Beginning May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act of 2005 will go into effect. Anyone 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID credential to access certain federal facilities, board commercial flights, nuclear power plants, and military bases in the U.S. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL …
Category: Government
Strong Storms Powered their way through the area Wednesday Night into Thursday Morning
Six high-voltage TVA transmission lines were damaged, and multiple structures were destroyed by tornados and strong storms in Tennessee and north Alabama on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Power has been rerouted to most of the affected local power companies, and crews are working on repairs. Local power companies are working hard to assess and …
Drowning Victim’s Body has been Found
According to the family, the body of the 17-year-old kayaker who fell into the Sequatchie River at the hydraulics area at Ketner’s Mill in Marion County was found on Tuesday afternoon. The family reported his name via social media as Devin Lane Kunkle. Those assisting in the recovery efforts were: Marion County Rescue Squad, Marion County …
Open House at Fall Creek Falls Will Address Restoration Plans
Fall Creek Falls State Park will host an open house on Thursday, May 9, to share information with the community about a project at the park’s scenic loop. Last year, thousands of trees were downed by storms, creating hazards within the park and the gorge. Work to remove the fallen trees will begin this summer …
State Launches ‘Year of Tennessee Teachers’ Campaign
Throughout the month of May, the Tennessee Department of Education invites all Tennesseans to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month, Week, and Day, proclaimed by Governor Bill Lee. Additionally, the department launched the ‘Year of Tennessee Teachers’ campaign, highlighting teachers for shaping the minds of the over one million K-12 students across the state to ensure they have …
Dolly Days in Ringgold, GA
Dolly Parton fans have an excuse to put on their best blonde wigs and cowgirl boots on May 11 to celebrate the Queen of Tennessee. The third annual festival to celebrate Dolly will be held in Ringgold, GA, where the star tied the knot almost 58 years ago with Carl Dean. The packed Sunday will …
Chattanooga Attorney Temporarily Suspended
Hamilton County Attorney Arthur C. Grisham, Jr. has been temporarily suspended for failing to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility. He did not respond to the board concerning one complaint of misconduct, they stated in a press release. A Supreme Court rule requires the immediate suspension of an attorney’s license to practice law if …
U. S. Postal Service wants to Raise Prices
The U. S. Postal Service recently filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission of mailing services price changes to take effect July 14, 2024. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents. The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the …
School Districts in Tennessee can Officially Allow Teachers to Conceal Carry Guns
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has officially signed the legislation that would allow school districts to permit teachers to conceal carry on school grounds. The measure, which garnered significant backlash from teachers and parents—including Covenant families—ultimately passed along party lines despite repeated attempted amendments proposed by Democrats. According to the amended bill, teachers would be able …
All but One Area Tennessee County Unemployment Rate Rises in March
Newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) documented that unemployment rates have decreased in 12 counties across the state. Ten counties recorded rates that did not change from month to month, while 73 counties did see a slight uptick in their unemployment levels. Williamson and Moore counties both had rates …



