The Jackson Public Schools officials have announced the next phase of the district’s Optimization Plan.

Superintendent Errick Greene said the plan addressed the need for strategic measures due to a significant decline in district enrollment. The district announced that it will now be seeking proposals for what could be done with 33 JPS properties.

There are 17 school buildings and 16 undeveloped parcels of land that are available. The school district is launching a webpage for Requests for Proposals. Each proposal will be reviewed for feasibility and to determine if it aligns with "the needs and aspirations of the community."

JPS properties available to be repurposed as part of optimization plan

JPS officials said the properties could be redeveloped to serve as community centers, health care facilities, affordable houses, creative hubs, etc.

"Our vision is to leverage these sites to meet the diverse needs of residents," JPS officials said.

Greene said this is a new area for district leaders, and they will learn more as the process goes forward.

"Our goal here is not to become the best developers there are in the world. Our goal is to take advantage of some resources we have right here in Jackson Public Schools and the city of Jackson," Greene said. "We're excited about this opportunity."

Tap here to learn more about the JPS Repurposing Initiative.

Both presidential campaigns are targeting rural voters – with Republican nominee Senator JD Vance in Pennsylvania and Democratic nominees Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz in Georgia.

The Harris campaign is looking beyond Atlanta and its suburbs to make gains in red communities, while analysts say Trump's team aims to hold on to a base that helped them win in 2016.

Harris and Walz are taking a two-day bus tour through southeast Georgia.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Their campaign is positioning offices in rural counties like Washington and Jenkins.

Meanwhile, GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance is on the trail in Erie, Pennsylvania.

"This is a beautiful place, but it has been left behind by a lot of stupid policies from people like Kamala Harris," Vance said.

Analysts say these small-town stops can have a big impact come Election Day.

"Republicans need these voters, and the Democrats know that if they can take a few away from them that can be impactful in what's going to be a very close race," said political analyst Todd Belt.

The economy is one of the top issues in what's expected to be a close race.

Trump's edge on the matter, though, is softening, according to a new Reuters Ipsos poll, shifting from an 11-point lead over Harris in July to 3 points in August.

Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

"We're gonna drill baby drill. We got plenty of energy here in Pennsylvania," Vance said.

"The only thing these guys know about working people is how to take advantage of them, how to not pay them," said Walz.

On Thursday, Harris and Walz are scheduled to sit down for their first joint interview. The same day, Trump will hold a rally in Wisconsin.

Trump and Harris hit the campaign trail after the conclusions of conventions

New research from WalletHub reveals the best credit cards to help you save money.

The study compared more than 1,500 credit cards and identified the top choices in several categories.

For best overall, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card stands out with no annual fee, 2% cash rewards on purchases, and no interest on balances for the first year.

For rewards and travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 60,000 rewards points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months, which can be used to pay down your bill or book travel.

For students, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is recommended. It has no annual fee, offers cash-back rewards, and is suitable for those with limited credit history.

You can view the full report here.

Have a question for Jeff Rossen? He’s answering your consumer questions every Friday in the new segment "Rossen Responds." Email your questions to him at RossenResponds@hearst.com.

Want bonus content and exclusive deals? Make sure to sign up for our free newsletter at RossenReports.com.

Rossen Reports: Hidden costs of owning a car revealed

The Jackson Fire Department is investigating a fire that broke out at a portable classroom at Baker Elementary School.

Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Armon said the firefighters received the call about the fire at the abandoned school around 7:49 p.m. Wednesday.

Armon said the fire started at one portable, which was a total loss.

Two adjacent portable classrooms also sustained major damage according to Armon.

Baker Elementary School is one of several schools in the Jackson Public School District that consolidated and closed due to numerous issues.

Baker Elementary students consolidated with Shirley Elementary.

In April, the district's Facilities Repurposing Advisory Committee recommended the demolition of Baker and three other schools in the district.

The school board approved the demolitions at their April 18 meeting. A date for when the demolition will take place has not been set.

Armon said no injuries were reported from the fire.

A Milwaukee cyclist had a scary close call during Tuesday's storm.

A doorbell camera captured the dramatic moment. A large tree fell right in front of the cyclist, bringing down power lines and creating a dangerous situation with sparks flying.

Despite crashing into the tree, the cyclist walked away unharmed.

A neighbor described the scene.

"It pulled out the ground. The whole roots. I'm tellin' you, I heard a boom; shook the whole house. It cut off all the power," Fred Powers said.