Chattanooga - Chattanooga Times Free Press

QuoteWorthy: ‘They just see dollar signs’

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

By Staff Report September 5, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Citizens listen to a presentation during a meeting at the PIE Innovation Center in Cleveland, Tenn., on Sept. 1, 2026.

Federal government seeks summary judgment against Alabama prisons

Federal prosecutors Wednesday filed a heavily redacted motion for summary judgment ahead of a scheduled November trial over whether violence in Alabama's prisons violate inmates' Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

By Ralph Chapoco September 5, 2026

Photo by Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector / Barbed wire seen behind a fence at an Alabama prison. The federal government filed a motion on Wednesday seeking summary judgment in its lawsuit against the state of Alabama alleging that the violence in men's prisons violates inmates' Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

Georgia lawmakers consider voting access for people with disabilities, non-English speakers

Accessibility advocates are urging state leaders to prioritize access for voters with disabilities and those who require language assistance as lawmakers prepare to overhaul Georgia's election equipment ahead of 2028.

By Maya Homan / Georgia Recorder September 5, 2026

Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder / A ballot-marking device displays accessibility options to allow voters with disabilities to independently select candidates of their choice.

Some voters turn to independent Lauren Pinkston for governor, despite longshot odds

Lauren Pinkston promises she's not trying to "Ralph Nader" Tennessee's gubernatorial race by running as an independent.

By Sarah Grace Taylor September 5, 2026

Photo: Martin B. Cherry / Nashville Banner / Independent candidate for governor Lauren Pinkston meets supporters at a Brentwood home on Thursday.

CARTA to bring autonomous shuttles to Chattanooga

Chattanooga's transit agency plans to bring self-driving shuttles to town thanks to a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

By Sam Still September 3, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ CARTA CEO Charles D. Frazier stands in front of the transit system's new autonomous shuttle at CARTA Shuttle Park South on Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026. CARTA recently received a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant.

Chattanooga singer with ‘America’s Got Talent’ appearance charged with murder after 4-year-old dies

Police say child spent about 9 minutes underwater before civilian pulled him out

By Mason Edwards September 3, 2026

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Deshundre Vinson, 22.

Walnut Street Bridge to reopen Oct. 3

After 18 months of renovations, Chattanooga's iconic Walnut Street Bridge is set to reopen in a month.

By Sam Still September 3, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Work continues on the Walnut Street Bridge on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2026.

Walnut Street Bridge reopening announcement expected this week

Chattanoogans should learn soon when the iconic Walnut Street Bridge is expected to reopen.

By Sam Still September 2, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / A sign indicates a detour around the Walnut Street Bridge on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2026.

Hamilton County sheriff to pause about 70 Flock, Motorola license plate readers

Sheriff cites concerns over public data and potential misuse

By Mason Edwards September 1, 2026

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett speaks at the Pachyderm Club meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026.

New ‘LOVE’ billboard atop Parkway Towers replaces infamous ‘JUNK’ graffiti, honors lives of 36 people

"It was a kind of affirmation that what we were doing was important."

By Sam Kohn August 30, 2026

More in Chattanooga, page 11