NUTRITION ASSISTANCE - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is spending billions of dollars extra in emergency food assistance. The money will also go towards providing children and families with healthy food at schools, daycare facilities and emergency food providers. It comes as the USDA releases its annual study measuring food insecurity around the nation. Researchers say more than 13% of U.S. households were food insecure at least some time during the last year. Nicole D’Antonio is live in Washington breaking down the potential impact.

Petty Officer Doug Shelton, stationed at NAS Mayport, has family and friends in Tennessee impacted by Hurricane Helene. He is organizing a relief supply delivery heading out this weekend. You can reach out to him directly via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/douglas.shelton.90/ if you would like to contribute.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as WOKV political analyst Rick Mullaney recaps the Vice Presidential debate, which took the high road of policy discussions rather than the low road of personal attacks.

This weekend, the Jacksonville Jaguars will enshrine original coach Tom Coughlin into the Pride of the Jaguars, in honor of his NFL career and his commitment to philanthropy. His charity, the Jay Fund, has raised and distributed millions of dollars in medical relief and support to families.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues as President Biden will visit Western NC disaster areas today before an emergency operations briefing in Raleigh. FEMA is expected to make an emergency funding request in the wake of the unexpected degree of damage Helene inflicted, and President Biden has committed to recalling Congress to session if necessary (they're currently on hiatus until after the November election).

Cox Media Group stations in Florida are partnering with Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa to provide assistance relief and resources for those in need after Hurricane Helene's impact on Gulf Coast communities. Jason Meder from CMG Tampa joins JMN to share details on how you can help, and how that help will be applied. Visit METROMIN.ORG for more information or to donate.

Military action escalates in the Middle East, as Israel returns missile fire on Iran after yesterday's missile attack. Jonathan Savage has the latest on the escalations of military actions and political tensions.

FLU SEASON - The number of kids dying from the flu hit a record high. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 200 pediatric flu related deaths in the 2023 2024 season. New TODAY Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will host a discussion about this year‘s various infectious diseases, including seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and mpox. Nicole D’Antonio is live in Washington breaking down what you need to know.

Gail joins Rich to talk about the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and how Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is helping out.

Christian joins Rich to talk about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and what you can do to help out those that have been affected.