RETAIL SALES REPORT - Despite high inflation and high interest rates, Americans are continuing to spend money this summer. A new Retail Sales Report from Bankrate found sales from online stores grew 6.7% from last year, more than any other category. The Commerce Department reported retail sales jumped 1% from June to July, the biggest increase since January 2023. It comes as families spend an average of $875 dollars per student on back-to-school shopping, the second highest in the survey's history. Nicole D'Antonio is live in Washington breaking down the potential impact on families.

This week it's all about "treats!" So treat yourself to a tasty edition of Foxx Food Talk!

WOKV's First Responder of the Week is lineman Shane Waters!

Chandler Morgan has this week's update of what's new and what's happening "Around Jax"

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as recent poll results published by the Cook Political Report show VP Harris leading in the polls vs former President Trump in 6 of 7 battleground states (Trump still leads in Nevada). The poll also suggests independents (RFK Jr., Jill Stein) are non-factors. After Harris becomes the official candidate at the Democratic National Convention next week, Harris and Trump will debate on Sept. 10 (ABC), and there may be a VP candidate debate between Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance as well.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as President Biden and VP Harris will appear at an event in Maryland today, continuing an agenda program from Biden's inflation reduction plan lowering prices for more prescription drugs. While not a campaign event per se, it addresses a top campaign issue for both parties - reducing costs for goods & services. In recent campaign appearances, former President Trump has also addressed economic concerns including lowering costs on prescriptions, groceries, and energy bills. Expect more discussion of these topics during the Democratic National Convention next week in Chicago. WOKV will cover the convention nightly.

Got plans this weekend? Lots of fun stuff happening, and you can see a detailed list of events in our Weekend Spotlight story off the main web page. Among some fun things - St. Augustine's Walk & Wine, the Riverside Arts Market, Saturday Morning Cereal at Keg & Coin, and of course there's the Jumbo Shrimp at home and the Jags host the Bucs for some preseason NFL fun!

CELLPHONES IN SCHOOLS - As students head back to school, there’s one item not included in their school supply list. This year more schools are banning cell phones from the classroom. So far, ten states have passed laws or adopted policies to limit cell phone use in schools, with more states likely to follow. Teachers have been pushing for these restrictions for years. According to Pew Research, more than 70% of high school teachers say cell phone use continues to be a “major problem.” Nicole D’Antonio is live in Washington DC with details on the new rules in classrooms across the country.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as a recent USA Today poll shows Vice President Harris gaining ground among Florida voters, despite over a million more registered republican voters than democrats. Trump still holds a +5 pt lead, but that gap is considerably less than his leads over Biden earlier this year. WOKV's Samantha Manning breaks down the polling data.

YOU DECIDE 2024 coverage continues, as President Biden has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group in the Middle East, after intelligence suggested Iran may strike against Israel this week. Domestically, the White House is hosting a digital information summit today, exploring how the technology industry impacts infrastructure, education, and more.