Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Princess reports on a solar eclipse research project at UNF, where a team of faculty and students are working on high altitude sensors to be deployed on research balloons. The balloons will collect atmospheric data during upcoming eclipses in October and April.

Logan reports on a new school security and alert system coming to DCPS, but there have been some issues raised with this system's performance in a prior installation in another market.

Jared reports on recent SCOTUS opinions, including the 6-3 opinion that North Carolina's state supreme court has the authority to overrule state legislated partisan gerrymandering. North Carolina's republican party had argued in favor of "independent state legislature" theory, an argument that was popular (albeit unsuccessful) in republican objections to the 2020 national election results.

Mark Kaye joins JMN to review the hot political topics! Trump and DeSantis campaign against each other...but with the same campaign? And with the IRS whistleblower stirring the pot, is there more trouble ahead for Hunter Biden, or will he be able to keep his nose clean? Tune in for this and anything else you want to talk about! Its "Whatever You Want Wednesday" on the Mark Kaye Show, noon to 3pm!

Alexus reports from Fire Station #75, a new JFRD facility in Hyde Park. Mayor Curry will be on site for the grand opening later this morning. JFRD has additional new facilities opening on the west side and the north side of town soon.

Princess reports on the Emerald Trail "S-Line Rail Trail," Jacksonville's first urban trail adapted from old railway routes, where Groundwork Jacksonville and Swisher will announce new initiatives later today. The Emerald Trail is a 30-mile long system of foot and bicycle paths. connecting multiple Jacksonville neighborhoods, parks, and waterfronts, with Downtown Jacksonville.

Nearly 60% of people with health insurance nationwide say they experienced a problem when using their plan in the past 12 months. That’s according to recent findings from KFF, formally Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on health policy. The report evaluated consumer experiences with major types of health coverage such as employer, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace, and Medicare. Those problems include denied claims, provider network problems, and delays and denials of care that involved an insurer’s prior authorization. KFF reports these insurance problems can affect a patient’s ability to get necessary care. We break down these findings and how those problems may impact one’s health.

Alexus reports on the opening of brand new Fire Station #75 on Firestone Road in Hyde Park. Grand opening ceremonies happen later today. Additionally, new fire station facilities are being built on Lenox Avenue in the Westside, and Harts Road on the Northside.

Princess reports from the Jacksonville International Airport, where holiday travel has increased this year despite higher ticket prices. Yesterday saw thousands of national flight delays due to ATC staffing and regional summer storms, so travelers are advised to check in early and check their flight status often.

Princess reports from JIA, where holiday weekend travel is already underway but not without some delays. To avoid some airport hangups, travelers are encouraged to register on the TSA app. Nationally, some airports are limiting traffic due to available air traffic controller staff.