Over the next few days, drivers should expect to see an increased Tennessee Highway Patrol presence across the state. As millions plan to hit the roads to spend Thanksgiving with family, THP wants to keep you safe. But across Tennessee, the number of traffic fatalities is down. Beginning Wednesday, THP troopers will be strategically placed on the interstates in hopes of saving lives. About a week ago, troopers launched Operation Incognito to catch people breaking traffic violations. In the event that your car breaks down, or you get in an accident on the road, drivers can dial *THP which...

Thanksgiving travelers will not be delayed by construction on Tennessee roads during the busy travel holiday. TDOT will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. All construction-related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon Wednesday through 6am Monday, Nov. 26th. While all lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in some construction zones. Long-term lane closures will also remain in place on some construction zones for motorist’s safety. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit, especially in work...

Bridgestone America has announced that it is expanding a tire manufacturing plant in Morrison. The Nashville-based company said in a statement on Friday that it will spend $40 million to add 32,000 square feet to its Warren County plant, where it produces commercial truck and bus radial tires. The three-year project will allow the plant to make 275 more tires daily and meet market demand. Plans call for the plant to produce 9,400 tires daily by the end of 2020. Bridgestone expects to break ground on the expansion before the end of the year. The plant employees several people...

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office are investigating a shooting Monday morning than left a man hospitalized in Chattanooga. According to Warren County Sheriff Tommy Myers, an Overton County man had reportedly burned down his own barn and garage and had threatened to kill his son-in-law, who lived in Warren County. When the man was enroute to his son-in-law’s house, he was pursued by officers and began firing at them. Officers returned fire and the man was wounded. He was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. No officers were injured. Names of those involved...

Experts say the instability of foster care often adds trauma to the lives of children in the system, with special challenges for older youths. A new report from The Annie E. Casey Foundation says the impact often leads to lower graduation rates, early parenting, homelessness and unemployment for youth age 14 and up. The report by state looks at teens in the foster care system and how they’re faring – in Tennessee, that’s almost 6,000 children. Leslie Gross, director of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative at the Casey Foundation, explains this population has some important needs. “We really...

Tennessee State Parks have expanded recycling with interior recycling bins added at all 56 state parks. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said in a news release that more than 400 exterior recycling receptacles were placed in August. The release says the state has received all of the new Recycle Away Triple Recycling Station receptacles. The bins are made with 97 percent pure recycled plastic from milk jugs. Each bin uses about 1,000 milk jugs. The bins are designed to last decades but can also be recycled when they are no longer usable. They’re part of a state...

Christmas is just around the corner, which means now is the time to start planning a trip to a local tree farm. As the cool, crisp air draws near, a visit to the farm is the perfect outdoor adventure to generate some holiday spirit and family fun. Many farms sell Christmas trees between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, with some starting earlier. Regardless of when you visit, local producers recommend you call for availability before you go. Even if you aren’t looking for a fresh Christmas tree, many tree farms offer other fun activities for the whole family. Whether...