Chattanooga Zoo hosts annual Hug a Bunny Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo welcomed families this weekend for its annual Hug a Bunny Day event. The event served multiple purposes, bringing the community together to celebrate the Easter weekend while also educating visitors about the responsibilities of caring for a rabbit. Guests had the opportunity to interact with bunnies while learning more about what it takes…

Reflection Riding launches Campfire Concert Series

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Reflection Riding is kicking off its annual Campfire Concert Series tonight, marking the first of four concerts scheduled throughout the season. The event serves as one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, helping support its mission of connecting people with nature. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere featuring live music, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of space…

Mocs Sweep Doubleheader Against Mercer Including Walk-Off Winner in Game Two

(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga softball team swept Mercer Friday afternoon at Frost Stadium in Southern Conference action winning the opener 8-0 in five innings and recorded its fifth walk-off of the season with a 6-5, 10-inning affair. Taylor Long earned both wins and struck out nine in 8-1/3 innings. She didn’t give up a run and allowed just two hits. Sophia…

‘Charlie Kirk Bill’ going through Tennessee legislature raises debate on campus free speech

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Does free speech on college campuses need extra protections? A bill named after the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk seeks to do that in Tennessee. Since Kirk was assassinated on a college campus in Utah back in September, there have been many discussions over whether or not freedom of speech on campuses is truly protected. Maddie Pickell…

CARTA pitches airport shuttle to Hamilton County Commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could there soon be a free shuttle between the Chattanooga Airport and downtown? CARTA CEO Charles Frazier pushed the idea while presenting his budget request to Hamilton County Commissioners. He is asking the county to invest three hundred and 50 thousand dollars into a pilot program that would operate up to five shuttles for specific events. Frazier…

Tech Byte: Our Favorite Memories

On this week’s Tech Byte, I am doing something a little bit different. Instead of looking at a new piece of technology, I decided to go back in time a little bit and ask our former hosts what their favorite segments were during their times hosting. First up is Patrick Moates. His response will come as no surprise to anyone…

Pro Stampede Rodeo Comes Alive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Cowboy culture is heading to downtown Chattanooga this weekend with the Chattanooga Pro Stampede Rodeo at First Horizon Pavilion.  The event is set for Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th, giving attendees two nights of professional rodeo action. Organized by Twisted Horn Rodeo Company, the rodeo features all kinds of action-packed excitement including fan favorites…

CDM partners with Lookouts for exclusive kids club

News 12 This Morning: Mackenzie Steele joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with a special partnership for the Creative Discovery Museum and the Chattanooga Lookouts. The former neighboring attractions are joining forces ahead of Opening Day around the corner. ‘Little Lookouts’ can get an exclusive CDM jersey in honor of the new stadium at Erlanger Park! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The…

Murray County biowaste facility not moving forward

Residents cheering the decision by a Murray County appeals board to block Jim Freeman’s request to rezone his property for industrial development. CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF)- Last fall, residents in Murray County rallied against a proposed biowaste facility they were concerned would negatively impact their community. After a fiery meeting in December that resulted in that project being blocked, today was…

Urban League set to renew partnership with Hamilton County Government

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is set to renew their partnership with Hamilton County Government. County commissioners will consider a resolution that would grant them $250,000. This money would go towards the following: $150,000 to Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development “Funding will support entrepreneurship and small business development services that provide startup training, business planning assistance,…

Burger Week Brings Tasty Competition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Burger lovers will have plenty to sink their teeth into this spring as Burger Week returns April 6 through April 12.  The weeklong event invites people to visit over 40 participating restaurants across the area, with featured burgers offered for $8. Now in its sixth year, Burger Week has become a recurring food event that highlights…

Tax Day countdown: Experts urge last-minute filers to act now

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) As the April 15 Tax Day deadline approaches, experts say time is running out for taxpayers who have yet to file. Financial professionals are urging people to get organized now by gathering all necessary documents, including W-2s and any additional income forms. “If you’re running a little behind and haven’t done your taxes yet, make sure you have…

Tennessee Aquarium boosts conservation with spring activities

News 12 This Morning: Alison Pryor joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the Tennessee Aquarium celebrates a busy season for their animals and conservation resources. Alison breaks down how the organization is spreading awareness of the environment during Earth Week and a special race for an endangered species. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Aquarium is gearing up for a…

Study says indoor youth sports venue would generate millions for Hamilton County

What a potential indoor sports venue in Hamilton County could entail. (Courtesy: Chattanooga Tourism Company) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Does Chattanooga need new youth sports venues? A new study says yes. The Chattanooga Tourism Company presented their recent study on the state of youth sports facilities in Hamilton County to the county commission Wednesday evening. In that study, they say our…

Hilltop Drive extension shelved after backlash, other Ooltewah projects to be studied

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- A planned extension of an Ooltewah road has been shelved. Hamilton County was looking into extending Hilltop Drive from Hunter Road to Volkswagen Drive that would parallel I-75. However, concerns were raised that it would disturb Enterprise South Nature Park, in a similar area that would have been affected by a discussed plan to open it up…

Operation Hands Free Launches Statewide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga law enforcement continued statewide efforts Wednesday as part of Operation Hands Free, a campaign enforcing Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  The campaign brings together the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and local police departments to monitor drivers and issue citations for violations.  Officers used a bus for a…

Samaritan Center Kicks off “Spring Cleaning” Donation Drive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With rising fuel and food costs, SNAP benefits often aren’t enough to survive. The Samaritan Center has been working to fill the gap for many years, and now they’re asking for the public’s help through their Spring Cleaning Donation Drive. From April 1st through the 30th, The Samaritan Center is asking for donations of household cleaning…

Childhood Cancer Survivor Inspires Hope

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – April is National Cancer Control Month, a time to highlight progress in the fight against childhood cancer and the work still ahead.  Advances in treatment have helped increase pediatric cancer survival rates to about 85 % today, a dramatic improvement compared to past decades.  Still, cancer remains the leading disease‑related cause of death for children, and nearly…