Good morning, Jackson.

The annual Miss Tennessee Volunteer competition returns to Jackson from July 23 to 26 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center — preliminary rounds are scheduled for July 23, 24, and 25 at 7 p.m. and the finals will run on July 26 at 7 p.m. Contestants from across the state will compete for scholarship awards and leadership opportunities that empower young women through education and civic engagement.

Trade Mentor Academy in Jackson is offering a free 13-week HVAC program for youths aged 18 to 26 so they can build entry-level skills — the course gives hands-on training with tools, systems, and service calls.

Instructor Paul Diggs funds most of the program out of pocket and welcomes new students and community support — he expects extra equipment and enrollment to help the course expand.

Today, Jackson City Council held a special meeting to finalize the 2026 budget and passed the plan after months of debate.

Mayor Scott Conger said the new budget will include $5 million for capital improvements such as police upgrades — a move to boost city services.

The Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency announced it will test the air raid and chemical siren tone — replacing the weekly tornado siren test — on Saturday.

Tennessee officials remembered FedEx founder Fred Smith, who died at 80, praising his impact on Memphis and the global shipping industry.

Gov. Bill Lee and Rep. David Kustoff emphasized his career (as a veteran Marine) and his pioneering vision (that reshaped package delivery) as a lasting legacy in the Volunteer State.

The City of Jackson has been awarded the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant to launch an accessory dwelling unit design competition that will offer affordable housing options for residents aged 50 and older.

City officials said the competition will invite proposals from students and building professionals with three winning plans selected for free public use—helping local residents age in place.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Time TBA — Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s timeless tale set in fifteenth-century Paris.

Hub City MMA 10

5:30-11 p.m. — Fairgrounds Park — Tickets available on TickPick — Experience an action-packed night of mixed martial arts in Jackson.

Firefighters Freedom Festival

3 PM — Jackson Regional Airport — Free entry — The Firefighters Freedom Festival is back and ready to light up the sky!

O'Fallon Hoots Baseball Game

7-8:30 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch the O'Fallon Hoots live at Jackson Baseball Stadium for a fun evening of summer baseball.

Jeff & Sheri Easter Concert

6-10 p.m. — Carl Perkins Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience the soulful sounds of GRAMMY® nominated gospel duo Jeff & Sheri Easter.

Cheerleader America USA Competition

All day — Carl Perkins Civic Center — Check website for details — Join the excitement as cheer teams compete in Jackson for Season 3.

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp at Jackson Rockabillys

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Jackson Rockabillys Stadium — Tickets available — Cheer for the hometown team as they face off against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp.