Some West Tennesseans are cutting back on Christmas spending
"Well, it'll be a smaller Christmas this year, and it'll be the first time that we haven't had a huge Christmas," said Cindy Taylor, who is buying presents for about 15 friends and family members this year. A 2024 study from the National Retail Federation shows that the average American...
Deputies and Bystander Save Driver from Nearby Burning Car
A quick-thinking bystander and three Rutherford County deputies are being credited with saving a man’s life after pulling him to safety from a burning vehicle Saturday on Interstate 24. Mikel Lessary said he stopped when he saw the vehicle and ran toward the scene. He reported seeing the seriously...
Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day is December 10
The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day is Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Now is the time to secure your spot for this powerful and inspiring evening honoring extraordinary community leaders making a real impact across Tennessee. This year’s theme, “Challenging Hate: Standing Together for Universal...
Advocates urge parents to talk with doctors about vaccines as CDC panel votes to...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Hepatitis B vaccine was first introduced during the Reagan administration. Now, a CDC committee could reverse decades of public health policy. That’s why Emily Delikat, the director of Tennessee Families for Vaccines, said she wants parents to feel safe when getting their child...
TWRA: Fish & Wildlife Commission approves two new rules
CHATTANOOGA — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) approved two rules, heard an update of bear management, received the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) fishing proposals for 2026-27, celebrated the presentation of the Fisheries Division’s annual awards, and recognized partner contributions...
Tennessee hunters divided over new baiting permit regulations
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency voted Friday to approve a baiting permit allowing hunters to legally hunt over corn, grain, or feed starting in 2026. However, the permit will not apply in counties affected by Chronic Wasting Disease (or CWD), which includes most of West Tennessee.
County mayors petition Gov. Lee to opt into Summer EBT before Dec. 31 deadline
More than two dozen county mayors across Tennessee have signed a letter urging Gov. Bill Lee to opt into the federally-funded food assistance program for school-aged children, Summer EBT, before time runs out.
Johnny Yarbrough, Jr. Sentenced to 25 Years for Second Degree Murder and Related Crimes...
Source: Facebook/The Office of the District Attorney General, 28th Judicial District. The Office of the District Attorney General, 28th Judicial District, announced that Johnny Yarbrough, Jr. has entered a guilty plea to charges of Second Degree Murder and other related offenses. According to a social media post from...
MTSU professor identified as victim in early-morning highway shooting
An MTSU professor was found dead on Smithville Highway as investigators work to determine what led to the early-morning shooting.
Tennessee Legislation Sparks Debate Over Rights of Undocumented Students: Knox County’s Response Under Discussion
WBIR - 12/02/2025 04:03:00 AM. A recent Tennessee bill, HB 0793, has sparked a heated debate among the public. The bill, if passed, could potentially allow local schools to refuse enrollment to undocumented K-12 students. The Knox County community held a vigil advocating for these students' rights. The bill has...

















