Daily editionFriday, September 25th, 2026
Good morning, East Ridge.
The 5AM East Ridge Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of September.
Community
The state announced plans to move the 65-year-old Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute to a 49-acre property in Lookout Valley at the former Koch Foods feed mill on Birmingham Highway, drawing mixed reactions from residents.
The Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association will meet (Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m.) to discuss concerns over traffic and safety.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Youth Leader Collective and the Pray for Me campaign are set to operate as independent nonprofits starting January.
The ministries will announce the split at a complimentary dinner on Sept. 28 at The Colonnade in Ringgold, where Tony Souder will lead the campaign and Zach Wyatt becomes executive director.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Culture
The local paper's Faith and Family section now features a new column that welcomes diverse voices to balance individual viewpoints and bolster community dialogue.
The initiative aims to ensure residents benefit from accountable, locally rooted perspectives.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Education
FAFSA for 2027-2028 is now open for Tennessee students as announced by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Statewide, students are urged to apply online & build on a record of top FAFSA completion with a 76% rate among Tennessee Promise applicants.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Finance
This week, average 30-year mortgage rates climbed above 7% + reached 7.03% as reported by Freddie Mac, adding about $276 per month to home loans in East Ridge.
The rise follows five consecutive weeks of increases and may slow future home sales for local buyers.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Government
Federal money of $1,010,000 will allow CARTA to add 10 new Care-A-Van vehicles in Chattanooga, Red Bank and East Ridge, retiring five older vehicles to meet rising demand from riders with disabilities.
The upgrade will begin soon and boost paratransit service capacity.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Health
Sharon Kelly’s Adult Day Center marks National Adult Day Services Week by offering social time and exercise for seniors while giving caregivers a break - families can call 423-698-2611 to learn more about keeping loved ones at home.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Sports
Four local prep football games featuring Chattanooga-area teams are slated for tonight as part of the sixth week of the 2026 TSSAA and GHSA regular season contests.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
High school football teams are chasing playoff berths as the TSSAA season hits its midpoint nearly a week after kickoff and cooler weather stirs intense local competition.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more