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 daily routine.
Latest episodes
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5 min
The Morning Report: Calls for Accountability at JTA
A Jacksonville Transportation Authority board member is calling for the resignations of the authority's leadership, accusing them of misleading the board about the agency’s finance…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Voting in Full Force Across Northeast Florida
Early voting is underway across Northeast Florida, with Nassau County leading the region in turnout after the first weekend. We have details on that story and other top stories on…
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6 min
The Morning Report: Special Meeting on JTA’s Finances
The Jacksonville City Council will meet Friday to discuss a subpoena for former Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford, who has agreed to testify at a later date about…
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5 min
The Morning Report: LGBTQ+ Community Outreach in Jax & Early Voting Concerns in FL
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board is hosting its first community town hall, giving residents an opportunity to share concerns and discuss how city policy can…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Housing Authority Bonuses Rejected and Flock Cameras Removed in St. Johns
The Jacksonville Housing Authority board rejects a proposed bonus package for the housing authority's executive team as commissioners question the agency’s finances and its use of…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Duval Schools Property Tax Extension Endorsement
The Jacksonville Civic Council is backing the renewal of a 1-mill property tax that in part helps pay teachers in Duval County Public Schools. Also, early voting begins in Duval Co…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Early Voting Beginning This Week Across the First Coast
Early voting begins this week across Northeast Florida as counties prepare for the November 3 General Election. We’ll look at when voting starts in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay a…
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6 min
The Morning Report: Why JTA's In A $39 Million Budget Shortfall
City auditors say inaccurate revenue projections and a failure to build reserves contributed to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s $39 million budget shortfall. Hear more…
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5 min
The Morning Report: UF Health Workers Protest For Change
Hospital workers demonstrated outside UF Health Jacksonville’s downtown campus, accusing the health care system of unfair labor practices. UF Health says it remains committed to co…
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5 min
The Morning Report: JTA’s Budget Shortfall Solution and New Name Enters The 2027 City Council Race
The Jacksonville City Council has approved a no-interest loan of up to $30 million to help the Jacksonville Transportation Authority address a $39 million budget shortfall, followi…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Conservation Bonds Question in St. Johns and No Debates in the FL Governor's Race
St. Johns County voters will decide in November whether to authorize up to $100 million in bonds to purchase and preserve environmentally sensitive land, with repayment coming from…
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6 min
The Morning Report: Edward Waters Expansion and Hurricane Isaias Recovery
Edward Waters University plans a $33 million campus expansion, including a new dormitory, renovated laboratories and a track and field facility that will also serve the surrounding…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Book Removals in Duval County and Local Impacts from Isaias
Four more books will be removed from Duval County Public Schools libraries following a school board vote. Plus, Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gul…
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6 min
The Morning Report: Duval School Suspension Appeal & Hurricane Isaias Forms
Jacksonville City Council member and Duval County teacher Tyrona Clark-Murray plans to appeal a 10-day unpaid suspension from the school district. Also Hurricane Isaias, the first…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Duval Schools HQ Sale, Again, and Downtown Publix Incentives Uncertainty
The Duval County School Board approves the sale of its Southbank headquarters to a local developer for more than $15 million, giving the district three years to find a new location…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Rainy Days and Data Center Moratorium Proposal in St. Johns County
A wet day is ahead for Northeast Florida, with heavy rain, coastal flooding and possible flash flooding prompting a flood watch through this evening. Also, the St. Johns County Com…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Jacksonville Mayor’s Race Taking Shape
The race for Jacksonville mayor is growing, with state Rep. Wyman Duggan becoming the latest candidate to enter the contest. Today is also the find day for residents to register to…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Domestic Violence Deaths Up in Duval and Florida’s Early Bear Hunt Begins
A new report finds domestic violence-related homicides in Duval County increased in 2025, as local agencies mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encourage survivors to seek h…
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5 min
The Morning Report: Duval Schools Gun Policy Discussion and Higher JEA Rates Begin
The Duval County School Board is set to discuss a proposed policy allowing adults to keep guns locked in vehicles on school property, including during school-sponsored events. The…
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5 min
The Morning Report: JTA Subpoenaed and St. Augustine City Manager Change
The Florida Attorney General’s Office is investigating the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, seeking records related to its tuition reimbursement policy and communications. Al…