The United Auto Workers union is negotiating its first union contract with Volkswagen at its Chattanooga plant, covering more than 4,000 members. The union said its key demands include higher wages, affordable health benefits and retirement protections. Steve Cochran, co-chair of the bargaining committee, said the workers should have the same pay structure as the other …
Category: Chattanooga
Chattanooga News covers breaking stories, schools, sports, traffic, government, and community updates in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Tennessee and surrounding communities.
Be Ready for Heavy Rain
Rain, rain, and more rain. Overall, we’ll see about 1-2” of rain from Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Another system will arrive for Wednesday afternoon/evening, where we’ll pick up another quick 1-2” of rainfall. The third system will arrive by Saturday afternoon and deliver another 1-2” of rain. By the weekend, this excessive rainfall will cause …
Important Alert for Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union Members
The Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union has learned that scammers are cloning phone numbers to make their calls appear legitimate. These scammers may contact you and ask you to confirm or provide sensitive personal information. PLEASE HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. Never share your information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Always take the extra step to …
Be Alert to I-24 Road Construction
Drivers traveling on I-24 in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the I-75 at I-24 interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will reduce I-24 East to two lanes (from Exit 181 to Moore …
Important Information Concerning New 729 Area Code
With new telephone numbers in high demand, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission approved adding the new 729 area code to the existing 423 area code region, which covers our area. Starting February 5, 2025, all local calls made within the 423-area code must be dialed using 10 digits (area code and the 7-digit telephone number). On and …
School Voucher Program Passes in Tennessee
The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives have passed Gov. Bill Lee’s statewide expansion of school vouchers, otherwise known as the “Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025.” The legislation was passed after hours of debate on both sides of the issue during a speedy four-day special session on vouchers, disaster relief, and immigration enforcement. The …
Chattanooga jeweler Rick Davis charged with passing worthless checks
Chattanooga business owner, Richard “Rick” Davis was arrested for a second time in less than a year. The police report says 73-year-old Davis was arrested at his jewelry store on Brainerd Road Tuesday evening. According to reports, Davis is accused of passing worthless checks at his business around January 14, 2025. Davis was booked at …
Thornton Loses Lawsuit Against Two Marion County Residents
A court ruling has resulted in a significant loss for developer John “Thunder” Thornton, who sued Marion County residents Joey Blevins and Ronnie Kennedy over their criticism of his River Gorge Ranch Development. Blevins and Kennedy expressed concerns about the development above abandoned coal mines, which Thornton claimed were false. The judge dismissed Thornton’s claim …
After an Investigation in Jackson County Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison
After an investigation by the Jackson County Alabama Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, on January 24, 2025, James C. Thompson, 72, formerly of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, was sentenced to 20 years in prison For Transportation of a Minor In Interstate Commerce with the Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity. The sentencing occurred in the United …
Expect Changes at the I-75/I-24 Split for the Next Few Days
Drivers should expect changes to the I-75/I-24 split over the next few days. TDOT will conduct construction on I-75 North and South from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. between East Ridge and East Brainerd Road. I-24 East and West from Germantown Road to Spring Creek Road will also undergo construction, causing temporary lane closures. All …


