Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Chandler reports live from Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary, a new school on Jacksonville's Northside that welcomes students back to school today. This is the first new school in Duval County to have its construction funded by the recent half-cent sales tax increase.

Robert updates the story on new security resources in use at DCPS this year, including AI technology and new alert notification devices.

SUICIDE RATES - Suicide deaths hit a record high nationwide last year, according to new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency reports at least 49,449 people died by suicide in 2022. This rate spiked in 2021 after a two year decline. The data also shows that guns were involved in more than half of all those deaths. We break down these latest numbers and the resources available to help.

Alexus updates her report of why DCPS students will likely experience delays in bus services starting with this first day of school.

Robert reports on new security resources in use this year at Duval County schools.

It's back to school, and that means back to school bus delays in Duval County. Alexus reports on why DCPS notified parents over the weekend that students can expect bus delays starting today.

Hilary Bettman, Director of Jewish Services at The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services, discusses how tolerance panels could benefit local companies by addressing increasing expressions of hate in Jacksonville (per the Anti-Defamation League). Visit jfcsjax.org for more information.

You Decide 2024 coverage continues, as Blair looks at the unofficial start of election season: the Iowa State Fair. As Iowa is the first state to caucus, the State Fair is an obligatory campaign stop, at least for the GOP.

In You Decide 2024 coverage, Jared reports on the Iowa State Fair opening, featuring the Iowa State Fair Soap Box, a traditional campaign stop for any would-be presidential nominee before the Iowa caucus. GOP candidates are lining up, including Trump and DeSantis... and so are some Democrats.

Christian Smith, American Red Cross of North Florida Region CEO, joins JMN to discuss relief efforts for the Maui wildfires, and resources available for local disaster relief. Tyler Smith heads up a local team headed to Maui. If you would like to contribute support resources or volunteer, visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).