Greg McGarity, President of the Tax Slayer Gator Bowl, joins JMN to update us on this year's game. After Texas A&M withdrew from the game, Rutgers stepped up and will face Wake Forest, with the game kicking off Friday at 11am. Tickets are available, and the game will air on ESPN.

Jared reports on President Biden's meeting with governors regarding state and federal government covid responses.

John Ward, Director of Clay County Emergency Management, reports on his repair crew's experiences in Kentucky as they return from assisting in the disaster cleanup. Ward says "we really haven't seen inland wind damage like that probably since as far back as Hurricane Andrew."

Alicia reports on the ongoing suspension of curbside recycling pickup, and how designated dropoff sites have gotten (even more) overwhelmed.

Jared reports on SCOTUS convening early to address the Biden vaccination mandate objections.

Eben reports on national concerns about surging coronavirus cases as the year wraps, though new treatments including pill medications give hope for progress against the pandemic.

Alicia reports on a fatal Westside plane crash over the holiday weekend.

SCOTUS will hear the case about Biden's vaccination mandate starting January 7, which is several days sooner than they were expected to start the 2022 session.

Greg McGarity joins JMN to update us on the team change for this year's Gator Bowl game. Wake Forest remains committed, but Texas A&M had to withdraw from the game. New prospects include Rutgers, Syracuse, and Illinois, and of course we'll follow this story online and on air as a new team announcement could happen any time.

Rich Jones highlights some of the top stories of the year. Get the full 2021 recap with a special edition of Jacksonville's Morning News - Year in Review to start your Christmas Eve.