Orangefoot Pimpleback. Monkeyface. Fuzzy Pigtoe. No, these aren’t insults hurled by children on the playground; they’re freshwater mussel species. Despite their playful monikers, these rock-like animals seriously improve water quality in rivers and streams. A new exhibit in the Tennessee Aquarium’s Ridges to Rivers gallery showcases these often-underappreciated organisms and draws attention to their role in maintaining …
Tag: Bridgeport
Dollar Tree Selling Family Dollar Stores
Dollar Tree announced on Wednesday that it is selling Family Dollar for $1 billion to a pair of private equity firms, a decade after acquiring the discount chain for more than $8 billion. Although both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar cater to low-income shoppers, Family Dollar locations struggled to gain traction, prompting the parent company …
Concrete Repairs Prompt Weekend Lane Closures on Interstate 75/24 in Hamilton County
Drivers traveling near the I-75 at the I-24 interchange in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews must implement weekend lane closures on I-75 …
Blood Assurance Declares Emergency Need for Donors
Blood Assurance is facing an emergency blood shortage, with only a half-day’s supply of multiple blood types remaining. While donations are down, hospitals are simultaneously experiencing an increased demand for blood, creating a dire need for donors. “I can’t stress enough how vital it is for people to step up and donate immediately,” said Garry …
Dollar General to Close Nearly 100 Locations
Dollar General has announced plans to close several locations in 2025 due to decreasing consumer confidence. According to the company’s fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2024 report, 96 Dollar General store locations will be closed “in the first quarter” of the current fiscal year. The report also indicated that Dollar General’s fourth-quarter operating profit decreased by …
Homicide Suspect Wanted by Marion County Sheriff’s Department
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department is searching for Billy Dewayne Massengale from Mullins Cove Road in Whitwell, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide that occurred on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Massengale is also wanted for aggravated assault and false imprisonment. He was last seen at Prentice Cooper State Forest, the same …
Scammers Posing as Law Enforcement Want Bitcoin as Payment
There have been reports of recent phone and internet scams involving Bitcoin machines. Scammers pose as law enforcement officers and tell victims that they have a warrant for their arrest. They then instruct the victims to go to a Bitcoin machine at a location of their choosing and deposit a predetermined amount of money or …
Time to Spring Forward
Daylight Saving Time will begin in the Tennessee Valley on Sunday, March 9, when clocks will “spring forward” an hour at 2 AM local time. AAA says the sudden sleep shift could take a toll on drivers: Common symptoms of drowsy driving include trouble keeping your eyes open and head up, drifting from your lane, …
Wind Advisory Through Wednesday Afternoon
A Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Strong gusts may bring down trees and power lines. Downed Power Lines: What to Do: Always assume a downed power line is live and avoid the area. Do not remove debris or touch anything in contact with the line, like vehicles or tree branches. Report …


