Southeast Drought Conditions Continue Worsening

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Drought conditions continued to expand and intensify across much of the Southeast, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update. In the Tennessee Valley, extreme drought conditions are present in portions of the region, with broader severe drought spreading across portions of Alabama, Tennessee, and into parts of Kentucky and North Carolina.  Conditions vary by location,…

Be “Set Free” with a new local, feature film

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Hollywood was brought to Ringgold, Ga. with the filming and premiere of local, feature film Set Free. The faith-based film by Soul Purpose Entertainment focuses on God setting people free from various vices including drugs. It also brings awareness of the fentanyl crisis in the News 12 viewing area. The film features entirely local talent and…

Job growth expected to be slow in Chattanooga area

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will there be more jobs coming to the Chattanooga area? With inflation tied to high gas prices and other factors, many are asking what that means for the future of our economy. A new report says that while the picture isn’t the brightest, we should not panic. Dr. Howard Wall of UTC’s Center for Regional for Economic…

Two different versions of voucher testing bill pass Tennessee legislature

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Two different versions of the bill that would change testing requirements for private schools that take one kind of voucher in the state of Tennessee have passed both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly. Senate Bill 1585 according to its sponsor Senator Jack Johnson is designed to align testing requirements for schools receiving Educational Savings Account (ESA)…

Large Crowds Mark Mr. T’s Opening

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – Large crowds and long lines took over Ooltewah as Mr. T’s Pizza opened its second location with a three-day grand opening celebration. The excitement started early Thursday morning, with people lining up well before the 10:30 a.m. opening.  The first 250 customers received a free large pizza and a Mr. T’s T-shirt, drawing in a huge…

Hawk Hill Plans Await Approval

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The future of AT&T Field is under consideration as the Chattanooga Sports Authority weighs next steps for the site following the Chattanooga Lookouts’ departure, while River City Company continues shaping what redevelopment could look like. River City Company says the framework for the site has been developed over several years and is based on community input,…

Behind the Curtain: Dollywood Food Edition

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – While many come to Dollywood for fun rides, performances, and the overall appreciation of Dolly Parton, but many come to the park for their delicious food! News 12’s Amelia Greer took a trip to Dollywood to learn how their renowned chefs are able to make delicious desserts 9 to 5, or should we say 3…

Jacksonville State Defeats UTC 9-2

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga softball battled throughout the afternoon but an early offensive surge by Jacksonville State proved decisive in a 9–2 loss Wednesday at Jim Frost Stadium. Jacksonville State scored three runs in the first inning and added six more in the second to build an early cushion. Chattanooga responded with a two‑run second inning and settled in defensively…

Business owners at northshore incubator say they are still against move to Franklin-Roberts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s been over a week since plans were announced to move Hamilton County’s Small Business Incubator to the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center. The small business incubator is designed to help entrepreneurs start their businesses via a subsidized office space. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says it would put the incubator into a world class building. However, business…

Hundreds Give Back Across Chattanooga During Day of Caring

Chattanooga, Tenn. — From paint brushes to power tools, hundreds of volunteers spent the day giving back across the Scenic City as part of the annual Spring Day of Caring. More than 450 volunteers participated in the event, which is led by the United Way of Greater Chattanooga and sponsored by Unum. Teams spread out across the city to complete…

Ten Finalists are coming to cook at the National Cornbread Festival

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tennessee (WDEF) – The National Cornbread Festival has picked their ten finalists to compete live in front of festival goers this weekend. They gather cornbread recipes from across the nation and narrow them down to the final ten. This year’s cooks come from big cities like Los Angeles, Miami and Raleigh. And small towns like North Branch, Michigan.. Pyatt,…

TDOT urges drivers to stay alert during Work Zone Awareness Week

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It is National Work Zone Awareness Week. The annual campaign is focused on spreading the importance of driving safely, especially through active work zones where crews are working close to traffic. “Distracted driving is the most dangerous thing out here.” That is the message transportation officials are sharing as they raise awareness about roadway safety. According…