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…

Proposed Policy Targets Student Phones

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County School Board is preparing to vote on a proposal that would ban student cell phone use for the entire school day. The potential policy would go beyond the state’s current requirement, which prohibits phones during instructional time.  If passed, it would mean personal phones must stay out of sight from the moment students…

“Hydration Heroes” Visit Fire Station

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Firefighters at Chattanooga Fire Station No. 6 got a refreshing surprise Tuesday morning. As part of their “Hydration Heroes” initiative, employees with Renewal by Andersen of Chattanooga delivered hydration supplies, snacks, and cooling items to thank local first responders for their hard work in the summer heat. The delivery took place at 10 a.m. at the…

Man arrested in connection with 2024 Fagan Street homicide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A male suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred in 2024 on Fagan Street. On October 5, 2024, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 4100 block of Fagan Street on a person shot call. Upon arrival, officers located a 42-year-old male with life-threatening injuries. Officers began life saving…

Smokies Power Past the Lookouts 13-6

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Knoxville Smokies scored six runs in the second inning, and five runs in the third inning to take down the Chattanooga Lookouts 13-6. Case y Opitz had a grand slam for the Smokies in the third inning to make it 11-2, which likely put the game out of reach.   Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Chattanooga…

Dangerous heat threatens health across the Tennessee Valley

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the Tennessee Valley braces for heat index values nearing triple digits, local emergency officials and medical experts are urging the public to take heat safety seriously. News 12 spoke with professionals from the Hamilton County Emergency Management and Erlanger Health System about the health risks associated with extreme temperatures and how to stay protected in…

Extreme heat poses deadly risk to pets

Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) – As dangerous heat continues to blanket the Tennessee Valley, it’s not just people who need protection, our pets are also at risk. Local veterinarians and emergency management officials are urging pet owners to take the proper steps to keep their animals safe during this sweltering weather. Dr. Courtney Griffin with Highland Veterinary Center says high…

Kelly proposes new property tax rate for first responder pay

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joining the city council in a discussion over the property tax rate. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will your property taxes go up? That will depend on what the Chattanooga City Council sets this year’s property tax rate. $23.6 million dollars is the amount the Kelly administration says the city needs to raise in order to fully fund…