Daily editionWednesday, September 16th, 2026
Good morning, East Ridge.
The 5AM East Ridge Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of September.
Community
Bob Martin, the kitchen manager at Erlanger Park, turned Lookouts game leftovers into meals for people in need — he donated food to the Chattanooga Homeless Coalition and his neighbors, earning a $500 Pay It Forward Award on Sept. 14.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Education
On Tuesday, UTC Chancellor Dr. Lori Mann Bruce delivered her State of University address during the 140th birthday and shared plans to expand opportunities.
Celebrations continue with Thursday fireworks; Parking Lot 7 and parts of Douglas Street and Mocs Alumni Drive will be closed from noon to 9:00 p.m.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Environment
Bluff Trail on Lookout Mountain is temporarily closed after park officials received reports of aggressive wildlife (the closure is between the Cravens House Trail and the staircase below Point Park).
Hikers are urged to avoid the area until it reopens.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Government
TBI warns shoppers that some herbal products sold as 'Cat's Claw' may contain MGM-15 (a form of kratom) which is illegal since July 1, and urges store owners to verify product contents to avoid risks.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Health
Parkridge Valley Hospital named Paul Smith as its new chief executive officer.
Smith brings over 30 years of healthcare experience (including his recent work at Covenant Healthcare Peninsula Hospital in Knoxville) and plans to expand behavioral care for the community.
Local 3 NewsRead more