Jackson
Morning News
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Jackson. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Southwest Human Resource Agency launched its Summer Food program today with Kansas City Chiefs Trey Smith, who returns home to help feed kids facing food insecurity. The agency plans to deliver meals to children in 21 counties across the region (partnering with No Kid Hungry). WNBJ 39
- ➤ Friends of Heart hosted a Kentucky Derby-themed party at Madison Downs in Jackson this evening to raise money for lifesaving heart programs (free EKG screenings, AED distribution, and cardiac awareness). The event provided live music, food, mint juleps, and hats ahead of the 152nd Derby scheduled for today. WBBJ TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chick-fil-A Vann Drive is now open at 2200 Emporium Drive, offering expanded parking & extra drive-thru lanes to ease traffic while employing 160 team members after moving from its longtime spot at 3 Stonebridge Boulevard. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Chick-fil-A Vann Drive reopened at its new location at 2200 Emporium Drive on May 1. Owner-Operator Grant Edwards said the restaurant now offers an indoor playground and a multi-lane drive-thru with a dedicated Mobile Thru lane, and it added 50 new jobs (totaling 160 team members). WBBJ-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Blake Stoker from Blake's at Southern Milling in Martin is competing for the Master BBQ title on Food Network this month as his new season premieres Monday, May 11; the chef is returning home to showcase his Texas-style Southern BBQ. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Jackson kicked off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at City Hall this afternoon (featuring live music, dance performances and an art gallery of local work) as Mayor Scott Conger read a proclamation honoring the community's diverse contributions. WBBJ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Anna English, a fourth-grade teacher at University School of Jackson, has been named Educator of the Week by the Tennessee Education Lottery — making her eligible for the Educator of the Month Award. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Seniors from Jackson-Madison County schools presented solutions on mental health, gun violence, food insecurity, and housing to local leaders Friday in north Jackson. The leadership development panel, part of the annual challenge, drew (110) attendees. WBBJ-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Tennessee Department of Transportation expanded its HELP program to offer roadside assistance on rural interstates & improve travel safety after addressing 119 incidents in Region 4, according to Department Commissioner Will Reid. WNBJ 39
- ➤ The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced that K9 Bart will receive a bullet- and stab-resistant vest donated by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The body armor is expected to arrive within ten weeks. WNBJ 39
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jackson area high school softball playoffs began on April 29 with results and scores from April 30. Local teams are set to compete today — and follow-up games through Tuesday, May 5 — at Trinity Christian. The Jackson Sun
- ➤ Young athletes learned discipline and teamwork today at Jackson Christian School during the Legends of Tennessee football camp — guest UT Vols coaches led drills and skill-building exercises. A similar camp will be held in Selmer from May 7 to May 9 at McNairy Central High School. WBBJ TV
- ➤ The Jackson-area TSSAA baseball tournament continues today with one game at 1 p.m. and another at 4 p.m. Local high school teams will compete for playoff advancement on May 4 and May 5, and updated brackets & scores are posted. The Jackson Sun
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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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Stacy Mitchhart Concert
7:30-10 p.m. — Jackson's AMP at the Market — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of free family-friendly live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
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Jackson Rockabillys Season Opener
7-10 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Tickets on sale now! — The Jackson Rockabillys kick off the season against the Du Bois County Bombers.
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Alton River Dragons vs. Jackson Rockabillys
7-10 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Free for first 500 fans — Enjoy Mystery Bag Night with surprises for lucky attendees.
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Alton River Dragons vs. Jackson Rockabillys
7 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Family-friendly event — Kick off summer with an exciting baseball game and a fireworks show!
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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