Daily editionMonday, October 19th, 2026
Good morning, East Ridge.
The 5AM East Ridge Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 19th of October.
Community
On Saturday, Oct. 17, families gathered at the International Towing and Recovery Museum to honor fallen tow truck drivers as 20 names were added to the Wall of the Fallen.
Tow truck driver Ben Moore, injured on I-24 two weeks ago, attended the ceremony with paramedics+family to share his survival story.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Culture
UTC has opened an exhibit titled Affrilachia: Testimonies in Text and Image at its Institute of Contemporary Art, showcasing historic Black communities in Appalachia.
A public reception with photographer Berry plus a book signing event will be held on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Education
Childcare centers in Hamilton County are showing a shift as 19 centers have opened and 18 have closed this year due to federal funding cuts affecting tuition certificates.
Local providers are working to address affordability, accessibility, and staff retention to better support families.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
UTC launched its new urban studies minor this fall to train future urban planners by blending classroom lessons with local neighborhood research.
The program works with community partners (including the Chattanooga Housing Authority) to guide development across the region.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more