Shows / WJCT News Now
WJCT News Now
Stay connected to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida with WJCT News Now — your free, daily news podcast from WJCT Public Media. Every morning, anchor Steven Ponson breaks down the headlines you need to start your day informed. Then go deeper with First Coast Connect — the show, hosted by Anne Schindler, is where local newsmakers, civic leaders, artists, and community voices come together to talk through what's happening in your backyard. Subscribe and make WJCT News Now part of your…
Episodes
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Upcoming JEA Rate Hike Vote and New Segment Opens on First Coast Expressway
JEA’s Board of Directors is set to consider proposed rate increases for electricity, water, and sewer service as the utility addresses projected revenue…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Week in Review
Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among this week’s topics: Text messages the city refused to release are now…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Unredacted Kevin Carrico Texts Released and St. Johns School Discrimination Complaint
Newly released text messages shed more light on discussions involving Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico, a nonprofit executive, and a proposed…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Resegregating neighborhoods
Commemorating the Confederacy through streets or community names like “Dixie,” “Rebel” and “Plantation” carries clear…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Septic Tank Phaseouts in Jacksonville
A Jacksonville neighborhood transforms via a long-awaited transition from septic tanks to city sewer service, with the Christobel Septic Tank Phase Out Project…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: The price ain’t right
The once sleepy, quaint and borderline podunk vibe of 1980s and ‘90s St. Augustine is now ancient history in the Ancient City. In its place: a buzzy…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: JEA's CEO Testifies and Florida’s Budget Decisions
JEA CEO Vickie Cavey faces questions from a Jacksonville City Council investigation into workplace concerns, leadership changes, and the utility’s…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Power move
As multiple investigations into JEA continue, local climate activists are calling on the Jacksonville utility to lower rates and commit to phasing out the use…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Proposed Public Safety Spending in Jax and State Drug Rules Tighten
Jacksonville’s proposed city budget is expected to include another year of increased spending on police and fire services, with department leaders…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: History of land conservation
Florida is considered a leader in land preservation nationwide, with roughly 31% of the state’s land designated for conservation efforts. But the fight…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Gun law changes and a surprise for a St. Augustine boy in recovery
The National Rifle Association is among groups challenging Florida’s three-day waiting period to buy firearms, and State Attorney James Uthmeier says he…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Government expert Chris Hand
Each month, we sit down with attorney and government expert Chris Hand to break down local and national political headlines. Among our topics: Proposed…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: JEA Workplace Survey and Juneteenth Celebrations
A new employee survey offers the first look at morale inside JEA since a Jacksonville City Council investigation into workplace concerns started. We also…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Celebrating Emancipation Day
As Juneteenth celebrations kick off across the city, we take a closer look at the long road from emancipation to equality. Becoming a federal holiday in 2021…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Preventing Abuse and Data Center Concerns in St. Johns
A Jacksonville nonprofit is launching a new effort focused on engaging men and boys in preventing domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships. Plus, St…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Life-saving lung study
A Jacksonville-based lung study could help reshape lung disease screening guidelines for people considered low risk. The $24.8 million national study is led…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: A Major Investment in Jacksonville and Civil Rights History in St. Augustine
A major investment is coming to Jacksonville as Johnson & Johnson announces more than $1 billion in funding for new manufacturing, packaging, and distribution…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Foodie funding
A city program to incentivize and ignite the Downtown bar and restaurant scene has been picking up steam, with 11 project grants awarded since 2024 &mdash…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: New Duval Schools HQ Bids and Historical Markers in LaVilla
The Duval County School Board receives new bids for its Prudential Drive headquarters. Plus, Jacksonville unveils the LaVilla Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: New Pediatric Hospice Care In Jax and Property Tax Amendment Lawsuit
A new pediatric hospice and critical care center has opened on Jacksonville’s Southside, offering a dedicated space for children with serious illnesses…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: AG candidate José Javier Rodríguez
With qualifying in all Florida races set to wrap this Friday, we catch up with Democratic candidate for state attorney general José Javier…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Water Restoration in the Trout River and Local Facial Recognition Lawsuit
Efforts to improve water quality along Jacksonville’s Trout River are expanding, as volunteers add new oyster habitats designed to filter pollution…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: View to a blockade
A 6.1 earthquake is just the latest jolt to the lives of ordinary Cubans, who are dealing with political uncertainty, frequent blackouts and an oil shortage so…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: School Tax Vote Headed to November Ballot and Data Center Pause in Nassau
Duval County voters will decide this November whether to renew a school property tax that district leaders say supports teacher salaries, arts programs, and…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Ask the Mayor
After the Legislature’s decision to put the future of property tax cuts before voters in November, we look at the potential blast radius of the revenue…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Budget Uncertainty in Jax and Florida Earthquake Tremors
Jacksonville city leaders are preparing for difficult budget decisions as uncertainty grows over a proposed property tax referendum that could significantly…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Council President-elect Nick Howland
The city’s commitment to nonprofit spending — from healthcare for the poor to programs for at-risk youth and families — will be thrown into…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: School Bus Camera Tickets and New Grocery Openings in Jacksonville
During today’s episode, we look at the first month of Duval County’s new school bus camera enforcement program, which resulted in nearly 3,200…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Week in Review
Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Famed environmental attorney Erin Brockovich enters…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: School Security Expansion in Duval County Elementary Schools
Duval County Public Schools is expanding weapons detection systems at some elementary schools starting this school year and we look at some of the events…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Murder case shake-up
A high profile murder case saw some high stakes legal developments with the recent disclosure of a statement allegedly made by the defendant to an informant in…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Property Tax Cut Proposal Fallout
Florida voters will decide the future of property taxes this November, and local leaders are warning the proposed cuts could have major consequences for county…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: On Wednesday’s show: A House Call from Dr. Joe
The spiraling Ebola epidemic in central Africa and the recent hantavirus outbreak are sobering reminders of the globally interdependent realities of…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: School Tax Vote Delayed & Expanded Capacity for Jax Beach Bars
The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee delays a vote on a measure that would place the Duval County school district’s teacher pay tax…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Killing medical research
In late April, the White House abruptly fired the entire board of the National Science Foundation, the agency that provides the largest support and funding for…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Potential Revenue Losses in JAX and Late Day Storm Threats
As state lawmakers are in Tallahassee this week for a special session focused on property tax reform, we’ll look at concerns from Jacksonville leaders…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Breaking down the budget
After much bitterness, delay and a two-week extended special session, the state House and Senate finally coalesced around a $114.5 billion budget, including…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Michelin Recognition for NE FL Restaurants and Special Session on Property Taxes
Northeast Florida's restaurant scene earns new recognition as eight local establishments are added to the Michelin Guide, including restaurants in…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Week in Review
Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Members of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Rainy Weekend Ahead For The First Coast
A rainy weekend is ahead for Northeast Florida as forecasters warn of widespread storms, possible flooding, and several inches of rain through Sunday. Plus…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: It takes a village
In the beginning, World Golf Village promised a lifestyle as smooth and manicured as a putting green. Originally, the golf course community was home to PGA…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Culinary Campus in Jax Endorsement and Special Session on Property Taxes
Jacksonville leaders are backing a proposal to bring a Culinary Institute of America campus to downtown as part of a Northbank development plan. Plus, Florida…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: The triumph of the word nerds
Mark Maron, Kevin Smith and Sarah Koenig are just some of the voices that redefined audio journalism. A new documentary traces the evolution and triumph of…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Duval Jail Relocation Debate and New Florida Congressional Map Ruling
Jacksonville City Council members reject a resolution aimed at keeping a proposed new Duval County jail out of urban and historically Black neighborhoods…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Sunshine on ICE
A new directive from ICE has echoes of Fight Club rules: Not only does it instruct local law enforcement to keep immigration enforcement actions secret, the…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Downtown JAX Growth and Florida Budget Agreement
Downtown Jacksonville’s Pearl Square development is moving forward, with the first apartment complex expected to open by the end of the year as part of a…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Week in Review
Each Friday, our media roundtable dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Congestion, confusion and contusions complicate…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Marineland’s New Chapter and Memorial Day Weekend Events
On today’s episode, we hear how new ownership is reshaping the future of Marineland Dolphin Adventure after months of uncertainty for the historic…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Flood control
Making sure new homes aren’t built in flood zones sounds like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of developments are in at-risk areas, made more…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Culinary Incentives Moves Forward and Historic Preservation in Duval County
Jacksonville city leaders move closer to approving $35 million in public incentives aimed at bringing the Culinary Institute of America to a proposed downtown…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Gram Parsons’ Florida legacy
From his role in the birth of alt-country to his tragic death at age 26, we explore the life and legacy of Florida’s own Gram Parsons on the eve of his…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: JEA Subpoenas Approved and Hastings Alcohol Debate
Jacksonville City Council moves forward with subpoenas for top JEA officials as an investigative committee examines allegations involving workplace culture…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Your best, wrong choice
The typical office worker checks email 77 times a day. You may have already figured out: That’s not the most efficient use of your time. New York Times…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Heat Research Lab Opens at UNF and Grocery Changes in Brentwood
A new heat safety research lab has opened at the University of North Florida, where scientists will study the health effects of extreme weather on athletes…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: The Murdaugh murders
A murder conviction in one of the most high-profile crimes of the past decade was overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court last week based on the…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Duval School Repair Timeline and MOSH Demolition Happening Soon
Duval County Public Schools is considering accelerating repairs and construction projects at several aging campuses, including a full rebuild of Raines High…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Week in Review
Each Friday, our panel of media experts dives into the biggest stories of the week. Among our topics this week: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump picks up two…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: Riverfront Plaza Expansion and Ironman Weekend in Jacksonville
Jacksonville residents got a first look at plans for the second phase of Riverfront Plaza, with new renderings showcasing a beer garden café, riverfront…
WJCT News NowFirst Coast Connect: Political analysis with Chris Hand
As the federal government positions artificial intelligence as a national priority while ramping up AI data centers' construction, local governments are…
WJCT News NowThe Morning Report: New Riverfront Park Opening and Historic Stanton School Restoration
Jacksonville’s downtown riverfront continues to evolve with the official opening of the new Riverfront Music Garden and a redesigned section of the…