Georgia gas tax suspension set to expire by 11:59p.m.

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state gas tax is set to expire at 11:59 p.m., and some drivers say they are concerned about what that could mean for their wallets. Governor Brian Kemp announced he does not plan to extend the suspension, which has been in place for the past two months. For drivers who rely…

Rotary Rocks Chattanooga celebrates award winning first year

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local Rotary club is celebrating a successful first year after receiving multiple honors at this year’s Rotary District Conference. Rotary Rocks Chattanooga earned several awards recognizing its work in community service, youth engagement, international projects, and membership growth. Club leaders say the recognition reflects the impact members have made both locally and around the world…

Balancing Growth with Local History

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As development continues to reshape Chattanooga, a new effort is giving residents multiple opportunities to weigh in on how the city preserves its historic identity while planning for future growth. Preserve Chattanooga has launched a citywide historic preservation planning process, the first of its kind since 1977, aimed at guiding how preservation can support continued development…

Former Deacon Faces Added Charges

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Hixson church deacon accused of secretly recording a minor returned to court Tuesday as prosecutors outlined additional charges and argued for stricter bond conditions. Christopher Collins faces seven counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and 15 counts of aggravated unlawful photography. Prosecutors said a grand jury found evidence supporting each count. During…

Pops on the River returns as part of Chattanooga’s Independence Day celebrations

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Chattanooga continues preparing for Independence Day festivities, organizers say the annual Pops on the River celebration is officially moving forward despite rumors suggesting otherwise. The free event is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at Coolidge Park. City officials say they have heard speculation that the event had been canceled, but they confirmed those rumors are…

Hamilton County announces United 250 Drone Show for Independence Day celebration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In partnership with the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation has announced its upcoming “United 250” drone show as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and will feature a sky filled with patriotic images designed to honor both the nation’s history and the local…

BAPS Charities hosts Inaugural Walkathon in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, BAPS Charities launched its 2026 Spirit of Service Walk-Run at Coolidge Park, raising money for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. Organizers said the event was part of a nationwide effort taking place in communities across the country, while also marking Chattanooga’s first time hosting the fundraiser. Volunteer Meet Patel…

Northwest Georgia Filmmaker earns People’s Choice Award for ‘Set Free’ trailer

NORTHWEST, Ga. (WDEF) – Northwest Georgia is quickly becoming a hub for local filmmakers, and one director is gaining national recognition for his latest project. Brandon Cannon, director of Soul Purpose Entertainment, recently received a People’s Choice Award at the Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival for the trailer of his upcoming film, Set Free. The movie, which was filmed locally, draws…

Depression among Hamilton County teens on the rise

Content warning: The topic of suicide is discussed in this story. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The state of the mental health of Hamilton County teenagers was discussed at this month’s Hamilton County Regional Health Council meeting. According to a report from Dr. Gabby Jordan of the McNabb Center, the rate of depression among high school students in Hamilton County has risen…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Blue Horizon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Chattanooga State have launched a new program to help with workforce development in the region. We are learning more about how Blue Horizon is strengthening the local workforce. This is what makes a great What’s Right With Our Schools. “We are doing a signing day for our Blue Verizon program. The Blue…

Safety Festival Marks Start of Summer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As summer gets underway, Erlanger and community partners hosted an event Saturday focused on helping families prepare for the months ahead. The fourth annual Summer Outreach Safety Fest, also known as SOS Fest, took place at the Carver Community Center.  The free event brought together local health, public safety, and community organizations to share resources and…

First Renaissance Faire Arrives in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Coolidge Park was transformed Saturday into a medieval-inspired gathering place as Chattanooga hosted its first-ever Renaissance Faire along the Tennessee Riverfront. From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the North Shore became a bustling festival grounds filled with music, performance, and artisan craft along the riverfront. The event followed a Renaissance-themed Night Market on Frazier Avenue that…

Women in Travel summit held in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  “These are very well traveled people. They’ve been to a lot of different places and it takes a lot to surprise them.” Hundreds of travel content creators and influencers are in town this weekend for their annual gathering, the Women in Travel Summit hosted by Wanderful at the Chattanoogan Hotel. Beth Santos started Wanderful, a travel community…

Traverse Park opens Saturday in Lafayette

  LAFAYETTE, GA (WDEF) — A new park is opening soon in Lafayette. Traverse Park on Villanow Street has an official ribbon cutting in June, but it’s opening up for business to coincide with the Honeybee festival this weekend. The park features climbing and bouldering walls modeled after nearby Rocktown, and a skate park. It connects with nearby walking trails,…

Chattanooga officers wrangle escaped donkeys

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Police and Sheriff’s deputies thwarted an equestrian escape earlier this week. A pair of donkeys were spotted by a 911 caller roaming along the area of Morris Hill Road. Responding officers were able to wrangle the donkeys, who were later identified as Oatie Pete and Squirrely Dan. The 9-1-1 call indicates the pair were causing quite…

Spain Brings World Cup Focus

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spain’s national football team is coming to Chattanooga as its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At Thursday’s Chattanooga Rotary club meeting, former U.S. men’s national team general manager Bill Nuttall, who has FIFA World Cup experience, and sports executive Sean McDaniel joined local organizers to discuss how the opportunity was secured. Chattanooga’s community…

Lookouts Edge the Smokies 3-2

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Lookouts edged Knoxville by a 3-2 final. The Smokies scored twice in the top of the first, but then Chattanooga tied it up in the bottom of the first on a two RBI double by Cam Collier. Lookouts later got the go-ahead run on a walk. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News