on an upcoming reunion between a stranded boater and the Coast Guard sailors who saved him this past August, after days adrift off the St. Augustine coast.

Alexus reports on a 4-year old struck by a car on Barnes Road yesterday.

You Decide 2024 coverage continues as a new Yahoo poll shows that "if the election was held today," it would be between Biden and Trump, with Biden having a small lead. Trump continues to build momentum in the GOP, despite his legal challenges. Trump will sit out next week's 2nd GOP debate, giving an opportunity for the 6 qualified participants to increase their profile.

Dianya Markovitz joins JMN to promote the Sing Out Loud festival at Francis Field in St. Augustine, and give some history behind the event. Now in it's 7th year, headliners include The Black Keys and Mumford & Sons, plus showcases for lots of local artists and vendors. Visit "SINGOUTLOUDFESTIVAL.COM" for more information.

Jared recaps President Biden's address at the United Nations yesterday.

Mark joins JMN to sound off about congressional dress codes, government shutdowns, and the Salute America special with Brian Kilmeade coming up in November. Hear more of this on "Whatever You Want Wednesday" with the Mark Kaye Show, noon to 3pm today!

Logan reports on a Gateway Jax announcement coming up at 11am today. The organization will announce plans for a variety of urban development projects, making use of various buildings and sites in the downtown area.

Alexus reports that some of the stranded cars are finally able to be safely removed from the Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside hospital parking garage, more than a week after its partial collapse.

HBCU FUNDING DISPARITIES - The Biden administration is urging the governors in 16 states to address a more than $12 billion funding disparity between land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their non-HBCU counterparts, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A land-grant institution is a college that provides education in the fields of agriculture or science and built on federal land. By law, these schools and their HBCU counterparts “were required to receive equitable distribution” of funds from their state governments. This week, officials sent letters to the governors of Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and others. We explain what this means for students and next steps.