UTC economist Howard Wall says a new job market forecast shows slower growth in the Chattanooga area through much of 2026, following the weakest job gains since 2014. Wall emphasizes that slower growth doesn’t mean zero opportunities, and he encourages patience for job seekers, especially new graduates. He notes healthcare remains strong and predicts job…
UTC rolls out new emergency training for faculty after last year’s false shooter alert
NewsChannel 9 reported that after last year’s false active-shooter alert, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has launched mandatory emergency training for faculty to bolster campus preparedness. UTC partners with Defend Systems to teach response strategies for violent incidents and basic first aid, aiming to empower faculty before first responders arrive. Nearly 1,300 faculty members…
‘Fast fashion’ is fueling Tennessee textile waste and ocean microplates, experts warn
Chattanooga researchers warn that “fast fashion” is driving significant environmental harm in Tennessee, with over 300,000 tons of textile waste generated last year and synthetic fabrics contributing heavily to ocean microplastic pollution. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga environmental toxicology professor Dr. Sean Richards explains that cheaply made, short-lived clothing accelerates waste and microplastic release as…
Bullet points: Chattanooga sees sharp drop in homicides, shootings in 2025, police say
NewsChannel 9 reported a significant drop in Chattanooga’s homicides and shootings in 2025, with criminal homicides down 48 percent and non-fatal shootings down 26 percent compared to the prior year. UTC criminal justice expert Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt explained that while data should be interpreted cautiously, the decline is striking and likely tied to intelligence-led, data-driven,…
Chattanooga lands $1.06 million grant to enhance roadway safety with smart technology
The City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute secured a $1.06 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to develop a Roadway Safety Design Technology Platform. The project will use smart technology to analyze crash patterns and risk factors along entire corridors — not just intersections — helping officials identify hazards…