Good morning, East Ridge.

Paul Pickens visited Ruby Falls and Rock City with his family nearly 60 years after his first trip, even as record gas prices and 100-degree heat challenge Labor Day weekend travel.

Local attractions continue to draw bigger crowds despite the travel hurdles.

Make-A-Wish East Tennessee will grant its 2,000th wish on Wednesday, Sept.

9 when Soddy-Daisy child Isabelle receives a Chuck E. Cheese pizza party and a citywide Purple Ticket Quest. Isabelle will ride a limousine through Chattanooga, ending her adventure at Chuck E. Cheese in Northgate.

On Thursday, Volkswagen's board approved a plan to cut 50,000 jobs globally by 2030 while reaffirming its commitment to the Chattanooga facility where Atlas SUV production continues— the move follows an earlier job cut announcement and supports future product development at the plant.

A University of Georgia study found invasive joro spiders prey on different insects than native orb weavers so competition for food is minimal (their venom is weak and they usually flee).

Reports from 18 Tennessee counties mean local residents may see these harmless spiders in yards and parks.

The University of Tennessee will play two fall baseball exhibition games at Erlanger Park — facing Kennesaw State on Nov.

1 and Georgia Tech on Nov. 8, both at 2 p.m. The venue is the $115 million home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.

UTC will host nationally ranked Tennessee Tech today at Finley Stadium at 6 p.m. The game follows a strong win and renews the local rivalry, with both teams ready to make an impact on the field.