Jackson
Morning News
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Jackson. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After two years serving West Tennessee, Ryan Brooks, a reporter and weekend anchor with WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News, will deliver his final broadcast (Saturday at 10 p.m.), marking his farewell from the team that covered local news. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ The Henderson farmers market opened for the season on Church Street near Highway 45 and runs every Friday through October (7 a.m.–1 p.m.), offering baked goods, eggs, meats, starter plants, and spring flowers. It will operate rain or shine. WBBJ TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Meta launched Muse Spark, an AI tool to help Tennesseans with everyday tasks. It became available on the Meta AI app & website yesterday and will expand to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook & Messenger in coming weeks. WBBJ-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Nu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho hosted its annual Miss Debutante Scholarship Cotillion at the Carl Perkins Civic Center Friday (the event featured a Bridgerton-inspired theme, royal presentation, grand finale, and a feast melding regency-era charm with modern flair). WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Archeofest returned to Pinson Mounds State Park this weekend with children from Caywood Elementary School attending demonstrations of traditional hunting methods and games (including atlatl use and stickball rules). The free event continues Sunday. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Jackson Madison County Public Library is partnering with Hub City Brewing and Hub City Theater Co. to host an adult spelling bee on Friday, Apr. 24 (6 p.m.) where locals can sip a craft beer and compete for two free theater tickets. WNBJ 39
- ➤ The 2026 Misfits Market Expo will take place at the Jackson Fairgrounds in May as a two-day celebration featuring eclectic vendors with vintage finds, one-of-a-kind art, walk-up tattoo services + live wrestling and gourmet food trucks, with free admission. WNBJ 39
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA reported that gas prices in Jackson now average $3.87 per gallon, the highest in Tennessee even as oil prices fell for drivers. Prices in Jackson have surged more than $1 since the Iran conflict began. WNBJ 39
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On April 16, the Tennessee Senate narrowly approved a bill that adds 15,000 seats to the private school voucher program with about $270 million in new funding; the measure now goes to Governor Bill Lee for review. The Jackson Sun
- ➤ Officials broke ground on the future Water Education and Training Center at Lone Oaks Farm in Middleton on April 17, 2026. The five-acre facility (set to open Fall 2027) will give flood simulation training to first responders, engineers, and students while boosting the local economy. The Jackson Sun
- ➤ Local educator Lauren Rich teaches 8th grade math at Milan Middle School and was named Educator of the Week by the Tennessee Education Lottery. Rich, who was one of the first to receive the Hope scholarship, is now eligible for the Educator of the Month Award (nominations are accepted online). WBBJ-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Irene Oboavwoduo, a guard from Manchester, England, pledged her future with the Tennessee Lady Vols on April 17 after reopening her recruitment from Boston College — a move made following a coaching change — and earned a call-up to the Great Britain senior team. The Jackson Sun
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Blue Suede Weekend 2026
7-11 p.m. — Hub City Brewing — Enjoy a rockabilly celebration of Carl Perkins' classic tune with live performances.
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Jackson Tennessee Camp
6-8 p.m. — Jackson Christian Football Field — Free entry — Experience the excitement of Friday Night Lights at this engaging football camp.
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Stokely and the Bandits: Cinco de Mayo Celebration
2-6 p.m. — Tekila Mexican Bar & Grill — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of local musicians with a diverse setlist.
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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
7:30-10 p.m. — The Carnegie Center for Arts and History — Ticket info available — Experience the quirky battle of middle schoolers in a heartwarming spelling competition.
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The 4th Annual Misfits Market Expo
10 a.m.-7 p.m. — Jackson Fairgrounds Park — Free admission — Explore a whimsical assortment of vendors offering oddities, handcrafted art, and live entertainment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Jackson Morning News
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