Tennessee - Chattanooga Times Free Press

While Nashville’s downtown bar owners seek bailout from new tourism board, Haslam voices concerns

A board designed to oversee the distribution of excess tax revenue in downtown Nashville met for the first time earlier this month, with the state's former governor voicing concerns about giving money directly to businesses.

By Adam Friedman / Tennessee Lookout October 12, 2026

Photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout / Former Gov. Bill Haslam Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, left, a member of the Joint Capitol Tourism Board, expressed concerns about giving direct grants to businesses downtown. Haslam is pictured with sportscaster and Nashville resident Jim Nantz at the May 19 announcement the Super Bowl will be held in Nashville in 2030.

In north Alabama congressional race, a Democrat pitches affordability and political reform

Throughout all of the 20th century, Alabama's 5th Congressional District, anchored in north Alabama, was represented by a Democrat. But in 2010, after the two parties had evolved and ideologically solidified into what they are today, voters sent Republican Mo Brooks to Congress, upending that longstanding electoral stasis.

By Ben Sessoms / Alabama Reflector October 12, 2026

Photo by Ben Sessoms for Alabama Reflector / Andrew Sneed, the Democratic nominee for Alabama's 5th Congressional District, introduces Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones at a rally at Mars Music Hall in Huntsville, Alabama on Oct. 11, 2026.

Christa Pike is discharged from a hospital after surviving execution attempt, her attorneys say

Christa Pike, who survived Tennessee's attempt to execute her by lethal injection, has been moved back to prison, her attorneys said Saturday.

By The Associated Press October 12, 2026

This photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Correction shows Christa Pike on Jan. 12, 2023. (TDOC via AP)

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Chattanooga police drones resolve some calls without officers on scene

Six weeks since the Chattanooga Police Department launched a program dispatching drones to emergency calls, some of those drones are handling incidents without requiring an officer response at all.

By John P. Boan October 11, 2026

Submitted by the Chattanooga Police Department / A drone used by the Chattanooga Police Department sits on display in late August. Since the start of the department's drone responder pilot, the city's two drones have been the first unit on scene in nearly 20 percent of calls they've responded to.

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Fleischmann celebrates Amentum’s new global nuclear HQ in Oak Ridge

Amentum, a vast Virginia-based government and commercial contractor providing technology and engineering services, opened its global nuclear headquarters in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Thursday in an event with U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Ooltewah.

By Daniel Dassow October 11, 2026

Contributed photo / Amentum opens its global nuclear headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring CEO John Heller, president of Amentum's Energy & Environment division Mark Whitney, and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Ooltewah, on Oct. 8, 2026.

Chattanoogans faced power outages as Isaias moves north

Thousands of Chattanoogans lost power Saturday as storms from Hurricane Isaias moved through the region, according to data from EPB.

By Ellen Gerst October 10, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Fans brave the stormy weather to watch the Mocs defeat Samford at Finley Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.

Windy weekend expected in Chattanooga thanks to Hurricane Isaias

It's looking like a windy weekend in the Chattanooga area.

By Ellen Gerst, Ben Benton October 9, 2026

National Weather Service / The predicted path of the Hurricane Isaias cone is shown as of the afternoon of Oct. 9, 2026. Landfall was expected around the Florida Panhandle and Alabama's Gulf coast.

Tennessee Trucking Association, fuel providers say clarity is needed on dyed diesel relief

The Tennessee Trucking Association and some Tennessee fuel providers are cautioning diesel-powered vehicle drivers to wait for clarity before using dyed diesel meant for off-road vehicles on public roads after recently announced respites from tax enforcement.

By Cassandra Stephenson / Tennessee Lookout October 9, 2026

Photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout / The Tennessee Trucking Association is encouraging members to wait for clarity from the federal and state governments on whether they can use tax-free dyed diesel on roadways.

Collins, Ossoff trade personal insults during Georgia’s first US Senate debate

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Congressman Mike Collins came out swinging on the debate stage Thursday night, discussing topics like the economy, healthcare and data centers in between brutal insults ahead of the November election.

By Ross Williams / Georgia Recorder October 9, 2026

AP Photos by Manuel Balce Ceneta and J. Scott Applewhite / At left, Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., speaks June 26, 2026, in Washington, and at right, Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., speaks in Washington, July 26, 2022. Collins and Ossoff faced off in their first debate in the U.S. Senate race in Georgia on Thursday.

Memphis state takeover board approves key policies to prove readiness to federal judge

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters

By Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat October 9, 2026

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