News - Friday, August 14, 2026

Somewhere in the South African bush, a leopard had found an effective place to protect her prize.

High in a tree, beyond the reach of prowling hyenas, she’d stashed a kill from earlier in the day.

Jessica Lautz couldn’t help but see a parallel.

Folks in Chattanooga seem obsessed with declaring which restaurant serves not just the best hamburger in the city, but the entire state. Rarely does a day pass that I don’t drive by Merv’s on Mountain Creek Road and through the shadow of the sign promising “Tennessee’s Greatest Burger” inside.

When 2-year-old Amelia Aiken placed her hands on the bright pink wheels of a custom-built mobility chair at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she quickly figured out how to make it go.

Within moments, she was propelling herself down the hallway.

A historic Monteagle building that played a role in the American labor and civil rights movements has received permanent protection through a preservation easement held by Preserve Chattanooga.

The Highlander Folk Library, part of the former Highlander Folk School campus, is the first property outside Hamilton County on which the Chattanooga-based nonprofit has accepted a preservation easement.

For Winnie Paris, service has never been limited to one role or one season of life. From serving in the U.S. Navy to raising her family, staying active in the community and building a career in real estate, her path has always centered on helping others.

If you’re dealing with debt, you’re far from alone. More than 80% of U.S. households carry some form of debt (2025 Federal Reserve report), and since 2019, total household debt for Americans has increased more than 31% to $18.59 trillion. 

The city of East Ridge will celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated East Ridge Community Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Saturday, Aug. 22. The ribbon cutting begins at 11 a.m., followed by tours, family-friendly activities, raffles and a light lunch (while supplies last) through 4 p.m. The $2.6 million renovation includes an expanded gym with a regulation basketball court and pickleball courts, improved accessibility, upgraded building systems and remodeled community spaces. The East Ridge Community Center is located at 1517 Tombras Ave. Information

Local 3 WRCB is reshuffling its weekday anchor lineup with several familiar faces moving into new roles beginning Monday, Aug. 17.

Sports Director Ben Bobick and reporter Sierra Rucker will become anchors of “Local 3 Today,” joining meteorologist Clay Smith for the weekday broadcast 4:30-7 a.m. Bobick, who has spent nearly a decade covering sports across the Tennessee Valley, will continue his Friday Morning Football and Horsing Around features.

The Chattanooga Police Department welcomed 21 new officers with the graduation of CPD Academy Class 2026-2 following a 20-week police academy.

The graduating class represents a wide range of professional and life experiences, including four military veterans, a former professional football player, a former wildland firefighter, a personal trainer and a welder.

Peter Skoronski got paid by the Titans last week – a $100 million deal that made him the NFL’s highest-paid guard. The Titans would love it if somehow JC Latham is the next player to earn a big contract extension with the club.

Perhaps more than any other element of the offensive line, Tennessee needs Latham to stay healthy and take a big leap forward this season, the way Skoronski played himself into their long-term plans a year ago.

Choosing the best new SUV for your needs can be difficult, especially if you plan on using it for towing. A vehicle’s maximum tow rating is an important consideration, but it only tells part of the story. 

The best towing SUVs combine stable handling, strong braking and enough power to keep you moving on hills and mountain grades. Ideally, they also offer advanced technology features that simplify hitching and maneuvering while remaining comfortable and easy to live with day to day.

Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. A solution to a thorny problem is likely right in front of you, but you know how easily things can be overlooked and that can cost money. So counteract any oversight. Fix the issue by looking for these great business books …