Tickets sold out for Fast and Furriest 5k

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Humane Educational Society is hosting its second annual Fast and Furriest run this Sunday (3/22) at Greenway Farms. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and features a dog-friendly 5K trail race, along with a one-mile fun run and walk. Last year’s event raised $20,000, and organizers say they’re hoping to exceed that total this…

Transgender bill sparks concerns over patient privacy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A bill concerning the future of transgender care in Tennessee is stirring controversy. “Do you think that those decisions will stop with trans people? I’ve got a bridge to sell you. This is absolutely about control.” Callaghan Rudd is a community activist who is passionate about issues affecting the Chattanooga transgender community. Rudd believes that Tennessee House…

TechByte: The Internet has an Infinite Memory

The internet has an infinite memory. On this week’s TechByte I’m going to show you how to use that memory for your advantage. Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’re browsing an article online, and you think it’s pretty interesting. A few days later, you decide to share that article with a friend, and… it’s gone. Pretty frustrating, right? Well,…

City’s Small Business Resource Center opens

The City of Chattanooga’s Small Business Resource Center has opened at 332 East Martin Luther King Boulevard. This initiative is funded with $1.8 million approved by City Council and provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), according to the City of Chattanooga. “Today, building a business in Chattanooga just got a little easier. The Small Business Resource Center will…

Fatal Nightclub Shooting Trial Day Three

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Jurors in Chattanooga followed the unfolding events of a fatal nightclub shooting as testimony continued in the trial of 32-year-old Melvin Evans, accused of killing 28-year-old Kenneth Trammell Jr. outside a nightclub. Investigators first testified that Evans’ cellphone was tracked at or near his Glenwood residence shortly before 4 a.m., helping establish a timeline of his…

Chattanooga Honors Ed Johnson with Day of Remembrance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga community members gathered Tuesday to honor the legacy of Ed Johnson, a Black man wrongfully lynched in 1906, with a Day of Remembrance. The day began at the Hamilton County Courthouse, where attendees reflected on Johnson’s life and the injustice he faced, before walking down to the Ed Johnson Memorial at Walnut Street Plaza. The…

Chattanooga Chamber’s Hixson Council Tackles Key Issues

HIXSON (WDEF) –The Hixson Council of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce welcomed Coty Wamp at its monthly networking luncheon on Thursday. Wamp addressed one of Chattanooga’s growing concerns—homelessness—speaking to local business and community leaders about the challenges surrounding the issue. During her remarks, she connected homelessness to broader public safety concerns, including nuisance crimes and repeat offenders. Wamp emphasized that…

Mail Glitch Disrupts Donations to Union Gospel Mission

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) –A recent post office glitch briefly cost the Union Gospel Mission thousands of dollars in donations during one of its most critical fundraising periods. According to officials, nearly 90 P.O. boxes at a downtown Chattanooga facility were shut down due to a system error. One of those boxes belonged to the Mission, which relies heavily on mailed contributions…

Behind the Curtain: The Scuttlebutt Reef

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium has a brand new exhibit and News 12’s Amelia Greer goes ‘Behind the Curtain’ to discover if the underwater rumors are true! The new Scuttlebutt Reef opened in early March and it showcases some unique creatures, like the Mantis Shrimp that can pack quite a punch in their little claws, or the Frog…

An adventure is blooming at Rock City

Pepper Raper joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as Rock City welcomes in spring. The area attraction gets even more enchanting as flowers bloom in nature. Learn about their latest activity ‘Gnomes and Gardens’ with a special quest! LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) – Spring is nearly here and Rock City’s gardens are blooming with enchanting flowers, bringing the beauty of nature…

Supporting Parents Through Unexpected Pregnancies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local nonprofit is working to support individuals facing unexpected pregnancies.  Choices Chattanooga provides free medical services, education, and resources aimed at helping parents feel informed and supported.  The organization also partners with community groups to extend that support beyond its doors. At its core, Choices aims to be more than just a medical resource. “We…

Commission approves new unincorporated Hamilton County planning commission

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future of unincorporated Hamilton County will be decided in a different manner going forward. Hamilton County Commissioners voted 7 to 4 to create a separate planning commission to focus on those specific cases. Introduced last week, the Commission will terminate its interlocal agreement with the Regional Planning Agency in lieu of creating a separate planning…

Deadly Nightclub Shooting Trial Continues

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The night of January 31, 2021, began like any other outside the Night Owl nightclub in Chattanooga.  But the evening ended in tragedy when 28-year-old Kenneth Trammell Jr. was shot and killed. More than five years later, the case is finally in court. 32-year-old Melvin Evans faces first-degree murder charges in connection with Trammell’s death.  On…

Ross’s Landing to Close starting in November

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Ross’s Landing along the south shore of the TN River is going to be getting a major Makeover. Emily Mack, President and CEO of the River City Company tells us. ” “So our riverfront parks which are part of the 21st-century waterfront project will be getting a big refresh and so we will start construction…

Election Commission votes against Highlander’s ballot name challenge against Christian-Lowe

Donna Christian-Lowe (left) and Hamilton County Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander (right) at a Hamilton County Election Commission over Highlander’s challenge of Christian-Lowe name choice on the ballot. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Did a candidate for a seat on the Hamilton County Commission attempt to gain an advantage on the ballot? That was the question in front of the Hamilton County Election…

Officials warn of increased risks on St. Patrick’s Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, officials say it is known as the third biggest drinking day of the year. News 12 spoke with the company Reframe about how to stay safe during the holiday. Vedant Pradeep, CEO of Reframe, explained, “Having a clear plan. Just telling yourself whether it is two drinks, one drink,…

Local shelters urge families not to gift bunnies for Easter

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As families prepare for Easter, local shelters are asking the community not to gift bunnies as holiday presents. We spoke with the Humane Educational Society, which says many families get a bunny without realizing the level of care and attention they need to truly thrive. Many rabbits given as gifts around the holiday end up in…