Local News - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Deborah Levine: Honoring an interfaith voice like no other

The interfaith world is no doubt grieving at the recent passing of the Rev. Dr. John Pawlikowski, OSM. I sure am.

By Deborah Levine July 9, 2026

Photo By Stefano Spaziani/Europa Press via Getty Images / A nun prays the rosary after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. this Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, was in charge of announcing in a video, accompanied by the Secretary of State, Pitro Parolin, and the substitute of the Secretary of State, Edgar Peña Parra, from the Casa Santa Marta the death of Pope Francis.

Dixie, Copeland square off in Democratic primary for redrawn 7th District

In a race to capture the newly drawn 7th Congressional District seat in Tennessee, state Rep. Vincent Dixie and businessman Darden Copeland are taking slightly different strategies in the Democratic primary with the ultimate goal of unseating the Republican incumbent.

By Sam Stockard / Tennessee Lookout July 9, 2026

Rep. Vincent Dixie, left, and Darden Copeland, both of Nashville, are key candidates in the Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout file photos)

Are major changes coming to Tennessee teacher licensure requirements?

Significant changes could be on the horizon for Tennessee teaching licensure testing requirements.

By Melissa Brown / Chalkbeat Tennessee July 9, 2026

Aspiring Tennessee teachers currently have to pass a portfolio-based assessment that demonstrates readiness to lead a classroom and content assessments, which tests specific subject knowledge and skills. (Ariel J Cobbert for Chalkbeat)

Influential Georgia evangelical group fined for ethics violations

Frontline Policy, an influential Georgia conservative lobbying group, is facing $17,500 in fines in connection with complaints over unregistered lobbying and failing to file more than $380,000 in mandatory disclosure reports.

By Ross Williams / Georgia Recorder July 9, 2026

Frontline founder Cole Muzio stumps for a Georgia religious liberty law, which opponents said will allow for legal discrimination against LGBTQ Georgians. Frontline was recently fined for alleged ethics violations. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder file)

Former Alabama professor cites conflict of interest with attorney in Charlie Kirk lawsuit

A professor who reached a settlement with the University of Alabama after being fired following the assassination of far-right commentator Charlie Kirk has cited a "conflict of interest" with her prior attorney over the settlement.

By Andrea Tinker July 9, 2026

Banners hang on lampposts outside the University of Alabama Student Center on March 28, 2026. Candice Hale, a former English professor at the university said there was a "conflict of interest" with her former attorney in he lawsuit against the university following the death of Charlie Kirk. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

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As governor, Marsha Blackburn wants to stop Chattanooga’s China sister city program

Senator does not expect Trump endorsement

By Ruby Rayner July 8, 2026

Marsha Blackburn Campaign / U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn a candidate for governor, said in a new ad she wants to protect Tennessee from China and communism.

Chattanooga tech start-up accelerator partners with national lab

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Chattanooga entrepreneur center The Company Lab on Wednesday announced a partnership between that aims to enhance technology commercialization and support the growth of deep tech start-ups in Chattanooga.

By Emily Crisman July 8, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / The Company Lab CEO Tasia Malakasis speaks with Shaun Gleason, director of partnerships at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, following their public signing of an agreement between the organizations July 8, 2026.

Democrat Laura Betrand wants to support Health Department

Democrat Laura Bertrand said she is seeking a seat on the Hamilton County Commission to help schools and infrastructure keep up with and handle the impacts from new construction. She also wants to empower the county Health Department to provide for the physical and emotional needs of residents.

By Joan McClane July 8, 2026

Lee Helton wants to see projects finished before leaving commission

Incumbent Lee Helton, R-East Brainerd, said he wants another term on the Hamilton County Commission because there are goals for his district he's still working to accomplish.