Virtual Schools Face Possible Closure
BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennessee lawmakers are considering House Bill 2420, a measure that would allow the state education commissioner to close virtual schools that do not meet certain performance standards. …
Robert Hanley
Articles
AAP Shares Childhood Vaccine Guidance
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The American Academy of Pediatrics is sharing new guidance this month aimed at helping parents and caregivers understand…
Firefighter Faces Life-Changing Recovery
TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) - A Manchester firefighter and Tracy City resident, Jay Lankford is continuing a long and difficult recovery after a September motorcycle crash left him with life-changing injuries. Family…
Y-CAP Program Supports Youth Success
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The YMCA Community Action Project, known locally as Y‑CAP, is an early‑intervention and prevention program in Chattanooga that serves young people ages 10 to 15 who have…
Ash Wednesday Sparks Faith Renewal
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Church bells rang across Chattanooga this morning as parishioners gathered at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul to mark Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten…
New Hangar Project Takes Off
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - West Star Aviation leaders and Hamilton County officials broke ground on a major expansion that will significantly increase the company’s operational capacity. West Star Aviation operates multiple…
Pancake Race Celebrates Shrove Tuesday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Students at St. Nicholas Elementary School celebrated Shrove Tuesday with their third annual pancake race, a tradition that blends faith, learning, and hands-on fun. The morning began…
Candidate Highlights Plans for Tennesseans
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennessee Governor candidate Jerri Green visited Chattanooga on Tuesday to meet with local residents and voters. The event took place at the Chattanooga Masonic Center. Green, a…
Women Build Home Dedication Held
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga dedicated a new home on February 14 for a local mother and daughter, marking the completion of their journey through the…
McDonald Farm Set For State Park
SALE CREEK, TN (WDEF) - McDonald Farm, a historic property spanning more than 1,300 acres in Hamilton County, is set to become Tennessee’s 70th state park. The plan includes roughly $45.3…
Hope Grows for Myeloma Patients
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - What began as a broken femur to a life-changing diagnosis for one man now working to raise awareness about multiple myeloma. Dave was diagnosed several years ago…
Mobile Pantry Supports School Families
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Orchard Knob Elementary hosts a School Mobile Pantry distribution in partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank serves a…
Rhea County Education Center Ribbon Cutting
DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) - Students and state leaders gathered Wednesday for the ribbon cutting of the Rhea County Higher Education Center, a new facility focused on technical education and workforce…
Governor Highlights Growth During Pikeville Visit
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) - Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee visited Pikeville as part of Tennessee’s participation in the nation’s 250th celebration, known as America 250. During the…
Miss G’s Owner Detained by ICE
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The owner of popular Chattanooga restaurant Miss G’s has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prompting concern from longtime customers. Guillermina Solano-Chala, owner of…
Safe Internet Day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - With kids spending more time online, keeping them safe has never been more important. Technology is part of daily life, from apps and social media to online games and…
Mayor Shares Vision for Growth
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to members of the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club Monday, highlighting accomplishments from his first term and outlining priorities for the future…
Driver Services Center Reopens After Remodel
JASPER, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has reopened its Driver Services Center after completing a months-long remodel aimed at improving customer experience and efficiency. …
Americans Struggle Getting Reading Started
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Americans want to read more, but screens and digital distractions are making it harder to pick up a book. Surveys commissioned by ThriftBooks found that while 70%…
Immersive Exhibit Highlights Global Poverty
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Compassion International brought its nationwide Compassion Experience tour to Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga from February 6 through February 8. The free, family friendly exhibit invited visitors…
Valentine Market Draws Weekend Crowds
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Sweetheart Market wrapped up its two-day run at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District, bringing together local vendors, live music and Valentine’s-themed shopping for the community.…
Tooth Pain Could Signal More
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tooth pain is easy to dismiss, but dental experts say ignoring it can lead to serious consequences. Pain, sensitivity, swelling, or infection often signal problems deep inside…
Local Musician Super Bowl Spotlight
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga musician Nick Lutsko is stepping onto the national stage in a big way. Known for his playful internet songs and viral videos, Lutsko is bringing his…
Bill Expands Pediatric Cancer Research
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Congress has passed, and President Donald Trump has signed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, a new law aimed at giving children fighting cancer and…
Thrift Shop Reopens Supporting Moms
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - Good Foundations Thrift in Cleveland recently reopened after a week‑long remodel made possible by donated items and volunteer efforts from two groups from First Baptist Church. The…
Seniors Targeted in Romance Scams
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As Valentine's Day approaches, new national research from AARP reveals a significant digital threat to older Americans. Nearly one in ten adults aged 50 and older have…
New Cookie Hits the Menu
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Winter weather and freezing temperatures weren't enough to delay the highly anticipated 2026 Girl Scout cookie season. Over the weekend, Girl Scouts, troop leaders, and families gathered…
Health Leaders Address Vaccine Concerns
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Health leaders gathered this month for the regional health council meeting to review current respiratory illness trends and discuss ways to strengthen vaccination outreach across the area. …
Heavy Stones Claim 5th Skillet Curling Title
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Every year, Chattanooga comes together for one of its quirkiest and most beloved traditions… Skillet Curling. Inspired by the Olympic sport but played with cast iron…
Research Shows Ways to Protect Pets
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A recent survey from the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) shows that many pet owners delay professional care, highlighting ways families can help their pets live…
BJ’s Wholesale Club Opening Preview
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - BJ’s Wholesale Club is preparing to open a new location at 401 Northgate Mall Drive, marking the company’s sixth store in Tennessee. The warehouse club will officially…
Former Hamilton County Teacher Sentenced for Abuse
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A former Hamilton County teacher, Duane Sanders, was sentenced today for multiple counts of sexual abuse of children following a lengthy investigation. Sanders was found…
Airport Sets New Passenger Record
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Airport broke its all-time passenger record in 2025, serving 632,384 travelers, a 14 percent increase from the year before. Airport President and CEO April Cameron…
Electric Crews Answer Extra Call
SEQUACHEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - After completing power restorations in their own service area Sunday evening, crews from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative answered a request for help from other electric cooperatives…
Whataburger Expands Across Tennessee
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - Whataburger, a fast-food chain founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950, continues expanding its footprint across Tennessee with the opening of a new location in East Ridge. …
New Tax Rules for Tipped Workers
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tax season has arrived, and new federal tax changes could impact how many Americans file their 2025 tax returns, particularly people who earn tips or overtime…
Hard Freeze Raises Black Ice Risk
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - After nearly 48 hours of rain, falling temperatures could create hazardous driving conditions across Hamilton County overnight and into the morning commute. Forecasts show temperatures dropping…
Winter Storm Could Disrupt Deliveries
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - With a winter storm moving into the Tennessee Valley this weekend, icy and slushy conditions could make travel difficult and disrupt local deliveries. Snow, sleet, and freezing…
Food Pantries Expand Winter Assistance
FORT OGLETHORPE, GA. (WDEF) - St. Vincent de Paul/Gabriel’s Hope Food Pantry in Fort Oglethorpe provides ongoing food assistance through regular food drives and pantry services. In addition to its routine…
Honor Roll Celebration Uplifts Students
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Orchard Knob Middle School honored academic excellence with a special celebration recognizing 90 students who earned a spot on the honor roll, bringing families, educators, and community…