Scenic City Summit brings together tech enthusiasts and professionals

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Today over 100 tech enthusiasts, developers, hobbyists, industry leaders, and scripters all came together in one place. It’s called the Scenic City Summit. It took place at the Chattanooga Convention Center. There were workshops and speeches, DIY panels and networking. Topics included AI, but also, programming, cyber security, and much more. Branden Schwartz, event organizer told…

ArtsBuild to lose $35,000, according to budget proposal

The arts in Chattanooga could be losing funding. According to the budget proposal for the city of Chattanooga, ArtsBuild will lose $35,000. James McKissic is the ArtsBuild President. He says, “A city without the arts would be a city I would not want to live in.” ArtsBuild is set to lose $35,000 in the 2027 city budget. This reduction in funds…

Kids Trade Screens For Streams

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Kids spent part of their summer Wednesday exploring the outdoors during Collegedale Parks and Recreation’s annual “Creek Explorers” program. Held at Wolftever Creek, the hands-on event gave children the chance to learn more about local waterways and wildlife found in their own backyard. Organizers said one of the biggest highlights was seeing kids spend time outside…

Then and Now: Rockmont Park

Sitting at the beginning of Old Wauhatchie Pike is a park which is currently maintained by the Lookout Mountain Conservancy. It’s nationally renowned for its boulders, which are hugely popular with the climbing community. Before it was a modern park, this little area, called Rock Mont Park, used to be a public space for the town of Saint Elmo. Years…

Investigator found Vega had BAC of 0.131, accelerated towards victims in fatal 2023 northshore crash

The results of the analysis of Randy’s Vega blood at the TBI lab in Nashville. They found he had a BAC of 0.131 shortly after the fatal crash on Frazier Avenue on November 25, 2023. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- “For some reason, the driver floored it right before he hit a building.” This was the finding of Joe Warren, a crash…

Scramble Alley is set to come down

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – For more than 30 years, Scramble Alley has been a place for children to play. Now, the longtime playground is set to come down. The City of Soddy-Daisy announced the playground at Scramble Alley will close and be torn down no later than June 8th, saying it had been kept open as long as possible….

Local Veteran to receive new home from Habitat for Humanity

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Habitat for Humanity is working with a local veteran to get her in a home. Emma Grier Joined the US Army in the 80’s, following in her brother’s footsteps. Like many in our community, she fell on hard times and needed help finding a stable living situation. Habitat for Humanity is now working with her to…

Lavender Farm Opens on Flat Top Mountain

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) There’s a new attraction open on Flat Top Mountain. Up in Soddy-Daisy, Flat Top Mountain Farms made their lavender field available for the public. You can pick the lavender yourself and bring it home to enjoy. The owners tell us this stems from an idea thought up by their mother, and it’s been going on for three…

Ice Cream Safari returns to the Chattanooga Zoo with unlimited ice cream

Jake Cash is back with the Chattanooga Zoo to promote their upcoming Ice Cream Safari! He brings along ‘Lucian’ the ball python to catch up with News 12’s Amelia Greer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s summertime favorite event is back at the Chattanooga Zoo with their Ice Cream Safari! The event will included unlimited ice cream from fan-favorite brands like…

Doctor involved in fatal 2023 crash testifies as new video of northshore crash shown in Randy Vega trial

Screenshot from the dashcam of Dr. Patrick McGinty moments before a fatal crash on Frazier Avenue on November 25, 2023. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- “I was in shock.” Day two of the Randy Vega trial began with new footage of the incident that left 41 year old Ana Posso Rodriguez and her one year old son Jonathan Delvia dead. Vega is…

Baylor Lands Scrimmage With Reigning National Champs in Buford

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor has landed a pre-season scrimmage with Buford. The Wolves went undefeated last year, and they were crowned national champs by Max Preps and Sports Illustrated among others. The scrimmage game is set for Friday, August 7th at Buford. The Wolves just opened their new stadium last year, which cost 62-million-dollars. Baylor of course won the state championship in…

Breaking Ground On School Growth

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County leaders officially broke ground Wednesday on a major renovation and expansion project at Soddy Daisy Middle School, marking the first major groundbreaking under the district’s broader school facilities improvement plan. County Mayor Weston Wamp, Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson, District 1 Commissioner Gene-O Shipley, School Board Representative Steve Slater, and community leaders gathered…

Learning Adulthood Includes Healthcare

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For many teens, growing up comes with lessons in driving, school, work and finances. But a new survey suggests one major responsibility may be getting overlooked: learning how to navigate healthcare. Survey findings released on behalf of Ipsen found 71% of teens and young adults say adult healthcare feels confusing. Two-thirds said they would have benefited…

Georgia gas tax suspension set to expire by 11:59p.m.

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state gas tax is set to expire at 11:59 p.m., and some drivers say they are concerned about what that could mean for their wallets. Governor Brian Kemp announced he does not plan to extend the suspension, which has been in place for the past two months. For drivers who rely…

Rotary Rocks Chattanooga celebrates award winning first year

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local Rotary club is celebrating a successful first year after receiving multiple honors at this year’s Rotary District Conference. Rotary Rocks Chattanooga earned several awards recognizing its work in community service, youth engagement, international projects, and membership growth. Club leaders say the recognition reflects the impact members have made both locally and around the world…

Balancing Growth with Local History

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As development continues to reshape Chattanooga, a new effort is giving residents multiple opportunities to weigh in on how the city preserves its historic identity while planning for future growth. Preserve Chattanooga has launched a citywide historic preservation planning process, the first of its kind since 1977, aimed at guiding how preservation can support continued development…

Former Deacon Faces Added Charges

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Hixson church deacon accused of secretly recording a minor returned to court Tuesday as prosecutors outlined additional charges and argued for stricter bond conditions. Christopher Collins faces seven counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and 15 counts of aggravated unlawful photography. Prosecutors said a grand jury found evidence supporting each count. During…

Pops on the River returns as part of Chattanooga’s Independence Day celebrations

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Chattanooga continues preparing for Independence Day festivities, organizers say the annual Pops on the River celebration is officially moving forward despite rumors suggesting otherwise. The free event is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at Coolidge Park. City officials say they have heard speculation that the event had been canceled, but they confirmed those rumors are…

Hamilton County announces United 250 Drone Show for Independence Day celebration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In partnership with the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation has announced its upcoming “United 250” drone show as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and will feature a sky filled with patriotic images designed to honor both the nation’s history and the local…

BAPS Charities hosts Inaugural Walkathon in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, BAPS Charities launched its 2026 Spirit of Service Walk-Run at Coolidge Park, raising money for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. Organizers said the event was part of a nationwide effort taking place in communities across the country, while also marking Chattanooga’s first time hosting the fundraiser. Volunteer Meet Patel…

Northwest Georgia Filmmaker earns People’s Choice Award for ‘Set Free’ trailer

NORTHWEST, Ga. (WDEF) – Northwest Georgia is quickly becoming a hub for local filmmakers, and one director is gaining national recognition for his latest project. Brandon Cannon, director of Soul Purpose Entertainment, recently received a People’s Choice Award at the Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival for the trailer of his upcoming film, Set Free. The movie, which was filmed locally, draws…