Daily editionFriday, October 23rd, 2026
Good morning, East Ridge.
The 5AM East Ridge Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of October.
Culture
Michelin recognized five Chattanooga restaurants today in its latest Guide for the American South — underlining the region's growing culinary reputation that may boost local tourism and dining interest.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Multiple community events take place from Friday through Sunday in the Tennessee Valley.
They include bluegrass shows at Barrelhouse Ballroom, free CARTA rooftop events in Chattanooga, and Fire Up the Fields on Saturday at Montague Park — with live DJ sets and food trucks.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Government
Local 3 investigative reporter Logan Dubel examines why the push for seatbelts stalled at the state capital +despite federal pressure+ 10 years after the Woodmoore Elementary bus tragedy spurred calls for better safety.
Local 3 NewsRead more
The off‐ramp from I-75 northbound to Shallowford Road will close at 8 p.m. Friday (until work wraps Saturday) and the on‐ramp for I-75 southbound will close through Sunday evening (with reopening by 6 a.m. Monday).
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Hamilton County removed the $6.5M minimum bid requirement for its county-owned Business Development Center at 100 Cherokee Blvd following its surplus declaration in May.
The change will allow buyers to bid on the property without a high initial investment.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Health
Health inspectors in the Tennessee Valley this week discarded 3 lbs of food for unsafe temperatures and noted poor handwashing and storage at several restaurants such as Sonic Drive In, Huddle House, and Hardee's.
Sixty-six establishments earned perfect scores, with I Love Tacos (Mobile) ranking among the best.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Sports
Friday night's football game between Tyner Academy and Brainerd High was cancelled due to player safety concerns as Brainerd has only 12 players available; Tyner will move its Senior Night festivities to the playoff game on Nov. 6.
NewsChannel 9Read more
UT Chattanooga men's basketball will appear on five nationally televised games this winter on ESPN networks & CBS Sports Network.
The 15-game package features two home games at McKenzie Arena, including Tennessee Tech on Jan. 18 at 8:30 p.m., and marks the league's most national TV coverage in two decades.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
Terrell Owens and UTC will give away 1,000 free tickets for the Mocs' homecoming game against Mercer on Nov. 7 at Finley Stadium.
Tickets will be available on game day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion & a limit of five tickets per household applies.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more
A new sports video reviews matchups between Tennessee and South Carolina and between Alabama and Texas A&M while also featuring high school showdowns near East Ridge.
The video, part of TFP Weekend6 Pack Ep. 10, offers game highlights for local fans.
Chattanooga Times Free PressRead more