Local News

From WKRN: The FBI’s latest crime data shows violent crime in Tennessee has declined over the past five years.The largest drop was in robberies, which fell by 38.5% from December 2019 to December 2024. Homicides decreased by just over 30%, rapes by 18%, and aggravated assaults by about 1%.Property crimes also saw declines, with burglaries down 42%, larceny-theft down about 25%, and arson down 7.5%...

From WZTV Nashville: Governor Bill Lee says Tennessee will seek a federal waiver to restrict the purchase of soda, candy, and other high-sugar foods with SNAP benefits.Under the plan, SNAP benefits could not be used for foods where sugar, corn syrup, or high-fructose corn syrup are the main ingredient, or for carbonated beverages with those sweeteners listed among the first two ingredients. The pr...

The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce has selected the 2025–26 Class of Youth Leadership Cleveland.The program is designed to develop and inspire the leaders of tomorrow and includes 26 high school juniors from Bradley Central, Cleveland, Walker Valley, and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School. Students were chosen for their academic achievement, leadership qualities, and passion for communi...

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has officially entered the race for governor of Tennessee, announcing her candidacy earlier this week in a radio interview. If elected, she would become the first female governor in state history, following her precedent-setting role as Tennessee’s first female U.S. senator. In her announcement, Blackburn positioned herself as a staunch conservative ready to lead the ...

From Local 3 News: It's no secret that Chattanooga and the surrounding areas are continuing to grow in population. There have been many proposed plans to help in congested traffic areas. Hamilton County officials announced Wednesday the expansion of Hilltop Drive and Volkswagen Drive. Both are located off of Interstate 75.The project is costing the county between $22 to $25 million. Officials say ...

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: The Athens Police Department is searching for a person of interest in the Tell Street shooting.Carlos Quintana is considered to be armed and dangerous, potentially traveling on foot according to officials.If you have any information on his current location, do not approach and contact 911 immediately.PREVIOUS: The Athens Police Department is investigating a shooting that...

From Local 3 News: Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against a Tennessee man charged with killing the parents, grandmother and uncle of an infant found abandoned in a home's front yard, authorities said Thursday.Austin Robert Drummond, 28, appeared by a video feed from jail before a judge in Tiptonville, two days after he was arrested in the killings that set mostly rural areas of western...

From WDEF 12: Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn has officially entered the race for Tennessee governor.Blackburn announced her candidacy Wednesday, saying she wants to ensure Tennessee remains a conservative leader as power shifts back to the states. She emphasized support for border security, veterans, the economy, and Second Amendment rights.Former President Trump praised Blackburn as a longti...

From the Chattanoogan: Planning is underway for the inauguration of Dr. Phil Cook as the 18th President of Lee University, set for Friday morning, Sept. 19. University staff are already making preparations for the ceremonial and gala event, which will officially install Dr. Cook into his executive role and celebrate the outset of this exciting new chapter in the institution’s history. The ceremony...

From Local 3 News: Bradley County School Board members have done away with hefty fines as a consequence of breaking cell phone policy, but not all are on board with other regulations. These concerns were all part of a special meeting that happened Tuesday night, after parents have been pushing back against the new regulations.Cell phone policies are up for debate again as board members continue to...

Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks was elected 1st Vice President of the Tennessee Municipal League during the League’s annual business meeting recently held in Chattanooga.Mayor Brooks said it’s an honor to be elected by his peers to serve in the leadership role.He’ll represent Cleveland and help set legislative priorities for TML, which advocates for 345 cities and towns across the state.TML elects a ...

From WDEF News 12: City leaders from across Tennessee came together in Chattanooga for the Tennessee Municipal League Conference, a three-day event focused on collaboration, innovation, and celebrating the success stories of cities throughout the state.Mayor Julian McTizic Sr. of Bolivar kicked off the final day with applause and appreciation.“It has been a wonderful past three days,” McTizic said...

From Local 3 News: The Cleveland, TN Police Department is asking for your help in providing information in a shooting.The incident happened on Saturday, August 2 around 9:00pm on Sunhill Drive.Residents and businesses in the area are asked to review any security camera footage around the time of the incident.If you notice anything unusual, contact the Cleveland Police Department at (423)559-3311.....

From the Chattanoogan: Vitruvian Health Care System said it is extending access after United Healthcare's (UHC) contract termination "in order to support all patients." Vitruvian officials said, "Bradley Medical Center’s contract with United Healthcare - including Commercial, ACA/Exchange Plans (Individual/Family), and Medicare Advantage plans was terminated by UHC on August 1, 2025. UHC has not t...

The Bradley County School Board met yesterday to consider a new policy on student cell phone use.The policy update is required by a new state law that went into effect on July 1st. Local State Representatives Dan Howell and Kevin Raper were both sponsors of the bill. The new state law bans the use of personal technological devices, including cell phones during instructional time. All school system...

From Local 3 News: The new 729 area code is now in effect in Chattanooga. This is also known as an area code overlay.The area code overlay is the addition of another area code to the existing code of the same geographic region. In this situation, the 729 area code will be added to the 423 area code. This addition will require new procedures. Grace Marek with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission...

From Local 3 News (AP): Tennessee is set to execute 69-year-old Byron Black today.Experts say this will likely mark the first time a man has been put to death with a working defibrillator in his chest.Gov. Bill Lee declined Monday to grant a reprieve, clearing the way for Byron Black’s execution after a legal battle and ongoing uncertainty about whether the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator w...

The Cleveland City School Board met yesterday.Board members approved several policy updates on first and final reading, including a major revision to the district’s rules on student cell phone use. The updated policy, rewritten with guidece from the Tennessee School Boards Association to comply with new state law, prohibits students from using personal wireless devices during instructional time. W...

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday.Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution allowing Mayor Gary Davis to sign a three-year agreement with Cleveland State Community College. The agreement will ensure continued enrollment of county first responders in the college’s EMT, AEMT, and paramedic programs.Another resolution passed to enter into a 10-year, nearly $3 million contract with Axo...

From the Chattanoogan: Chef Wesley True of Inman Social has been crowned the 2025 King of American Seafood.He won the title at the 21st Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans by preparing fried catfish with herb aioli, smoked trout roe, hot sauce vinaigrette, and peaches.Chef True previously placed second in 2006. ......