Politics - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Judge rejects Justice Department attempt to get names of 2020 election workers in Fulton County

The U.S. Department of Justice cannot have the names and personal contact information for every person who worked during the 2020 election in Georgia’s Fulton County, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

By KATE BRUMBACK / Associated Press July 7, 2026

FILE - Stickers sit on a table inside a polling place, Nov. 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Change to Georgia’s ballot QR code bill could steer voting in a new direction

Georgia's ballot QR code crisis is resolved for now, but a late change to an elections bill passed during last month's special session adds a new twist to the question of how future elections across the state will be run.

By Maya Homan / Georgia Recorder July 7, 2026

Georgia state Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver and Tim Fleming speak at a Government Affairs Committee meeting. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder/File)

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Like NASCAR or Dennis Quaid? You might be hearing from Marsha Blackburn on Facebook

Republican candidates for Tennessee governor, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, spent a combined $80,000 on Facebook campaign ads in the past three months.

By Ruby Rayner July 6, 2026

Tennessee Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn speaks at an event with one of her opponents for governor, Cookeville Republican U.S. Rep John Rose, center, behind her. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout file)

Democrat Amanda Sovago-Royal wants seat on Hamilton County Commission

Democrat Amanda Sovago-Royal said she's seeking a seat on the Hamilton County Commission because she wants to bring more perspectives and transparency to county government.

By Joan McClane July 6, 2026

Staff photo by Siena Duncan / Amanda Sovago-Royal sits outside Northshore Mean Mug. She's running for the District 2 seat on the Hamilton County Commission, which is held by Republican Chip Baker.

Chip Baker seeks third term on the County Commission

Incumbent Chip Baker, R-Signal Mountain, said he wants another term on the Hamilton County Commission because he wants to continue serving the Signal Mountain community that welcomed his family 34 years ago and educated his four children.

By Joan McClane July 6, 2026

Staff photo by Larry Sullivan II / Commissioner Chip Baker speaks during a forum hosted by the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association on April 16, 2026. Baker, a Republican, is running for a third term on the Hamilton County Commission representing the Signal Mountain and Walden areas.

Trump rings Wall Street’s opening bells as he ties his presidency to stock market gains

President Donald Trump on Monday rang the opening bells for the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq from the golden confines of the Oval Office, a symbolic act that reflects how he has increasingly tied his presidency to the stock market.

By JOSH BOAK / Associated Press July 6, 2026

President Donald Trump rings the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, July 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Prosecutors to lay out their case against the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk’s widow and parents are expected this week in a Utah court where prosecutors seeking the death penalty will argue that the man charged with killing the conservative activist should stand trial for murder.

By MATTHEW BROWN and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM / Associated Press July 5, 2026

FILE - A well-wisher places flowers at a makeshift memorial set up for Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA headquarters, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Gene-o Shipley wants to keep advocating for northern Hamilton County

Incumbent Hubert Gene "Gene-o" Shipley, R-Soddy-Daisy, said he's seeking a second term on the Hamilton County Commission because he wants to continue representing an area he's called home his entire life.

By Joan McClane July 5, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Commissioner Gene-O Shipley, R-Soddy-Daisy, talks about data centers during a press conference in front of the Hamilton County Courthouse on June 30, 2026.

Mona Petro wants smart growth in North Hamilton County

Democrat Mona Petro said she is seeking a seat on the Hamilton County Commission because she wants to bring a female perspective to the now all-male panel and make sure infrastructure concerns related to growth are addressed.