Jackson
Morning News
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Jackson. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Seniors from across West Tennessee attended the Celebrate Independence Senior Expo today at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Sponsored by the Southwest Tennessee Development District’s Area Agency on Aging and Disability, the event offered lunch, games and vendor booths for $15. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Conger Park is set to improve ADA access today after the city received a $15,565.50 grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), supported by Toyota, to build a wide, slip-resistant pathway linking the main parking area to the universal design trail. The Jackson Sun
- ➤ Jackson native and former professional wrestler Phil Hickerson died at 79 this week. He began wrestling in Tennessee, traveled across the U.S. and abroad, and later worked as a radio DJ on WYN 106.9 (a local station), leaving a lasting legacy in the community. WNBJ 39
- ➤ Mandy Hinson discussed St. Johns Community Services and its upcoming events, including the 4th Annual Dream Makers Classic on June 12 at Persimmon Hills featuring a golf tournament with post-game lunch + ice cream, while the organization will host Fireworks Night at Rockabilly’s Stadium on May 29. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Jackson's Tennessee Soybean Festival will not be held this year — organizers cited financial challenges and limited manpower while focusing on sustainable community resources. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Jackson Elks Lodge #192 named Rosy Roberts Griffin Citizen of the Year for 2025-2026 in recognition of her community leadership through projects such as the 4 Minute Initiative, Twilight Run, Easter Bunny Breakfast, Chloe Cup Pickleball Tournament & Charlotte Cup Golf Tournament. WBBJ TV
- ➤ Jackson is hosting an expo connecting seniors with local resources today. The event offers seniors access to support services & local community programs. WBBJ-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rising gas prices in Jackson are threatening Memorial Day travel—local citizens worry as gas climbs to $4 per gallon and diesel reaches $5 this holiday weekend. WNBJ 39
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Aesthetic Lash Academy in Jackson offers hands-on training in aesthetics and eyelash specialization for anyone looking to start or advance a career in the beauty industry. Opened in 2025 by Jazzlyn Danielle, the academy welcomes students of all ages to build professional skills. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Haywood Middle School will close today due to building disrepair and low performance ratings. Haywood County Schools will move students to East Side Elementary (grades 3-5) and Sunny Hill (grades 6-8) with no staff cuts. WBBJ-TV
- ➤ Jackson State Community College reported a 15.6% enrollment increase in fall 2025 and surpassed 4,000 students, building on spring gains, while its record graduation class of 607 in May underlines its strong recovery from pandemic lows—reinforcing its leadership among local community colleges. WBBJ-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Tennessee Department of Agriculture advises residents to get perishable groceries home within two hours—or within one hour when temperatures hit 90 degrees—to reduce food risks. The tips also note that bacteria can double every 20 minutes and that thawing may lower food quality. WBBJ TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kendell Walker returns home as the new head boys’ basketball coach. The Jackson native and Liberty alumnus was hired by the Jackson-Madison County School System and will soon meet families to introduce his plans. WBBJ-TV
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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!
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Teacher Appreciation Night at Jackson Rockabillys
7-10 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — $1 for teachers — Celebrate local educators with fun prizes and a night of baseball.
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Bryan Moffit Live Music
7:30 PM — Jackson's AMP at the Market — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly live music and unwind with the sounds of West Tennessee.
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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Reveal the authorAbout Jackson Morning News
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