Friday, April 18th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Chattanooga.
Good morning, Chattanooga. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On April 15, defense attorneys for Darryl Roberts argued his case to a Hamilton County jury—after he was charged with fatally shooting Christopher Wright at point blank range on Market Street in Chattanooga in September 2023—with key surveillance video evidence that the prosecution has used. News Channel 9
- ➤ A man involved in a kidnapping fired at an officer when Calhoun police responded to a domestic call and later fatally shot himself during a police chase. Local 3 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson will receive a 13% raise as his salary increases from $225,000 to $255,000 under an approved contract amid ongoing budget talks—other top officials will get smaller raises as cuts are planned in school nurses and magnet school transportation. The school board will vote on the budget on May 8. News Channel 9
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Chattanooga Zoo welcomed three critically endangered pied tamarins after Carly gave birth to twins on Valentine's Day and Daphne gave birth to twins on April 8, though one of her offspring died shortly after birth—raising the collection to 11 and making it the second-largest in U.S. zoos. The zoo is also offering naming rights through its charity auction to support conservation efforts for the species. Local 3 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State legislators approved $15 million—used for site prep, construction, and engineering—for improvements at Ross’s Landing. City and county leaders said design work will finish by the end of May—boosting the downtown area for families and visitors. Chattanooga Times Free Press
- ➤ Tennessee lawmakers approved a $59.8 billion budget for the next fiscal year on Wednesday, even though some House members objected to a last-minute $8 million addition to pay county primary elections that passed 57-30. The budget takes effect July 1 and uses money from state revenues and federal funds (with plans to support schools, health, and roads) as debates on spending priorities continue. Chattanooga Times Free Press
- ➤ A FOX 17 News investigation found that over 600 people were charged with DUI even when they had not been drinking. Today a new law requires police to track these sober DUI arrests by naming the involved agency — state lawmakers will review the report each year for three years to guide future changes. News Channel 9
- ➤ Chattanooga City Council unanimously elected Jenny Hill of North Chattanooga as chair and Marvene Noel of Orchard Knob as vice chair during their meeting on April 15—marking the second time in the city’s history that two women lead the council. Hill will run meetings and serve as interim mayor if needed while each officer receives an additional salary boost for the next year. Chattanooga Times Free Press
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Construction began Thursday on a new 230-unit apartment complex at 501 W 12th St in the Westside, replacing the demolished Youth and Family Development Center with an $89 million mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments scheduled for completion in late 2026. It is the first of seven phases that will add 1,126 housing units by 2032 and replace 629 outdated public housing units without displacing any residents (with 92 units reserved for College Hill Courts tenants). Chattanooga Times Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UTC men’s basketball team celebrated its historic NIT title with a parade at Miller Park Thursday evening—downtown fans honored the team after its 85—84 overtime win over UC Irvine on April 3. The team will look different next season as seniors finish their college careers while new players prepare to take the court. Chattanooga Times Free Press
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR This compact, easy-to-use rangefinder is packed with features like slope adjustment, flag-lock with vibration feedback, and a USB-C rechargeable battery. Lightweight and accurate, it’s a great choice for casual or beginner golfers looking for reliable performance. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Chattanooga.
-
Rock-N For Laura
7-10:30 p.m. — Barking Legs Theater — Support event — Enjoy a night of love, friendship, and rockin' for local musician Laura Walker who recently faced a tragedy.
-
Friendship Connection for Adults
6-7:30 p.m. — Downtown Branch - Chattanooga Public Library — Free entry — Create crafts, play games, and connect with fellow adults in a welcoming environment.
-
Trampled By Turtles Live Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Signal — Ticketed event — Experience the contemporary sound of Trampled By Turtles, a band blending tradition with modernity.
-
Pandora's Box Tribute to Aerosmith
7-11 p.m. — Ross's Landing — Ticketed event — Experience the ultimate tribute to Aerosmith as Pandora's Box takes you through 50 years of rock hits.
-
Cast Iron Storytelling Anniversary
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Barking Legs Theater — Free entry — Celebrate a year of true storytelling with local talents sharing their stories.
-
Highway 58 Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
8-9 p.m. — 4791 Hal Dr, Chattanooga, TN — Free entry — Engage in supportive discussions about alcoholism and recovery in a confidential setting.
-
Low Cut Connie Live Performance
8:00-9:30 PM — Barrelhouse Ballroom — Tickets available — Experience the energetic live show of Low Cut Connie, one of America's top bands.
-
Scott H. Biram Concert in Chattanooga
9-10:30 p.m. — Cherry Street Tavern — $15 — Experience the electrifying return of Scott H. Biram along with featured artists for a night of unforgettable music.
-
In The Company Of Wolves
7-9 p.m. — Songbirds — Ticket prices vary — Experience the harmonious sounds of a singer/songwriter duo tailored for a seated audience.
-
Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence
7-11 p.m. — Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic genius of Jeff Dunham as he blends laughter with a touch of technology.
-
Attend Thrive Chattanooga Leadership Conference on May 15
Amplify your leadership. Elevate your wellbeing. Grow your business.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

A Budget-Friendly Golf Rangefinder with Premium Features
The REVASRI NK‑1000 rangefinder is a surprisingly capable option for golfers who want accuracy without spending a fortune.
Priced under $50, it includes features like slope adjustment, flag-lock with vibration feedback, and a rechargeable USB-C battery. Plus, it’s compact and lightweight, easily locks onto targets, and seamlessly switches between yards and meters. It’s a great pick for casual or new golfers looking for reliable performance at a wallet-friendly price point.
Bonus: Shop more top-rated and best-selling golf products.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Chattanooga.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
About Daily Chattanooga
Welcome to the Daily Chattanooga, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Chattanooga, Tennessee community. If you like the Daily Chattanooga, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Chattanooga.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Chattanooga and across Tennessee. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Chattanooga
A free Chattanooga community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailychattanooga.com/sitemap