Thursday Throwback: Harry Thornton

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — We’ve seen a lot of characters come through our doors over the last 70 years. But none could grab your attention more than Harry Thornton. He was a radio DJ, turned wrestling announcer, who eventually invented local morning television. Harry knew how to push all your buttons. Here is his story from our 50th anniversary, 25 years…

Is the Hamilton County Commission following the Sunshine Law?

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In addition to their regular meetings, the Hamilton County Commission hold a series of committee meetings. However, there are some questions rising about how those committees are being operated. The Tennessee Sunshine Law requires all governmental bodies to conduct business in the view of the public. At 9:30 each Wednesday morning, the Hamilton County Commission does…

Finley Stadium welcomes newly renovated Ultra Club

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Finley Stadium is welcoming its newly renovated “Ultra Club” event space.  “This has been a few years in the works, just lots of planning. We started construction earlier this year in January and we just wanted to complete it. We’re really excited for this space. We want this to be a community space that people can…

Reggie White Blvd. shooting suspect identified by CPD

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police officially identified the suspect involved in the skate park shooting earlier this month.  “Throughout the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as 29-year-old Demitre Tayshaun Isaac,” said Sgt. Victor Miller, CPD Public Information Officer. “CPD’s Homicide Unit was able to obtain arrest warrants charging him with first degree murder and felony reckless…

Superintendent discusses next year’s Hamilton County Schools budget with Commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Next year’s proposed Hamilton County School budget was presented to the Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday. Hamilton County School Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson held the presentation in the Commission’s Education Committee. He says that in total it will cost about 673 million dollars, or 40 million less than last year. Dr. Robertson said they are asking for…

Hamilton County Government may soon use electric vehicles

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County government may soon be using more electric vehicles in their fleet. County Commissioners briefly discussed a resolution during their Finance Committee Wednesday morning that concerns EVs. This resolution would allow the county to purchase new electric vehicles and invest in intersection improvements. The resolution would utilize over $7 million total to fund these purchases….

School Superintendent Statement on Armed Teachers bill

"I will not recommend arming any other person in a Hamilton County School."

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee lawmakers this week passed a bill that would allow schools to train teachers and employees to carry guns at school. The bill will not be impacting Hamilton County Schools, though. Critics, including parents at Covenant School in Nashville, argued the practice would be dangerous. The bill is now waiting on Gov. Bill Lee to…

Ringgold Splits Playoff Opening Series Against Gilmer

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) Ringgold split their opening round playoff series with Gilmer on Tuesday. Bobcats won game one 4-2, while Ringgold bounced back to win the second contest 5-3. Conner Christopher had the big blow in game two with a 3-run homer. He had 4 RBI’s in the game. Game three is at 5pm Wednesday. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News…

Golden Apple Award: Julie Kirby Jones, Gordon Lee High School

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Julie Kirby Jones is a work-based learning teacher for Chickamauga City Schools. She places students in jobs that align with their goals and aspirations. She’s great at it. She’s also a full-time media specialist. She’s great at that, too. News 12 caught up with Mrs. Jones at Gordon Lee High School to give her the Golden…

Scrap yard fire covers downtown Chattanooga with smoke

WATCH: News 12 employee Russell Stroud sent in an elevated video of the fire from near the scrap yard. SEE MORE: HCEMS CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — There was a large fire at a scrap metal recycling center near Downtown Chattanooga on Tuesday afternoon. HCEMS crews were on stand-by as the Chattanooga Fire Department battled the fire. HCEMS It was located…

Mom to Mom – Banana Bites

Today we are making banana yogurt bites. My kids absolutely love anything and everything bananas, so I always try to find different types of recipes. They’re a little bit on the healthier side, so they’ll eat them and enjoy it at the same time. But these are great for little ones to eat as well. So what you need are…

What’s Right With Our Schools: University High

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Schools and UTC have teamed to put equity into action! University School serves as a college pipeline for kids who might not have considered a four-year university education. It’s an inclusive example of what’s right with our schools. Arielle Garcia-Hayes is the Principal University High. She says, “University High is a program School through…

Gov. Lee says Tennessee school voucher bill done for the year

UPDATE: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Throughout the past few months, Gov. Bill Lee has pushed to expand school vouchers across the state of Tennessee. Dubbed the Education Freedom Act, he has been arguing that this piece of legislation would help expand access to quality education to students across the state. However, the bill did not pass the test of the…

Usher receives key to the City of Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chatt town, peace up! Usher is home, the eight-time grammy award winning artist was back in Chattanooga on Saturday. The artist took the stage to receive the keys to the city. The UTC Mackenzie arena was filled with explosive energy from the community. Young and old danced in the aisles to celebrate this joyous occasion the…

Bidders for Critters auction to support Chattanooga Zoo expansion

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For all of the animal lovers out there, the Chattanooga Zoo has a neat surprise coming this summer with new animals, but they need your help with the Bidder Critter auction this upcoming week. “We have 75 total items and include hotel stays, an exclusive zoo experience, restaurant gift cards, tickets to local attractions, furniture, glassware,…

Red Wolves give up late equalizer on new grass

CHATTANOOGA, Tenneessee (WDEF)- In their home opener on the brand new grass at CHI Memorial Stadium, the Chattanooga Red Wolves got off to a flying start with a goal from Ropapa Mensah late in the first half. However, they were unable to hold on for the win, conceding a late equalizer to draw the match 1-1. Categories: Sports – Local…