Engineers assessing Mathews Bridge damage, Marissa Alexander gets a new trial, and a town hall meeting on Obamacare are in headlines this morning.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.
Mathews Bridge damage report underway, officials urge patience in traffic: Engineers with the Florida Department of Transportation are assessing the damage caused when a ship struck the Mathews Bridge yesterday afternoon and city officials are asking commuters to stay safe and expect delays.
Marissa Alexander granted new trial: A judge ruled that Marissa Alexander, sentenced to 20 years for firing a warning shot past her allegedly abusive husband, will get a new trial at which she will not be able to use the state's "Stand Your Ground" las as her defense.
Jax state reps to hold healthcare town hall: Democratic Jacksonville State Reps. Mia Jones and Reggie Fullwood will hold a town hall meeting Oct. 1 to help people better understand the Affordable Care Act. That's the same day health care exchanges established under the act are set to open across the country. (Florida Times-Union)
Florida lawmakers to pay more for health insurance: Florida House members will be required to pay the same rate as regular state workers for health insurance starting in January. (WUFT)
Today on First Coast Connect, Our Friday media roundtable. We'll also have a live performance by Jacksonville-based folk group Canary in the Coalmine.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter at @patrickhdonges.
