Resources for domestic violence victims

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last Thursday, six people died in a murder-suicide in Marion County. Marion County Sheriff Bo Burnett said Gary Barnett is suspected of killing his ex-wife and other members of her family. In an affidavit we obtained from Marion County, Regina Barnett, one of the victims, said, “I am afraid that my husband is going to get…

Tourism Company Warns about Budget Cuts

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new proposal in the Hamilton County budget has the Chattanooga Tourism Company alarmed. They say that in this year’s proposed Fiscal Budget, they are losing roughly two million dollars a year to fund their operation. This is roughly 18% of their funding. This funding comes from the county’s lodging tax. However, the county is…

EPB dedicates 10 new murals in downtown Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Early Tuesday, EPB dedicated 10 new murals on the 10th St. Substation. Artwork was made true by local artists. The mural project began back in 2021. This year’s murals illustrate the history, heritage, and significance of downtown Chattanooga’s Martin Luther King Boulevard neighborhood. “Today we’re here to celebrate the incredible talent of our local artists. And…

Beware of car theft trend in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s a story that Kia and Hyundai owners have heard for a while, now. Certain models don’t have immobilizers. That makes them a tempting target for thieves and joy riders. It’s a problem that’s not slowing down. Chattanooga has seen an increase in recent weeks. “Six or so more stolen this past week,” said Harry Sommers,…

PGA golfing tournament for Veterans

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee PGA hosted PGA Hope in South Pittsburg. Local Organizers host the 24-hour event to give back to local Veterans across Tennessee. The event was to honor PGA HOPE graduates from this program. The mission of this event is to serve as a fundraising opportunity. “But our hope is to bring awareness to the program,…

Drugs to watch out for in 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The TBI recently addressed drug trends in the state. Along with a list of 10 well-known drugs, there are also new analogs on the horizon. Analogs are best explained as modified drugs that combine chemically similar substances. “Think about dogs for example. If fentanyl are Labrador retrievers, then fentanyl analogs are chihuahuas and golden retrievers and…

Peach season hit hard for local farmers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Recent weather has impacted produce at the Chattanooga Market, specifically peaches. With the upcoming Peach Festival approaching, produce vendors are facing challenges. Peach farmers noticed a change in how many peaches are readily available this year. A late frost killed about 90% of peach crops in South Carolina and Alabama. Georgia has conflicting numbers, but has…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Prep Public Royal Readers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – If a picture is worth a thousand words, then, a million words should get you a trip to Dave and Busters. The Royal Readers program at Prep Public is proving to be a real page turner. Juan Anaguinaga is the Chief Academic Officer at Prep Public Schools. He explains,” The name of the program is Royal…

Chattanoogans celebrate Juneteenth

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanoogans came together to honor Juneteenth on Monday. The Unity Group held their Juneteenth Parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. A group of parade participants marching down Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard during Monday’s Juneteenth Parade. The parade featured activist groups such as the NAACP, religious organizations like Unitarian Universalists, and dancers. Chattanooga Mayor Tim…

More to the Story with Staley: Chattanooga Zoo Ice Cream Safari

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Just about everybody loves ice cream, and just about everybody loves the zoo. Put the two together, and you’ll see people having a ton of fun! The Chattanooga Zoo is a place where one can experience an up-close-and-personal slice of time with wildlife. As for ice cream? You’ve heard it before. That popular song from the…

Sheriff: Polk Traffic Stop leads to 83 fentanyl pills

  BENTON, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Sheriff in Polk County is praising one of his deputies after a traffic stop. Sheriff Ross says Deputy Logan Brooks discovered suspected meth and 83 pills suspected to contain fentanyl in the stop. The pills were actually on the passenger in the vehicle, Jennifer Posey Forrester. She faces charges of Possession of Fentanyl for…

Exotic pets take over Camp Jordan Arena

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A variety of birds, reptiles, and other species took over Camp Jordan this weekend with an exotic pet expo. The expo lasted from Saturday to Sunday in the Camp Jordan Arena. This is the first year the event has been to the area. It started in Jackson, Tenn. and has now expanded to other parts of…

Bradley Co. community celebrates Juneteenth

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Bradley Co. held a Juneteenth community celebration at Avery Johnson Park on Saturday afternoon. The event commemorated the end of slavery in the United States. President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021. On May 5, Governor Bill Lee declared that June 19th would be a legal holiday…

Lookouts bats all over the ball in 14-0 win

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- James Free’s seven RBI night led the Lookouts to a 14-0 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas. With the win Chattanooga is back to a half-game lead over the Tennessee Smokies for the North Division lead with seven games to go.   Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Chattanooga Lookouts, James Free, North Division, Rocket…

TECH BYTE: Leave Video Voice Messages with iOS 17

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Apple is out with another software update. The tech company says iOS 17 makes the iPhone more personal and intuitive. Apple is calling its latest software update an upgrade to users’ communications experience. Thanks to Apple, a voicemail is no longer just your voice. With iOS 17, you can now leave a video voicemail. This feature…