Jacksonville's Morning News Interviews

Jessica reports on the sentencing phase for Lamar Jackson, who was found guilty of murdering the daughter of a JSO officer in 2018.

Brian Kilmeade will be signing books and meeting fans at Tom Bush BMW Saturday afternoon from noon to 2pm. Bring your books, or buy a copy of his latest - "The President and the Freedom Fighter" - and we'll see you tomorrow!

Jared reports on the House legislated rail strike resolution. The bill still needs to clear the Senate before President Biden can act on it, but the White House has encouraged Congress to have legislation to him by this weekend.

So many things to do this weekend! Get your groove on, holiday style, with the MOSH Ugly Sweater If you're feeling crafty, check out the Makers Market. Unleash your inner romantic a the Jax Symphony performs some Tchaikovsky. Or get folksie with the Brown Eyed Women tribute to the Grateful Dead. The Jags visit the Lions this weekend, and of course don't forget the free Meet & Greet with Brian Kilmeade at Tom Bush BMW Saturday afternoon!

We start the 12 Days of Christmas as Mark Kaye and Dreams Come True begin granting kids' Christmas wishes this afternoon at 2pm on the Mark Kaye Show. And tonight is the annual Ho Ho Hold'em Fundraiser at Jacksonville's Best Bet. If you didn't get a ticket to play or watch in person, stream the game online! Tune in to the Mark Kaye Show at noon for more info!

Laura reports on the latest developments between congress and the railroad unions. A legislative measure to prevent a rail strike has been approved by the House, including a significant wage increase and, in a separate vote, increased paid sick leave time for rail employees. Not all rail unions are satisfied, though, and certain Republican critics believe President Biden should have resolved this without congressional involvement. The bill still needs approval in the Senate. Experts fear a rail strike would have immediate and severe impact on food and materials delivery, in addition to its retail holiday consequences.

JU President Cost joins JMN to discuss bringing the first 4-year medical school to Jacksonville, in partnership with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. JU has applied for medical accreditation, and expects to welcome their first class in 2026.

Jared looks at the House vote to force a legislated agreement against train unions, in an effort to prevent a rail system strike. The railroad unions are still not happy with the proposed legislation, and anything the House advances would still have to go through the Senate too. Experts suggest a rail strike would be economically devastating.

Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh recaps this year's storm season events, including Ian and Nicole, as the hurricane season comes to an end. Meanwhile, a front rolls across the Southeast bringing rain and cooler temps to Florida later today.

Dr. Patel joins JMN to update us on the holiday season "triple-demic" of RSV, COVID 19, and the Flu. As the frequency of all of these cases increases, Dr. Patel reminds you that vaccinations are your friend, so get your boosters and flu shots to reduce your risk of illness.