YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Jared looks at the Presidential Debate prep both candidates are doing before Tuesday night's first (and only?) VP Harris/former President Trump debate. After the Biden/Trump debate, team Trump is feeling strong, and he is preparing with help from Tulsi Gabbard, who had an extremely effective debate performance against Harris in the 2020 election cycle.

We gather the JMN crew to look at some events you might enjoy this weekend. Are you a fan of ice sports? Get out to the Community First Igloo this weekend for CURLING & COCKTAILS! If you're an animal lover, check out CAT VIDEO FEST 2024 Saturday afternoon at the Regal Cinema Avenues, and support a local cat rescue! And if you love music, CANDLELIGHT at Friday Musicale brings you the hits of Queen and more, and the Jacksonville Symphony has their Community Concert this weekend teasing their 75th season! ... Oh, and speaking of seasons, the Jaguars 30th season kicks off Sunday at 1pm vs Miami, you can watch on CBS 47! All this and more in the Weekend Spotlight story. What are you up to this weekend?

ELECTRIC BILLS

NEW THIS MORNING The White House is announcing $7.3 billion dollars will go towards clean, reliable electricity for rural America. The money will support farmers, small businesses and rural communities in 23 states including, Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The project will be funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Nicole D’Antonio is live in Washington with today’s announcement.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Rich rounds up election-related headlines, including: a proposed small business tax deduction increase; how candidates measure up in new poll results; why Georgia voting certification processes are already being challenged two months before the election; and which states start early voting soon.

David Rey, CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Florida, joins JMN to share details on the Grand (Re-)Opening of The Corner at Debs, bringing affordable groceries and additional community services to Jacksonville's historic Out East. The area has been a food desert for years, with no convenient grocery services in the area.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as Ryan reports on two new Senate bills threatening to cut pay and/or benefits for federal employees working remotely, ending remote work accommodations enacted during the pandemic.

LEARNING RECOVERY - Schools continue to deal with the long-term effects of remote learning. Nearly a third of US K-12 students this school year are behind grade level, according to a recent survey from the School Pulse Panel. Nicole D’Antonio is live in Washington breaking down the report and what school districts across the country are doing to address learning recovery this school year.

Last night the Duval County school board unanimously approved changes to an ethics policy addressing how employees will be held accountable after several DA teachers were kicked out of the classroom.

As Jacksonville celebrates "904 Day" tomorrow, one of the great events is "Signing Day" hosted by the Sporting JAX soccer club. Madison Holesko joins JMN to share details on the free event, September 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sporting JAX office at the Above Athletic Center (14797 Philips Highway) near Nocatee Parkway. Bring your family out, enjoy some activities and light food/beverage service, and raise awareness for the local sports club! Sporting JAX will be the first NE Florida soccer club to feature women's and men's teams in the United Soccer League. The women's team looks to play their first game in 2025, with a men's team debuting in 2026.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, with only 2 months until election day, WOKV's Samantha Manning looks at the strategic goals for both campaigns, and how VP Harris and former President Trump are preparing for next week's debate.