Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Chartrand speaks on Stewart appointment: Florida State Board of Education Chair Gary Chartrand says the experience of newly appointed Education Commissioner Pam Stewart as a two-time interim commissioner has prepared her to take the title permanently.
Union backed group calls foul on Pew pension plans: The National Public Pension Coalition, a national union backed special interest group, is concerned about the Pew Charitable Trusts' offer to work with Jacksonville on pension reform.
TraPac future depends on Congress: The general manager of the TraPac cargo terminal says the the facility's future success will depend on Congress taking action on a number of water projects, including dredging the St. Johns River to deepen shipping lanes. (Florida Times-Union)
Mathis jury set, opening statements today: The trial of alleged Allied Veterans of the World "mastermind" and Jax attorney Kelly Mathis is scheduled to begin today after jury selection wrapped up Wednesday. (News4Jax)
Wells Fargo to cut more jobs: As part of 1,865 national layoffs, Wells Fargo will cut 17 jobs at it's Jacksonville offices. The latest round is in addition to 2,300 national cuts announced last month. (Jacksonville Business Journal)
State lawmakers testify on health reform: A bi-partisan group of Florida legislative leaders provided testimony yesterday before a congressional panel on the Affordable Care Act. (Tallahassee Democrat)
Panthers on verge of sale: Prominent New York businessman and former Brooklyn Nets ownership partner Vincent "Vinnie" Viola is leading a group hoping to purchase the Florida Panthers. (Miami Herald)
Today on First Coast Connect, St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles joins Melissa to talk about the city following last weekend's "Gentlemen of the Road" music festival.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax.
