Author: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff

New transportation plan aims to improve travel in Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A plan was released recently allowing drivers and businesses the opportunity to learn about future expansions. "The Governor has just recently announced his Tennessee Modernization Transportation Act of 2023,"…

Dr. Danielle Shutes to join Tyson Learning Center in Humboldt

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- Dr. Danielle Shutes has been named Center Director of Tyson Learning Center. A partnership between Tyson Foods and KinderCare, the Tyson Learning Center is the new child care facility that will support workers at Tyson Food's Humboldt…

New tool gives Tennesseans transparency in legislative process

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton is announcing a new tool that aims to enhance public transparency. The TGA House Dashboard is a user-friendly application that gives every Tennessean the same access to the legislative process as their…

Jackson native creates program for HBCU students

JACKSON, Tenn. -- A Jackson native has been awarded for her passion in environmental and climate change. Tom's of Maine has started a new incubator program that awards five people across the country with funding…

Medina gas station catches fire

MEDINA, Tenn. -- A gas station caught on fire in a local town. The Medina Fire Department received a call concerning a fire at a local gas station around 2 p.m.…

Legislators convene in Nashville for 113th General Assembly

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The next Tennessee General Assembly has arrived! The 113th assembly kicked off Tuesday in Nashville, and it came with the reelection of Lt. Governor Randy McNally as Speaker of the Senate. This is McNally's fourth term in…

M. D. Anderson Planetarium schedule for Feb. 2023

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The University of Memphis Lambuth M. D. Anderson Planetarium shared their schedule for February of 2023. Shows for the month include: Friday, February 3, 1:30 pm – “TimeSpace” Tuesday, February 7, 5:30 pm – “Hubble Vision” Friday, February 10, 1:30 pm…

Last Hub City Hero of 2022 named by city

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The next Hub City Hero has been named, and she is the last one for 2022! The City of Jackson says Martha Priddy, a local volunteer, was named the Hero for December of 2022. The city says…

‘Operation Dark Crystal’ executed in West Tennessee

CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, in combination with several other agencies, made a large drug bust in Carroll County. Early Tuesday morning, local law enforcement executed what's being…

Poll of the Day: Keeping lotto winnings secret?

Many Americans are hoping to become a lucky winner as the current Mega Millions jackpot has grown to the fifth-largest in history. But if you were to win that prize, would you keep it a secret from family members that…

Local hospital awarded for high-quality heart care

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is being recognized for their high-quality cardiovascular care. The American College of Cardiology has awarded the hospital with the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence. According to a news release, the recognition…

Livingston’s Soda Fountain to film for America’s Best Restaurants

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. -- The spotlight is shining on one local restaurant this week. Livingston's Soda Fountain in Brownsville will be featured by America's Best Restaurants. America's Best Restaurants is a national media and marketing company that recognizes local, independently-owned restaurants.…

Jackson Choral Society begins rehearsals

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Choral Society is back in action, and they are hoping you will join in! The Jackson Choral Society held their first rehearsal Monday night for an…

Peter Pan cast hold pop-up performance

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Performers came together at Jackson City Hall to show off their work. Performers with The Ned were at City Hall on Monday to give a preview…

113th Tennessee General Assembly to begin Tuesday

JACKSON, Tenn. – The 113th Tennessee General Assembly begins Tuesday, and representatives are continuing to propose new legislation. Monday, Rep. Jay Reedy proposed several bills, including one to hold an alcoholic beverage referendum. Reedy’s House Bill 0044 would allow cities…

Scam calls impersonate local law enforcement

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Local law enforcement have been made aware of "spoof" scam calls impersonating their agencies. The victim is called by scammers and told that they failed to appear to court and that they owe a certain amount of…

Light Up Jackson winners receive awards

JACKSON, Tenn. -- On Monday, the City of Jackson awarded the winners of the 2022 Light Up Jackson for the Holidays event. In December, the city held a competition for the…

Police apprehend suspect at local hospital

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. -- Brownsville police say just before 11 a.m., they received a call concerning shots fired in the 100 block of Prairie Creek Estates. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they discovered…

Events this Week in West Tennessee: Jan. 9-15

Don’t miss any of the fun in the 731! Check out our list of events happening this week in West Tennessee. Note: LIFELINE Blood Services has announced an urgent need for blood donations. Click here for mobile blood drive locations this month.…

Blood donation could get you free smoothie, more

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Donating blood could get you a free smoothie, gym membership and possibly, a massage! LIFELINE Blood Services says their "New Year, New You" blood drive is being held on January 12. LIFELINE says the first 100 donors…

Company makes donation to celebrate expansion

UNION CITY, Tenn. -- A communications company celebrated their expansion with a donation. Ritter Communications announced on Monday, a donation of $2,500 to Discovery Park of America. “Discovery Park of America’s…

TWRA says public invited to comment on next hunting season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- You can now share your comments on next season's hunting regulations. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says you can share ideas and concerns with their staff through February 1. Comments may end up being shared as proposals…

Free CPR training kicks off in Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Do you know how to properly administer CPR? The City of Jackson and the American Red Cross held the first day of their free CPR training class to teach…

Most ‘Instagrammable’ Tennessee tourist attractions revealed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Social media users looking to travel to their next photogenic destination may not need to leave the state. New research is revealing the most "Instagrammable" tourist attractions in Tennessee. Family Destinations Guide recently analyzed hashtag data to…

Hardeman Co. mother and son celebrate a special day

BOLIVAR, Tenn.---A local producer is celebrating a very special day with his mother. Local singer and songwriter, Ruth Boyd-Lake celebrated her birthday today, along with her son J. Lake at Bricks Café…

West TN athlete recounts terrifying game night

GREENFIELD, Tenn.---After a terrifying injury to an NFL player, it brings back painful memories to a local family. High school football wide receiver, Blake Rodehaver's senior season came to a terrifying end…

Pet of the Week: Rex

This week's Pet of the Week from Hero West Rescue is Rex! This handsome boy is Rex! He is a dream and has everyone in the rescue wrapped around his paw!…

Fisherman found dead in Pickwick Lake

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. -- The search for a missing fisherman has come to an end. Friday morning, members of Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and Hardin County Fire Department recovered the body…

USJ theater teacher talks about upcoming performance

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The University School of Jackson has announced their upcoming play. Students will perform an adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express" by the famous murder mystery writer Agatha…

Man wanted for first-degree murder captured in Ripley

RIPLEY, Tenn. -- A man wanted out of Ripley on murder charges has been captured. According to US Marshals, 20-year-old Christopher Dye, of Ripley, was wanted out of Lauderdale County for first-degree murder. Dye is accused of shooting two people in…

Monthly flea market returns to Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The monthly flea market in Jackson is back! The flea market will still be held at the Jackson Fairgrounds on the first weekend of each month. Vendors and customers come from all over to buy and sell…

Partnership aims to help students access books

JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jackson-Madison County Schools is partnering with the Jackson-Madison County Library to improve student access. The partnership is meant to give students access to resources, and provide access to high quality books, online resources, and other material. You…

Jackson beauty institute taking enrollment

JACKSON, Tenn. -- If you're looking to take a new career path, Thrive Beauty Institute is now open and taking enrollment. Thrive Beauty is a hybrid cosmetology school and apprenticeship. It is…

Death of woman in east Madison Co. under investigation

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- An investigation is underway after a woman was reported dead in eastern Madison County. According to the news release from the Madison County Sheriff Office, deputies responded to the 400 block of Fowler Road around 7:30…

Investigation leads to TennCare fraud charge for West TN woman

COVINGTON, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announces a TennCare fraud charge for one West Tennessee woman. According to the TBI, in March 2022, agents began investigating fraudulent time sheets submitted for in-home care services for a TennCare patient,…

West Tenn. communities to get boost for water improvements

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Communities throughout the state will be seeing improvements to their water infrastructure through new grants announced by The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Coming from the state's American Rescue Plan fund, the grants total nearly $126,000,000…

Governor Lee announces details on 2023 Inauguration Ceremony

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Bill Lee is preparing to take on his second term as Governor of Tennessee. Friday, Governor Lee announced the theme and schedule of events for the 2023 inaugural celebration. Themed "Tennessee: Leading the Nation," the celebration will…

No injuries in Wednesday morning house fire

JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Fire Department was on the scene of a house fire Wednesday morning. The department says their crews responded to a home that was heavily involved, but was brought under control within several minutes. The…

Law enforcement seen along Fowler Road

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Law enforcement was spotted in mass in northeast Madison County. A large amount of law enforcement was spotted on Fowler Road near Beech Bluff Thursday night. Our crews on the scene observed crime scene tape around a…