Good morning, Jackson.

Leaders Credit Union held Leaders Night at the Ballpark at Jackson Rockabillys Stadium to thank members, community partners, and families.

The event featured free ticket vouchers from branches, giveaways, prize drawings, a photo booth, and a firework show (featuring Rockabillys’ mascot JR).

Boost Mobile will host its third annual backpack giveaway Saturday, Aug.

1 at the mall parking lot on North Highland Avenue, giving away over 700 clear backpacks with school supplies at a free event. The sheriff’s office, fire department plus Jackson Animal Care Center will be present.

Apple will launch iOS 27 with AI text features in September and roll out the iPhone 18 Pro models on Sept.

12 (the standard iPhone 18 will be delayed until 2027), giving Tennessee customers new choices for upgrade.

Jeffery Head began his banking career in October 1993 and is now the market president at Centennial Bank in Jackson.

He brings 33 years of experience to lead the bank's three local branches as it adjusts to new regulations and growing customer demand.

Karenna Rainey, who began her pageant journey at age 13, was crowned Miss Tennessee Volunteer Saturday in Jackson after a week of pageant events — her win will kick off a year of community service.

Bethel University has launched its School of Visual and Performing Arts, uniting art, music and the Renaissance Performing Arts program into seven study areas housed in the College of Arts and Sciences (including music education and production).

Dr. C. Scott Shepherd is now Associate Dean to lead the new school.

The Jackson-Madison County Public Library will host ASL classes starting next week to help residents learn sign language.

Classes will meet weekly for eight weeks, pause for one month, and then resume with groups for families and those new to ASL.

Tennessee law now prohibits digital devices, electronic instruction, and digital testing for kindergarten through fifth grade in public and charter schools starting the 2026–27 school year.

The law also allows teachers to cover Christianity’s historical influence on American history (including the Mayflower Compact) and lets schools stock epinephrine for emergencies.

United Ways of Tennessee announced a $500k state investment to strengthen the statewide 211 network by aligning its five regional centers to shared operating standards by Dec.

31. The funding was proposed by Governor Lee and approved in the final FY 26-27 budget (boosting resource directory accuracy and rural outreach).

Amy’s Kitchen is recalling over 180,000 cans of lentil soup due to a manufacturer defect that may allow spoilage; recalled cans, identified by lot number 60D0924 (best-by date April 2027) and sold in Tennessee and other areas, can be returned for a refund.

A dangerous heat dome covers West Tennessee today with temperatures near 95 to 98 degrees and heat indexes reaching 112 to 115°F (which can quickly lead to heat stress).

Residents are urged to hydrate, take breaks outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Liberty Technology High School junior Tamar Bowers will represent Tennessee as the male athlete at the Patriot Games scheduled for Aug.

9-11 at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio — the event will air on ESPN and end with a special on ABC.

Lane College student Lauren Lain was invited to join HBCU Elite HoopHer Camp, a program offering basketball training and mentorship.