PenaVegas Help Kids Gear Up

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As students across the country prepare to return to class, many families are facing an uphill battle.  For households dealing with housing instability, food insecurity, or financial hardship, shopping for school supplies isn’t just a seasonal task, it’s a major source of stress. To help meet the need, Carlos and Alexa PenaVega are once again partnering…

Students Begin School Year Early

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students in Rhea County and McMinn County, Tennessee, returned to school on Friday, August 1st, but only for a half day.  It’s a soft launch to the new academic year, giving kids and families time to adjust. With the return of students, drivers are urged to pay attention to school zones and crossing guards.  Speed limits…

Judge tells Liner not to stall over attorney situation in murder case

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Bradley County judge is warning a man charged with the murder of his ex-wife against stalling future proceedings. Craig Liner is charged with felony murder in  the January shooting death of Karen Liner at her Cleveland home. Video evidence at a previous hearing showed a man identified as Craig shooting Karen in her driveway. Friday, he…

Teachers kick off year with Professional Learning Conference amid outside uncertainties

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As Hamilton County Schools embark on a new year, teachers from every school descended on downtown Chattanooga Friday morning. Over 5500 employees gathered at the Chattanooga Convention Center to kick off their brand new school year.  It was a raucous atmosphere as each school was recognized in the opening ceremony of the second annual Professional Learning Conference….

Work still ongoing in developing new Gateway school

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future downtown technical school at the Gateway Building has entered a new phase. Banners promoting the future Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Institute were placed this week on the Westside. It will be the first technical school in downtown Chattanooga since the closure of Kirkman Technical School.  (From: Hamilton County Mayor’s Office) The project is one of the…

Verizon helps with Back To School Tech

Chattanooga, TN – It’s hard to believe, but back to school is finally upon us after a long, hot summer. Verizon joined us this week to help out with some back to school specials in time for next weekends sales. “This back to school season. This is the Motorola Razr 2025. I’ve got that right here. And this cute, fun…

UTC Chief Economist talks Trump tariffs at Rotary Club

CHATTANOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There have been several developments Thursday as it relates to tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump. As these developments unfold, UTC’s chief economist gave his take on the effectiveness of these tariffs to the Downtown Rotary Club. President Trump announced on Thursday a deal had been reached with Mexico to avoid tariffs being enacted for 90 days….

Mayor Meets with Local Residents

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Mayor Tim Kelly met with Chattanooga residents during Open Office Hours on July 31.  The event ran from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and residents had to request 20-minute appointments in advance at cha.city/officehours.  A member of the mayor’s staff contacted selected participants ahead of time to confirm their spot.  Appointments were granted on a first-come, first-served…

Gordon’s Cleaners Closes After Decades

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A longtime Chattanooga family business has shut its doors for the final time.  Gordon’s Cleaners, which began as a small launderette on Frazier Avenue in 1947, closed its McCallie Avenue location today, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most enduring businesses. Founder Gordon Ledbetter launched the original laundry business shortly after…

Rainbow Lake Trail bridge being repaired after storm damage

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- A portion of a popular trail on Signal Mountain is temporarily closed. The suspension bridge on the Rainbow Lake Trail was damaged by a tree. The bridge connects that trail to Edward’s Point and the Cumberland Trail. That bridge is operated by TDEC. Signal Mountain’s town manager, Matthew Justice, says that this situation accelerated plans to…

Man indicted in fatal February DUI crash on Ashland Terrace

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man involved in the fatal accident on Ashland Terrace back in February has been indicted. Matthew Tyler Parker faces the following charges: Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication Vehicular Homicide by Reckless Driving Under the Influence Parker was driving a 2015 Jeep Rubicon when he crossed into oncoming traffic. He struck a 2021 Nissan Armada head-on, ultimately…

Destination Ocoee: Ocoee Scoops

Click to view other businesses at Destination: Ocoee. OCOEE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  There’s so much to do in Polk County, Tennessee.  From whitewater rafting to hiking, the community is known for outdoor adventure.  Destination Ocoee has several standout businesses known for making your experience to the area special.  We’re featuring a local ice cream shop called “SCOOPS”. “I’m a well-traveled…

Grab a Blizzard for Miracle Treat Day

Aaron Harned from the Hixson Dairy Queen joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the ‘Grill and Chill’ chain gets ready to sell a lot of blizzards for a great cause. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –  Today is the best day to cool off from the summer heat with a delicious Dairy Queen Blizzard because today is “Miracle Treat Day.” “Miracle Treat…

Lookouts Manage Only One Hit in Falling 4-1 to Smokies

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Lookouts managed only one hit in falling to the Knoxville Smokies 4-1. The lone base hit was an RBI double by Edwin Arroyo in the sixth inning. That made it a 2-1 ballgame. Smokies responded with two runs in the seventh to nail down the 4-1 victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Chattanooga Lookouts

Flowers and Kindness: Random Acts of Flowers Expands to Erlanger

Chattanooga, TN -(WDEF) Patients at Erlanger received more than medical care this week—they got a surprise visit, a warm smile, and a fresh bouquet of flowers, thanks to volunteers with Random Acts of Flowers. The nonprofit, which has been delivering joy through floral arrangements for 14 years in Knoxville, is now expanding into Chattanooga. Volunteers were seen going door-to-door in…

Chattanooga council members raise questions about Hamilton County’s role in first responder pay debate

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly proposed a new property tax rate that would cost the average Chattanoogan over $400 more dollars per year. This, he says, would fully fund a first responder pay raise.  As the city of Chattanooga grapples with how to better pay their first responders, a different type of discussion began among some council…

Commissioner proposes senior tax freeze in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new proposal in light of the recent rise in property values across Hamilton County was given Wednesday. Hamilton County Commissioner David Sharpe proposed a tax freeze for senior homeowners. He says that in his district, some tax bills went up over 150 percent. Chattanooga City Councilman Ron Elliott is currently pursuing a similar policy within city…