Hixson looks to sustain breakthrough success

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hixson Wildcats football program struggled for several years. They did not have a winning record between 2017 and 2022, with multiple winless seasons in the mix. They had their first winning record last season since 2016 under the leadership of Nick Rivers III. Coach Rivers said of the success, “We came out and we showed passion,…

McMinn Central looking for third straight playoff appearance

ENGLEWOOD, Tenn. (WDEF)- The McMinn Central Chargers are coming off of two consecutive playoffs, including a playoff victory last season. Despite that success, they are looking to take the next step so they can go even deeper into November, and maybe beyond. “Well, we’re excited. Especially after today, we got out here and competed the way we needed to compete”,…

Local citizens, officials react to Trump assassination attempt

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing from some of our local leaders Saturday evening on their reactions to this assassination attempt on former President Trump. Among them were Representative Chuck Fleischmann is preparing to head to Milwaukee to nominate President Trump to the Republican nomination. However, this evening’s events stirred up strong emotions for him, as he has been the…

Controversy over signs in Hamilton County school board race

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As early voting begins across Hamilton County, there is some controversy over one school board race. Democratic incumbent member Jill Black is facing off against Republican challenger Sherrie Guinn Ford for the District 11 seat. That seat covers portions of southern Chattanooga including Lookout Valley, Saint Elmo and East Lake. As voters begin to head to…

Thursday Throwback: 1988 Drag Racing Granny

A lot of colorful characters have come out of north Alabama. One of the raciest was Cleo Chandler. At an age when most would be content to play with the grandkids, Cleo tried out drag racing. She was a top driver on the circuit throughout her 70s. For our Thursday Throwback, we catch up with Cleo at a track in…

New Tech Saves a Beloved Candy Bar

This week on Tech Byte, I’m excited to talk with you and some guests about 3D printing. 3D printing is one of the latest phenomena. You can use it for cosplay props, I’ve seen people use it to make shelves and organizers for the coffer makers. They actually use it to aid in prototyping for manufacturing AND they saved one…

Southside Social being sued over copyright infringement claim

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A popular Chattanooga establishment is in legal hot water. Southside Social on Chestnut Street is being sued by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) ASCAP filed the lawsuit in the Eastern Tennessee Federal District Court in Chattanooga, alleging that Southside Social has been playing music that they hold the licenses to for use…

Stadium Authority Board approves South Broad Stadium documents

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The future South Broad Stadium has cleared one of its major final steps. Multiple documents, including the lease for the stadium, were approved this morning by the Sports Authority Board. That board will be the owner of the projected $112 million stadium, which will be the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. While the majority of…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Volkswagen Public Education

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Through Volkswagen E-Labs, Hamilton County students have learned the importance of manufacturing and technology. On Thursday, close to 200 teachers from 17 states learned how a project empowers local students for future employment. Michael Stone is the Vice President of Innovation Learning for the Public Education Foundation. He said, “Today, we kicked off the sixth annual…

‘Killer Beaz’ to spend weekend at The Comedy Catch

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A southern favorite stopped by the News 12 studio before his weekend long venture at The Comedy Catch in Chattanooga. News 12’s Chip Chapman joins his long-time friend, ‘Killer Beaz’ to preview this unique event. All humor is family-friendly and guaranteed to make you smile. For ticketing information, you can visit the venue online or Killer…

Macaroni Penguin exhibit featured at Tennessee Aquarium

News 12 This Morning: Thom Benson with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to highlight one-of-a-kind events featured in Chattanooga this summer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Aquarium is proud to introduce multiple new experiences for the family this summer. One display they are particularly excited about, is their newest Macaroni Penguin exhibit. Perhaps the species’ most…

Hamilton County Commissioners approve 20-story building in city

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Commission was busy on Monday as they discussed the future of the site occupied by the Eureka Foundry near Finley Stadium. A landmark with deep roots in Chattanooga’s industrial history took center stage as developers presented a plan for the future of that site. Monday’s meeting focused on a proposal to approve the construction…

McKay’s celebrates 50th anniversary with Ultimate Road Trip

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — McKay’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the Ultimate McKay’s Road Trip. McKay’s is a used bookstore and record store that buys and sells used books, movies, games, music and more. It was founded in 1974 in North Carolina. On Tuesday, July 9, all McKay’s locations are handing out McKay’s Passports. For all locations one visits,…

Mom to Mom – Squirt Gun Painting

Today on Mom to Mom, we’re gonna help your kiddos out with that summertime boredom. If your kids are already bored this summer, we’ve got the perfect activity for them: Squirt gun painting! All you’re gonna need for this is an easel, some watercolor paper, some watercolor paints, and some squirt guns. All you have to do for this fun…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Battlefield Academy Pollinator

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Battle Academy students are taking learning to new heights. Their rooftop garden is now home to a variety of native plants. That’s attracting birds, butterflies and other pollinators. That’s an environmentally friendly example of what’s right with our schools. Laura Robinson is a master gardener and parent volunteer at Battle Academy. She explains: “We applied to…

Chattanooga FC edged at home 2-1 by Crown Legacy

CHATTANOOGA FC- Chattanooga FC faced off against Southeast Division rivals Crown Legacy FC, and were edged 2-1 in front of 3,294 supporters at Finley Stadium on Saturday night. Crown took the lead right before halftime when Jahlane Forbes finished from close range. CFC equalized in the 71st minute when Mehdi Ouamri converted from the penalty spot after referee Stearne Briem…

Local Law Firm Creates Smart Phone App to aid accident victims

New app takes the stress out of what to do in the event of a car crash

CHATTANOOGA, TN – The moments after a car crash can be some of the most stressful times of your life because you don’t know what to do. You don’t know how to handle it. A new local law firm has developed an app that will help you reduce panic, and potentially save you time and money later.   Brent Burks…

Smokies Rally For a 9-6 Victory Over the Lookouts

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Lookouts could not hold onto a 4-0 lead and dropped a 9-6 decision to the Tennessee Smokies on Friday night at AT&T Field. It was Chattanooga’s fifth straight loss. Matt Nelson belted a two run homer in the third inning to put the Lookouts ahead 4-0. However, the Smokies enjoyed a seven-run seventh inning to help seal…