Year in Review: WBBJ names most impactful stories of 2025
Another year has come to pass, and with that we are taking a look back at some of the most impactful stories of the year.
January
Man in custody on child abuse charge after death of 3-year-old
January saw the tragic passing of a three-year old in north Jackson. 23-year-old Judon Roberson, who was responsible for watching the child, was announced as a suspect in the child’s death.
An autopsy was completed on the child on January 24, 2025, and preliminary findings show blunt force trauma as a cause of death.
Roberson is set to appear in Madison County Circuit Court on January 20.
February
Levee fails, severe flooding covers Rives, TN
The earlier part of the year also saw historic storm damage, including flooding that left parts of Rives underwater after a levee failure.
It would be days before residents could even begin picking up the pieces again with the help of several organizations, like the Red Cross. “We’ve got houses underwater now that have never had water in them in this whole town’s life,” said Rives Vice Mayor Craig McCord.
March
Celebrating 70 years: Reflecting on top stories covered by WBBJ
WBBJ celebrated a major milestone in March after reaching its 70th anniversary.
The station took a trip down memory lane and dove into the decades of coverage it has provided in West Tennessee to commemorate the anniversary.
April
At least 1 tornado tears through Selmer, several structures destroyed
April saw the continuation of record-breaking storm damage across West Tennessee. Cities like Selmer reported multiple injuries and fatalities, and millions of dollars in damages.
A second round of storms brought more flooding to areas like Hardin County leaving some roads impassable.
May
Day 1: Post-conviction hearing for Zach Adams begins
May marked the beginning of a lengthy post-conviction hearing in which Zach Adams is seeking to overturn a murder conviction and secure a new trial.
Adams was originally found guilty in 2017 in relation to the murder and kidnapping of Decatur County nursing student Holly Bobo. Recently, Adams’ former defense attorney appeared for cross-examination in November.
Closing arguments were heard on December 29. Judge Bradberry indicated his decision for a re-trial will be heard in 90 days or more.
June
Local farmer files lawsuit against poultry company, seeks millions in compensation
A local farmer filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit in June against Reliable Poultry after he claims he lost over $2 million due to gross negligence.
At the time of this article’s publication, a future court hearing has not been scheduled for this lawsuit.
July
Suspect wanted in deaths of 4 people in Lake County
The largest story of the year began in late July after an infant was left in a stranger’s yard, and four individuals were found dead in Tiptonville later that night.
The following day, police identified the four victims as the family of the infant. The four, identified as Braydon Williams, 15; Adrianna Williams, 20; James M. Wilson, 21; and Cortney Rose, 38, were found with gunshot wounds.
It wouldn’t be long before authorities developed Austin Drummond as a suspect and a manhunt broke out.
Almost a week after the victims were found, Drummond was captured by Jackson police and booked into the Obion County Jail.
Drummond will have his next court appearance on March 24, 2026.
August
Nearly 60 years later, new evidence suggests famed McNairy Co. Sheriff killed his wife
Decades later, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reopened an investigation that shined light on the events that left a famed McNairy County Sheriff’s wife dead.
District Attorney General Mark Davidson spoke in a press conference stating in part that “Pauline Pusser was, more likely than not, shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside the vehicle. Blood splatter on the hood outside of the vehicle contradicts Buford Pusser’s statements.”
These findings shattered the image of Pusser for some, while others disregarded the TBI’s findings entirely.
September
Tina Turner statue unveiled in Brownsville
Another national story out of West Tennessee, the unveiling of the Tina Turner statue was a moment to celebrate the icon’s contribution to Rock N’ Roll and West Tennessee.
Initially, reception to the statue was mixed, with some calling its likeness to Turner into question. Accomplished sculptor and creator of the statue Fred Ajanogha later detailed his creative process when installing the piece, stating in part “You can copy her but there’s only one Tina Turner.”
October
Authorities provide more information on Tennessee plant explosion
A catastrophic explosion claimed 16 lives in October and left a community broken. The blast occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems in Humphreys County.
Officials were able to hold a press conference two weeks later providing updates on the removal of remaining explosives, recovery of human remains, and the collection of evidence evidence for further investigation.
An initial investigation revealed that approximately 24,000 to 28,000 pounds of explosives detonated.
November
Martin Mayor among 3 indicted after investigation uncovers misuse of more than $450,000
A shocking story arose out of Martin as former Mayor Randy Brundige, his daughter Natalie, and Director of Economic and Community Development Brad Thompson were indicted following an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
The investigation alleges that, combined, the three misused hundreds of thousands while employed for the City of Martin.
All three pled not guilty in a hearing held on November 24, 2025. The three are set to appear in court again on February 9, 2026.
December
Bahakel Communications and Gray Media announce sale of WBBJ 7
Rounding out the year was an announcement by Bahakel Communications and Gray Media regarding the sale of WBBJ 7.
Kevin Latek, Gray’s Chief Legal and Development Officer, shared that Gray looks forward to working with WBBJ 7 employees to further enhance their long record of service to local viewers and businesses.
The transaction is anticipated to close following receipt of regulatory and other approvals in the first quarter of 2026.
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