Sale Creek Schools celebrate opening of CTE construction building

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Exciting developments are underway in Sale Creek as the middle and high school unveiled their new Career and Technical Education construction building. The school hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new facility, which was built by students as part of their coursework in the construction and structural systems program. Principal…

Gas prices rise sharply in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Gas prices are continuing to climb across Chattanooga, with drivers feeling the impact at the pump. According to GasBuddy, prices in the area have increased more than 26 cents per gallon in the past week. Compared to last month, prices are now roughly 88 cents higher, bringing the average cost to around 3 dollars and 80…

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County held a proclamation ceremony at the Courts Building to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event reaffirmed the city and county’s commitment to supporting survivors and encouraged the public to participate in awareness efforts. Community partners recognized for their work…

Youth Alcohol Risks

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – April is Alcohol Awareness Month. New Tennessee data shows some of the most serious consequences tied to teen drinking are increasing. A 2025 report from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission found that youth alcohol-related crashes, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions all increased in recent years.  Crashes among youth ages 13 to 19 increased 209% between…

Launch Pad set to place free narcan box in Miller Park to combat overdoses

A rendering of the narcan box, which is made out of a repurposed newspaper box. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last year, 140 people died from drug overdoses in Hamilton County. While that number is lower than the years before, as the peak of opioid deaths were in 2022, there is still room for improvement in tackling the opioid crisis. Some recent…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Celebrating Dr. Ware at Howard

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Dr. LeAndrea Ware’s time at Howard is coming to an end. She has accepted a leadership role with the Boys and Girls Club. Her contributions to Howard will have far reaching benefits. See for yourself in this week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” She says, “I think we go back to bittersweet. And it’s going to…

Union Gospel Mission hosts Easter dinner for Chattanooga’s unhoused community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Union Gospel Mission hosted its annual Easter Community Dinner this afternoon, serving Chattanooga’s unhoused community with food, resources, and a message of hope. More than 500 warm meals were served during the event, along with toiletry items and support from local organizations. Attendees say the gathering provided more than just a meal. “It’s nice to…

The Chattery celebrates reopening and new ownership milestone

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattery celebrated its reopening this weekend, marking not only a return to its space but also a major milestone in now owning its building. Community members gathered to recognize the organization’s growth and resilience following a devastating setback. The nonprofit is reopening after a fire destroyed its previous space, resulting in a total loss. Co-founder…

Willie Robertson speaks at Easter Service at UTC’s McKenzie Arena

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – An Easter service at UTC’s McKenzie Arena brought thousands together Easter morning as part of the Rise Up at the Roundhouse event. The gathering, presented by Red Bank Baptist Church and The Point Church at Signal Mountain, featured Willie Robertson, star of Duck Dynasty, as the guest speaker. The free event welcomed community members for a…

Annual Easter Egg Hunt Returns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt took place Sunday at Tennessee River Park, hosted by Coogi Doogi. The event offered children and families a fun-filled afternoon with prizes, inflatables, and free food for attendees of all ages. Families explored a variety of Easter activities in the outdoor park setting, participating in games, races, and other activities…

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…