Salvation Army Launches Emergency Food Campaign to Meet Rising Local Need

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga has launched an emergency food campaign titled “Feed Hope. Share Love.”, responding to a dramatic increase in local food-assistance requests. Kendall Hudson, Development Manager for The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga, says the organization is seeing the impact of rising food insecurity firsthand. “We are definitely seeing an uptick in people needing…

Five Saddle Ridge Students Hospitalized

ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – Following recent reports of kratom-related hospitalizations in Walker County, health experts are warning parents about the dangers this unregulated substance poses to adolescents. Kratom is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that can act as both a stimulant and a sedative, depending on the dose.  While it’s not federally scheduled…

Chattanooga Honors Longtime Community Center Manager Jim Long Upon Retirement

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Friends, family, and city leaders gathered at the John A. Patten Community Center Thursday to honor Jim Long, the center’s longtime manager, who officially retired after more than 45 years of service to the Chattanooga community. The City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development hosted the ceremony, which drew city, county, and state representatives. Speakers praised Long’s…

AIM Center celebrates milestone of Espero project as leaders hope it can help tackle affordable housing

Espero Chattanooga under construction. (Courtesy: AIM Center, INC.) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A recent report from UTC shows that housing prices in the Chattanooga area have risen by 88 percent since 2019. With this in mind, several organizations are looking to put a dent in the affordable housing problem. Leaders say projects such as Espero Chattanooga on Main Street will be…

Free concert series at Chester Frost Park proposed

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A summer concert series may be coming to Chester Frost Park. The proposal went in front of the Hamilton County Commission. The series would be called “Lakesite Live”, and it would be a free concert for park visitors. It would be funded by a grant from the Riverview Foundation, and allow a chance for local students…

Code enforcement blitz coming soon for District 1

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The city of Chattanooga’s Code Enforcement wing will be doing what they call an “enforcement blitz” in District 1. That district includes the Lookout Valley, Mountain Creek Road and Dayton Boulevard areas. They’ll be looking for overgrown yards, trash buildup, and rundown houses. The city says the sweep will begin on November 3rd. Anyone found in…

Fall leaf collection begins Monday, November 3

Director of Citywide Services Ricky Colston joins News 12’s Amelia Greer ahead of the beginning of leaf collection for the season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Leaves are falling which means its time for many of us to start raking our yards. Chattanooga Public Works is helping you keep your lawn clean by collecting leaves from properties starting on Monday, November…

Baylor Clinches Spot in State Soccer Finals

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Baylor girls soccer team advanced to the state championship game on Wednesday. The Lady Raiders beat CPA 2-1 in overtime. Ayanna Hamler scored the winning goal in extra time. Baylor plays for the state crown on Thursday night at 7pm at Finley Stadium against Knox Webb. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Terrell Owens Inspires Students

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – NFL Hall of Famer and former UTC Moc Terrell Owens spent the morning at Hixson Middle School, sharing stories from his time in Chattanooga and the NFL while encouraging students to believe in themselves and stay focused on their goals.  Owens spoke to a packed gym before taking questions from students during a brief Q&A session. …

Grier avoids death penalty, will likely spend rest of life in prison in 2016 murder case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Andre Grier now knows his sentence after being convicted of first degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton. The jury from Anderson County had one big decision to make on Wednesday. They had to decide whether or not Andre Grier, the man they had just previously convicted 24 hours previously of first degree murder in…

More residents, commissioner bring up concerns about proposed deed swap

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Several residents continue to voice concerns over a potential land deed restriction swap at Enterprise South Nature Park and McDonald Farm. The plan would preserve 1,300 acres at the Sale Creek property in exchange for opening up over 500 acres of underutilized land at Enterprise South Nature Park for potential industrial development. Hamilton County Mayor Weston…

County proposing making parking garage adjacent to courthouse free outside of business hours

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County may be making a downtown parking garage free after hours and on the weekend. This garage is located between the county courthouse and courts building between Cherry and Walnut Streets. The Hamilton County owned parking garage next to the Hamilton County Courthouse. The county owns the garage, and is often filled during business hours. Hamilton…

White Oak’s 1,000-Bike Goal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The White Oak Bicycle Co-op is marking a record-breaking year in 2025 as it continues working toward its goal of giving away 1,000 bicycles by the end of the year. The Chattanooga-based nonprofit recently reached a milestone of more than 800 bikes distributed. That’s the most in its history. The Co-op collects donated bicycles and parts,…

Blood Assurance faces critical platelet shortage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance says it’s facing another critical shortage, this time, the supply of platelets is running dangerously low. Officials say platelet levels were already low, but the need has now become increasingly urgent. In an effort to encourage the community to donate, the team dressed up as their favorite characters and hosted its fall Bloodnooga blood…

CSAS Falls in State Soccer Tournament

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) CSAS lost to University School Jackson in the opening round of the state tournament by a final of 1-0 at Chattanooga Christian. The Patriots could not muster a shot on goal. The Bucs broke the ice with a goal in the 22nd minute of the second half. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Golden Apple: David Tindell, Ryan Otting, Barnhardt Academy

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) – David Tindell and Ryan Otting serve as co-teachers at Barnhardt Academy. Their coaching background helps them motivate students. They encourage perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. All that earned this talented duo this week’s Golden Apple Award. Barret Blankenship is the Principal at Barnhardt Academy. He says, “Coach Tindell and Coach Otting are phenomenal teachers. they…