Daily
Chattanooga
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Chattanooga. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Signal Mountain will upgrade Althaus Park with a new inclusive playground called Dahlia Playground — funded with a $250,000 matching grant from Hamilton County — while Red Bank plans its first public basketball court with nearby parking and sidewalks. Both projects will improve accessibility and safety in their communities. Local 3 News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Volkswagen Chattanooga is proposing a final contract offer after nearly one year of collective bargaining with UAW— the deal includes a 20% pay raise over four years, lower healthcare premiums and increased personal time off, with only UAW able to bring the offer to a vote. News Channel 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The City of Red Bank will host its first Arts Festival on Saturday, September 27 at the Joseph Glasscock Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Art vendors, local musicians and dancers, interactive art activities and food trucks will serve the community — the festival offers a chance to enjoy handmade art and live performances. Local 3 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UTC lecturer Andrew Van Slyke leads a new field school at Ross’s Landing where students explore shipwrecks, a locomotive, and a submerged fort in the Tennessee River—uncovering Chattanooga's underwater past. He expects the program to grow and help build future archaeological careers. Local 3 News
- ➤ Lee University will inaugurate its new president Phil Cook on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center after Cook—a long-time faculty member—succeeded former president Mark Walker who resigned in March; guests can also visit an open house on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the new Welcome Center and renovated Higginbotham Administration Building. Chattanooga Times Free Press
- ➤ Whitwell Elementary fourth-graders are participating in an art contest to protect watersheds—sponsored by Tennessee American Water—to boost their understanding of science standards. The contest requires students to create artwork and a narrative, and the winning class will earn themed gifts including a pizza party and $100 in educational materials as submissions close on September 29. Chattanooga CW
- ➤ Residents in Hamilton County are holding a press conference outside the Department of Education on Hickory Valley Road at 4:00 p.m. today to ask the board to restore its partner Centerstone—whose free mental health services helped students—after a close 6-5 vote ended the deal. Supporters will speak at the board meeting at 4:30 p.m. to share their concerns. Local 3 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hamilton County commissioners voted not to pay legal fees for former sheriff's deputy Daniel Wilkey in two federal civil lawsuits. Wilkey, who resigned in 2019 after many charges were dropped, will not receive taxpayer money for his defense — a decision confirmed by the county attorney's office. Chattanooga Times Free Press
- ➤ Red Bank city officials remind drivers to double-check that car seats, booster seats, or seat belts are properly installed ahead of Child Passenger Safety Week — September 21–27 — and advise parents to visit CPS Fitting Stations for expert help if needed. Local 3 News
- ➤ The Chattanooga Fire Department is teaming with the National Fire Protection Association to promote safe buying, charging and recycling of lithium-ion batteries—essential advice for preventing fires during Fire Prevention Week from October 5-11. They will hold a kick-off event on Saturday, October 4 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army’s East Lake Corps—located on East 28th Street. Local 3 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health inspectors from Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker counties inspected Chattanooga area restaurants for the week ending Sept. 16 and found several issues such as missing hand-wash supplies, improper food storage temperatures, and cockroach infestations—Fat Boy's scored 61, Taqueria La Delicia scored 75, and Taco Town scored 76. Chattanooga Times Free Press
- ➤ Parkridge Health System is raising awareness for concussions tomorrow—National Concussion Awareness Day—highlighting that 7 of 10 emergency room visits for sports-related brain injuries involve children. The CDC reports boys suffer nearly twice the rate of these injuries while girls face higher concussion risks in sports like soccer and basketball. Local 3 News
- ➤ Chattanooga police credited collaborative efforts for a major drop in overdoses—non-fatal cases declined by 32% and fatal cases by 49% as reported in the 2024 CPD Annual Report. Local 3 News
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The Brook & The Bluff Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Signal — Tickets range from $61 to $87 — Catch The Brook & The Bluff live in an unforgettable musical evening.
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Chatta Town Tasting Festival 2025
10 AM – 4 PM — Chattanooga Green — Food sampling — Dive into a delicious world of local flavors and culinary delights.
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Chaka Khan Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the legendary voice of Chaka Khan live in Chattanooga.
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Todd Marcus Quintet featuring Virginia MacDonald
7:30-10 p.m. — Barking Legs Theater — $Varies — Experience a unique jazz performance highlighting the clarinet's versatility in modern jazz.
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Joy Adams Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Barking Legs Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of country music and comedy with award-winning entertainer Joy Adams and special guests.
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Lilac Line Concert
7-9 p.m. — Songbirds — Ticketed event — Experience the rising sounds of Chattanooga's own alternative rock band, Lilac Line, in an intimate setting.
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Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
7:15-9:30 p.m. — The Signal — Tickets available — Experience the ultimate tribute to the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin.
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IRONMAN Chattanooga
6:30 a.m. — Ross's Landing — Entry fee required — Conquer 144.6 miles and enjoy local adventures in a beautiful setting.
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