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Today we explore election security and voter education in anticipation of the 2024 presidential elections. Then, we learn about the restoration mission of the historic St. Benedict the Moor schoolhouse in St. Augustine. Finally, we preview a Lit Chat featuring bestselling author Emily Rath at the Jacksonville Public Library in celebration of Library Lovers Day.

On tonight’s program: Not only are there disagreements between the Florida House and Senate over their respective versions of the state budget, but Republicans and Democrats are far apart over the spending plans as well; Outrage flared last week over a proposed bill to protect Confederate monuments in Florida; A measure to ban “political flags” on government property has hit a roadblock in the Florida Legislature; And what’s called “cultured meat” has become a divisive issue in Tallahassee.

Today, we talk with two experts about growing tensions between the U.S. and China, including cybersecurity, nuclear concerns and trade disputes. Then, City Council member Matt Carlucci expresses his opposition to a Florida legislative bill that would restrict ethics investigations. Lastly, WJCT and the Jacksonville Symphony have teamed up to air encore performances of the symphony’s concerts.

On tonight’s program: After the Parkland shooting 6 years ago, the Florida Legislature tightened several of its gun laws. Now it appears those restrictions are likely to be loosened; Many of Florida’s elected officials already face 8-year term limits and the Legislature is moving to add county commissioners to that list; And Governor DeSantis and wife Casey are championing more efforts to fight cancer.

Today, we explore the latest state and local news, including financing for EverBank Stadium improvements, controversial lawsuit settlements and the start of the JEA corruption trial. Then, we discuss racial justice advocacy with Hope McMath, founder of the Yellow House gallery. Plus, we learn about the Kingsley Heritage Celebration this Saturday, honoring the legacy of enslaved Africans at Kingsley Plantation.

Mayor Donna Deegan joins First Coast Connect for a community-driven discussion, allowing residents to express concerns directly to her. The topics include the reopening of Friendship Fountain, the mayor's literacy initiative for children, her relationship with city leadership and legislation granting certain officeholders authority in legal settlements. Then, we preview LiterARTure, a cultural arts series blending literature and art. We wrap up with a rundown of local events, including the Black Opry Revue on the WJCT Soundstage.

On tonight’s program: Florida has a doctor shortage and a legislative measure to help address that issue is fast-tracking its way through the process; Any local government entity in Florida that provides utility services could find itself limited in how much of the resulting revenue could be shifted to general revenue under a bill that’s still moving forward in the Legislature; Verbal abuse of law officers and other first responders would mean criminal penalties under a bill now under consideration in Tallahassee; And the sound of an acorn hitting a police cruiser sounded so much like gunfire that two Okaloosa County sheriffs deputies opened fire on a suspect already in custody.

Today we explore strategies for preventing heart and stroke problems, in observance of American Heart and Stroke Awareness Month. Two doctors share valuable insights on maintaining cardiovascular health.

We conclude the week by discussing major news, including a controversial court settlement in a police shooting. Also, NPR's Tiny Desk creators, Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter, share insights on music submissions for emerging artists this year.

On tonight's program: Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Coral Gables today to announce his legislative intentions to increase penalties for retail thieves and porch pirates; A measure up for consideration in the Legislature would ban civilian oversight boards for law enforcement and corrections officers; The Florida Commission on Ethics would see big changes under a bill that’s moving through the Legislature; And the longtime head of the NRA is no longer Wayne LaPierre. Many are crediting the students who survived the Parkland High School massacre for that fact.