Local News - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Pedals to pints: Three Chattanooga breweries that host bike nights

If there is one thing Chattanooga doesn't lack, it's outdoor recreation clubs.

By Brynn Meisse August 23, 2026

Submitted photo / Greenhouse Growlerz meet once a week on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

Tennessee River Gorge Trust opens second phase of Aetna Mountain trail system

The trail system on Aetna Mountain doubled in size as the Chattanooga-based nonprofit Tennessee River Gorge Trust celebrated the grand opening of the project's second phase.

By Sam Still August 22, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Bikers explore the trails Aug. 21, 2026, during the grand opening for the second phase of the Aetna Mountain trail system.

UTC students featured on Discovery Channel for underwater archaeology work in Jamaica

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students and faculty were featured on an episode of Discovery Channel's "Expedition Unknown" after their research at Port Royal, a sunken pirate city off the coast of Jamaica, led them to the remains of a previously unlocated British warship.

By Kailee Shores August 22, 2026

Contributed photo / AJ Van Slyke. center, poses with Tom Laufenberg, left, and Faith Johnson.

Toni Says: Changes to Medicare Part D take effect Jan. 1

I have Medicare supplement Plan G with a separate Part D plan, and my sister is on a Medicare Advantage HMO. I need your advice to know how to choose the correct Part D plan for both of us.

By Toni King August 22, 2026

QuoteWorthy: ‘They’re great mothers, but they will kill you because they’re dead serious’

People who had a way with words in the news last week:

By Staff Report August 22, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / Nic Cornelison, owner of Lake Majestik Farms in Flat Rock, Ala. and founding partner of GenePlus, speaks to the Chattanooga Rotary Club about the beef industry and cattle breeding Aug. 20, 2026.

Banning of some hemp products potentially blows $110 million hole in Tennessee’s budget

Tennessee Republican lawmakers banned popular cannabinoid-derived hemp products starting in July, and after one month of sales tax collections, projections are on pace for a $110 million loss.

By Adam Friedman / Tennessee Lookout August 22, 2026

Tennessee lawmakers banned smokable hemp products like these starting in July, creating a budget loss. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout/File)

ACLU queries Tennessee school districts on Ten Commandments

A group led by the American Civil Liberties Union is seeking information from five Tennessee school districts about their plans to post the Ten Commandments after a new state law allowed the Bible document to go up in school buildings' "prominent" locations.

By Sam Stockard / Tennessee Lookout August 22, 2026

A coalition including the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and the Freedom From Religion Foundation is asking school districts about their plans to post the Ten Commandments in schools. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Photograph by John Partipilo/

Subscriber Exclusive

$350M retail district planned for The Bend in Chattanooga

Charlotte, North Carolina-based commercial real estate firm Hill Partners announced it plans to build a $350 million retail and residential district at The Bend in Chattanooga.

By Daniel Dassow August 22, 2026

Contributed Photo / An architectural rendering shows a planned $350 million open-air retail district at The Bend in Chattanooga, set to begin construction in 2027.

Craig Fuller: Plans for the Times Free Press put Chattanoogans, families first

It has been a few weeks since my father and I purchased the Times Free Press, one of the most important institutions in our city and one of the most impactful community newspapers in the country.

By Craig Fuller August 22, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / Freight media executive Craig Fuller announces his purchase of the Chattanooga Times Free Press to its employees on Thursday, July 30, 2026.