Local News - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Seven Whitfield County massage parlors searched in prostitution, sex trafficking investigation

Investigators searched seven massage parlors in Dalton, Georgia, and Whitfield County on Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing prostitution and sex trafficking investigation, officials said.

By Mason Edwards September 22, 2026

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / A Dalton police vehicle sits outside A Healthy Massage in Dalton as investigators searched seven massage parlors across the city and Whitfield County on Sept. 22, 2026.

Former Chattanooga police chief’s new defense team ready for January trial

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy has hired new defense attorneys, who say they are ready for a January jury trial in Hamilton County.

By Mason Edwards September 22, 2026

Staff file photo / Police Chief Celeste Murphy speaks to the Downtown Chattanooga Alliance and River City to discuss public safety on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at the Waterhouse Pavilion.

Things to do in the Chattanooga area this weekend include taco festival, vendor fair, craft night

A list of things to do in the Chattanooga area this week.

By Staff Report September 22, 2026

Staff file photo / Randy Carpenter with Family Concessions makes a funnel cake during Chattanooga Taco Festival at Camp Jordan on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Tennessee officials approve plan to seek master developer for lots near Capitol, Boring tunnel

After a 10-day delay, Tennessee state officials approved a waiver to move forward with the next phase in finding a master developer for parking lots near the State Capitol.

By Adam Friedman / Tennessee Lookout September 22, 2026

Photograph by John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout / Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner meets with Gov. Bill Lee and Senator Bill Hagerty at the Tennessee Towers on Aug. 19, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

COVID vaccines for uninsured Tennessee kids in limbo amid federal delays

The federal government has yet to release information on when — or whether — it will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines to low-income children through a free immunization program, raising alarms among some Tennessee health providers ahead of this Fall's respiratory illness season.

By Anita Wadhwani / Tennessee Lookout September 22, 2026

Photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout / The federal government has not confirmed it will release COVID vaccines for low-income children through its Vaccines for Children program this year, causing concern among healthcare providers in Tennessee where half of all children are vaccinated through the federal program. Pictured: Esmeralda Baravar, 18, winces as she gets her COVID-19 vaccine during a pop-up clinic at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Nashville in 2020.

Lookout Mountain City Council denies Rock City gondola amendments

In the end, the "No Gondola" movement was an unstoppable force.

By Daniel Dassow September 21, 2026

Photo by Brynn Meisse / The City Council of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, voted 3-2 to deny requested amendments to zoning law for a Rock City gondola.

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Chattanooga police seek contract to allow police technology purchases

The Chattanooga Police Department is set to request approval from the City Council on a contract worth up to $15 million over five years for police technology. Exactly what technology the city plans to purchase under the contract is yet to be determined, officials said.

By John P. Boan September 21, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / MPO Jason Clemons operates a drone as part of a simulation during a media event at the Chattanooga Police Department on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. The department is asking the Chattanooga City Council for a $13 million tech package that would give officers access to AI analysis, which could track cars and people based on a general description.

Pedestrian, 65, dies after car crash while trying to cross Shallowford Road

A 65-year-old woman died Monday afternoon after she was hit by a vehicle while trying to cross Shallowford Road, police said.

By Staff Report September 21, 2026

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Global firm sues Bradley County to build 300-acre data center

County will fight challenge to its regulations, mayor says