Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

Moonshine still, drugs found during search of home

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Local law enforcement discovered a moonshine still, and more, during the search of a home on Wednesday. Around 5:30 p.m., WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News was informed by tipsters…

ChatGPT author speaks about the impact of AI

JACKSON, Tenn. -- ChatGPT is becoming an artificial intelligence tool that's being used by many students and workers, but what exactly is it? ChatGPT is an advanced algorithm. When you look at…

North Side holds graduation for Class of 2023

A new batch of students are moving onto the next chapter of their lives! The class of 2023 at North Side is graduating. Watch the live ceremony below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzc2HvZ9goI South Side students…

Positive Living Group to host lunch-and-learn

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A free lunch-and-learn is being held with a variety of local health professionals. The Positive Living Group says that the lunch will include: Dr. Melanie Hoppers of Physicians Quality Care Dr. John Pasley of the Jackson-Madison County…

2 West TN students found dead at school, 1 transported for treatment

SOMERVILLE, Tenn. -- An investigation is underway after two West Tennessee students were found dead in a school's parking lot. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office says on Tuesday, two deceased juveniles were discovered at Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville. A…

World-famous monster truck to make pitstop in Dyersburg

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- A world-famous monster truck is making a pitstop in Dyersburg this weekend! The Raminator will be at the Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, offering fans the chance to meet the driver and the Hall Brothers Racing team.…

District attorney says scammers targeting medical professionals

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The state's attorney general is warning of a scam targeting medical professionals. According to the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General, scammers are impersonating agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and then attempt to extort…

US Marshals seek man wanted on federal drug trafficking offenses

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The US Marshals have released a wanted poster for a man wanted on federal drug trafficking offenses. Marshals say that Matthew Culver has a violent criminal history including firearms, narcotics, evading arrest, and parole violations. Marshals suspect…

NFL greats to join FHU Annual Benefit Dinner

HENDERSON, Tenn. -- A local university's annual fundraiser will welcome two greats from the NFL. Players-turned-commentators Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms are set to join Freed-Hardeman University's Annual Benefit Dinner on Friday, December 1. According to a news release, the…

TennCare expands pregnancy coverage, to provide diapers

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The State of Tennessee is making advancements to help families financially. Some changes to the state's Medicaid program, TennCare, could save Tennesseans a lot of money. TennCare will soon…

Farm blends therapy, animals in West Tennessee

TOONE, Tenn. -- This isn't your normal therapy or counseling session. One farm is mixing therapy with nature and animals. The Therapy Farm has opened their doors to in-person services of…

Liberty holds graduation for Class of 2023

A new batch of students are moving onto the next chapter of their lives! The class of 2023 at Liberty is graduating. Watch the live ceremony below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuQ9-7tAtZA Watch JCM Early College High graduation here. Watch JASA 2023 graduation here.…

New law adjusts state’s bail process

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A new law taking effect July 1 is changing the state's bail procedures. House Bill 0830 will "anyone who is charged with a Class A or B felony, that they would not be able to be released…

Tennessee creates Nuclear Energy Advisory Council

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Gov. Bill Lee has signed an executive order aimed at nuclear innovation. Tuesday, Lee signed Executive Order 101, creating the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. This council will have 15 members, including members of the Lee administration,…

Brownsville native competes in national singing competition

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Brownsville native is taking part in a national competition. Clifton Smith recently attended the third season of Hallelujah Auditions in Burlington, Iowa. The competition consists of worship leaders from all over the United States, with each…

Report ranks each Tennessee county in child well-being

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth released the 2023 County Profiles in Child Well-Being on Tuesday. The annual report ranks each county in the state in important areas affecting child development, such as economic well-being, education,…

TDOT to begin lane, interstate ramp closures

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A widening project is leading to several lanes being closed along Interstate 40, and it begins this week. Starting this week, Tennessee Department of Transportation crews are shifting…

BBB warns of urn supply scam, gift card use

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Better Business Bureau has a few scams you should look out for. Many consumers may get a gift card for the holidays or a special occasion, but what happens to those cards when the business goes…

Soldiers get family time before deployment

LEXINGTON, Tenn. -- An organization of US war veterans held a picnic for soldiers that are preparing to deploy overseas. The 251st Military Police Company in Lexington, along with the…

JASA holds graduation for Class of 2023

A new batch of students are moving onto the next chapter of their lives! The class of 2023 at JASA is graduating. Watch the live ceremony below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpxxZs6RPOI Liberty students will graduate on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 p.m. North…

New development approved in north Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A new development was approved Monday in Jackson. The Crossings Tax Increment Financing District was approved on Monday by the Madison County Commission. This was the final approval for the…

JCM Early College High holds graduation for Class of 2023

A new batch of students are moving onto the next chapter of their lives! The class of 2023 at JCM Early College High is graduating. Watch the live ceremony below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuAaxni8WFM JASA students will graduate on Monday, May 15 at…

UT Martin to host 23rd annual Memorial Day

MARTIN, Tenn. -- The University of Tennessee at Martin is holding its 23rd Memorial Day later this month. The university says that this annual event is set…

31 students recognized for their ACT scores

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Thirty-one students were recognized for their ACT score. According to the Jackson-Madison County School System, the students were treated to a luncheon, given a certificate…

Care Center of Jackson shares plans for expansion

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Care Center of Jackson shared their plans for expansion. In a news release, the Care Center announced their plans to expand with “The Genesis Homes'' campaign. The release says that the campaign will focus on creating…

Events this week in West Tennessee: May 15-21

Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Click here for a list of LIFELINE Blood Services’ mobile blood drives. Monday, May 15 Cornhole & Card Playing…

‘A Night Out with Josh Dobbs’ to be held in June

JACKSON, Tenn. -- You could treat your father to a night with Josh Dobbs! The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is inviting everyone out for a Father's Day event in mid-June. The cost is $500 per table and will be from…

Basketball tournament to begin Monday at 5 p.m.

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A local school system is holding a basketball tournament, starting on Monday. Monday, May 15 will be the first day of the Jackson-Madison County School System's Elementary Basketball Tournament. The tournament begins at 5 p.m. at…

Group seeks to honor women veterans at upcoming event

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Women veterans will be honored at an upcoming event by the Jackson-Madison Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The group is currently seeking women veterans to honor at their annual Women Veterans Day commemoration. This year's…

Jackson Fire Department announces promotion of LaTrell Billingsley

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Fire Department announces the promotion of LaTrell Billingsley to Division Chief/Fire Marshal of the Fire Prevention Bureau. A press release states that since joining JFD, Billingsley has made significant contributions to the organization, including serving…

TWRA confirms boating death in Benton County

BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Local authorities are investigating a death on the water. A press release from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency states their officers are investigating a fatal boating incident that occurred on Saturday, May 13. The release says…

Local philanthropist establishes a scholarship for graduating seniors

SOMERVILLE, Tenn.---A West Tennessean helps pave the way to a brighter future for local graduating seniors. According to a news release, a local philanthropist and Somerville resident, Shamekia Rivers has established a scholarship fund for local graduating seniors who have…