Chattanooga - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Tennessee lawmakers pass fix to school threats law after kids were arrested for jokes and misunderstandings

Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation to fix the state's threats of mass violence law, which had resulted in children being charged with felonies over jokes and misunderstandings.

By Aliyya Swaby and Paige Pfleger / ProPublica and WPLN/Nashville Public Radio April 14, 2026

Sen. Ferrell Haile, a Gallatin Republican, sponsored an update to Tennessee's school threats law so school officials will now only have to report threats they deem “credible.” (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout file)

Tennessee House narrowly votes to expand private school grants to 35,000 students

The Tennessee House voted 52-43 — just meeting the majority needed to pass — on Monday evening to add 15,000 seats to the state's Education Freedom Scholarship program for the 2026-27 school year, bringing the total to 35,000 and nearly doubling the universal private school tuition program.

By Lillian Avedian / Nashville Banner April 14, 2026

Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, was among those in the Tennessee House who opposed the bill to expand private school tuition grants. (Martin B. Cherry/Nashville Banner)

Section of Tennessee Riverwalk outside Erlanger Park reopens

The Tennessee Riverwalk and West 26th Street trailhead outside Erlanger Park have reopened after months of construction, the city announced Monday.

By Staff Report April 13, 2026

Staff file photo by Seth Carpenter / A Tennessee Riverwalk street lamp stands outside Erlanger Park as construction continues on the new Chattanooga Lookouts stadium. A section of the Tennessee Riverwalk that has been closed since this past summer has reopened, adding lighting and landscaping while offering a connection to Erlanger Park.

Georgia state Rep. Kasey Carpenter addresses old blackface photo

A photo of Georgia state Rep. Kasey Carpenter, R-Dalton, dressed in blackface 12 years ago has been circulated on social media.

By Ignacio Perez April 13, 2026

Georgia state Rep. Kasey Carpenter, R-Dalton, speaks on the House floor in Atlanta. Carpenter has addressed a photo of him in blackface dressed as Kanyet West. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

Chattanooga man pleads guilty to murder charge in his toddler’s fatal fentanyl overdose

A man facing second-degree murder and aggravated child neglect charges in the fatal fentanyl overdose of his 2-year-old child pleaded guilty on Friday.

By Kailee Shores April 13, 2026

Staff file photo by Mason Edwards / Taiwan Greathouse, accused of felony murder in connection with the overdose death of his 2-year-old son, appears for a court hearing. Greathouse pleaded guilty to the charges.

Cryptocurrency accounts seized in $2.3M money laundering scheme

Athens woman implicated in case but not charged

By Ben Benton April 12, 2026

Staff File Photo / The federal courthouse in Chattanooga and Miller Park are seen before sunrise. An Athens, Tenn., woman has been implicated in a federal forfeiture warrant as a “money mule” who helped bilk a Minnesota-based nonprofit out of at least $2.3 million in a complex online romantic money laundering scheme.

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Street spots: Mayor likes downtowns with free parking. What about for Chattanooga?

In March, Mayor Tim Kelly told the Chattanooga City Council he visited Greenville, South Carolina, and emphasized the fact he was able to park in the busy city center for free.

By Raymon Troncoso April 12, 2026

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / A parking sign is seen along Market Street in Chattanooga. CARTA officials said on-street spaces downtown are governed in a way to encourage parking turnover throughout the day.

Hamilton County Commission: Incumbent Greg Beck wants more investment in violence prevention

Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Beck, D-North Brainerd, is running for a fifth term in the District 5 seat after 16 years in office.

By Siena Duncan April 12, 2026

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Commissioner Greg Beck speaks during a County Commission meeting at the Hamilton County Courthouse. Beck is running for a fifth term and will face challenger Katherlyn Geter in the Democratic primary.

Hamilton County Commission: Challenger Katherlyn Geter looking to increase school funding

Former Hamilton County Commissioner Katherlyn Geter is challenging incumbent Commissioner Greg Beck, D-North Brainerd, for the District 5 seat in the upcoming Democratic primary.