Local News - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Chattanooga store owner arrested after narcotics warrant search. Police say they found gambling operation

A Chattanooga convenience store owner was arrested after police alleged he was running a gambling room and drug distribution operation out of the store and committing electronic benefit transfer and lottery fraud.

By Kailee Shores August 19, 2026

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Mohamed Saleh, 47

Whitfield, Murray counties getting new Juvenile Court judge

Superior Court judges serving Whitfield and Murray counties in Northwest Georgia unanimously appointed the circuit's next Juvenile Court judge, officials announced.

By Mason Edwards August 19, 2026

US wildlife officials reverse on directive to euthanize bald eagle in Tennessee

Animal’s new home ready at Radnor Lake State Park

By Ben Benton August 19, 2026

Contributed photo / This rescued female bald eagle named Phoenix, shown Aug. 16, 2026, at the Owl Ridge Raptor Center in Washburn, Tenn., was the subject of a directive from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for officials at the center to euthanize her by Aug. 17, 2026. But federal officials reversed the directive two days later. Phoenix could soon go to a permanent home already secured for her.

Chattanooga skate park grand reopening delayed due to inclement weather

The reopening of Chattanooga's largest skate park has been delayed until December, according to city leaders.

By Sam Kohn August 18, 2026

Contributed photo / The Chatt Town Skate Park is seen from an aerial view on Aug. 14, 2026.

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Rock City begins waterways, wildlife assessment for gondola

Rock City has enlisted a national engineering consultant with a Chattanooga office to begin a preliminary assessment of potential impacts of its proposed gondola on the environment.

By Daniel Dassow August 18, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ A red barn reads ‘See Rock City' at Blowing Springs Farm near the base of Lookout Mountain on May 26, 2026. Rock City is assessing the potential waterway and wildlife impact of a gondola that would take off from the farm.

Things to do in the Chattanooga area this weekend include Touch A Truck, Watermelon Festival, TimberFest

A weekly roundup of events happening around Chattanooga.

By Sam Still August 18, 2026

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Bruce Baldwin, 8, and Amelia Nation, 9, play during the Watermelon Festival in 2025. This year's Watermelon Festival is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 22, 2026, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 23, 2026, at McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Road.

Former Chattanooga City Council member Demetrus Coonrod enters Tennessee House race

Demetrus Coonrod, a former two-term Chattanooga City Council member, has announced plans to run as an independent for the District 28 seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

By Staff Report August 18, 2026

Demetrus Coonrod is running for the District 28 Tennessee House seat as an Independent.

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Former Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost’s sentencing delayed for second time

A federal judge delayed former Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost's sentencing for a second time Tuesday following a joint request from prosecutors and defense.

By Mason Edwards August 18, 2026

Staff file photo by Mason Edwards / The former Chattanooga accountant who pleaded guilty to an investment scheme, Jonathan Frost, leaves his hearing in federal court Feb. 11, 2026.

Walker County landfill gives away 39 tons of material as part of Mulch Madness

It may be August, but it's Mulch Madness in Walker County.

By Ignacio Perez August 18, 2026

Walker County Facebook / Residents stand next to their freshly loaded mulch.

One Alabama man dead, another charged after fight

One Northeast Alabama man is dead and another is behind bars after a fight at a home in Jackson County turned deadly.

By Ben Benton August 18, 2026

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