GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park responded to three bear‑related incidents at Ramsey Cascades Trail this past weekend, including two encounters in which a bear approached visitors and took two backpacks, and a third in which a bear displayed aggressive behavior and briefly chased a group. Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascades Trail are …

WARTBURG, TN — Two people are facing multiple drug charges following an operation conducted by the Wartburg Police Department on April 17, 2026. According to authorities, officers—including Sarah Posey, Wesley King, and Chief Mike Rayder—worked alongside TDOC Probation and Parole, with assistance from the Harriman Police Department’s K-9 Unit, to …

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — A multi-million-dollar paving project is moving forward in Oak Ridge, with city leaders approving more than $3.2 million in road work aimed at improving streets across the community. The project will focus on repairing and resurfacing roads in multiple areas of the city, including major corridors …

Early voting is now underway across East Tennessee ahead of the May primary election. Local candidates are encouraging residents to take advantage of early voting, noting that many local races—especially positions like county mayor—can often be decided by small margins. Election Day is set for May 5, with early voting …

By State Senator Ken Yager April 17, 2026 The state budget dominated much of the conversation in the General Assembly during Week 13 of this year’s legislative session and for good reason. Passing a balanced budget is the only constitutional responsibility of the legislature, and it is one we take …

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — The Oak Ridge City Council approved a major road improvement project during its regular meeting Monday, April 13. Council members signed off on a $3.2 million paving contract with Rogers Group to resurface streets across the city. City leaders say the project addresses ongoing concerns about …

HARRIMAN, Tenn. — It was a relatively quiet night across the county for emergency crews, with only one reported incident. Just after 10 p.m., Harriman Police and Fire responded to a rollover crash on South Roane Street (Hwy 27), near the former Domino’s Pizza location across from Potter’s ACE Hardware. …

ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. — Emergency crews were kept busy across the county Wednesday evening, responding to multiple incidents. Just after 5:30 p.m., fire crews, law enforcement, sheriff’s deputies, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to a crash on Interstate 40 eastbound near the Buttermilk Road exit. Two people were taken …

ROCKWOOD, Tenn. — Rockwood Police, firefighters, and EMS responded just before noon today to a crash on lower Tarwater Road at the intersection of Hathburn Drive. According to Rockwood Police, a pickup truck driven by David Flynn of Rockwood was exiting Hathburn Drive onto Tarwater Road when Flynn told officers …

(NASHVILLE, TN) – Today, the Tennessee House and Senate passed the state’s $58 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, fulfilling the General Assembly’s only constitutional duty.  This year’s spending plan reflects a continued return to more typical economic growth following several years of record-high revenues. The budget reaffirms the General Assembly’s longstanding …