Runners Take On Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Chasing Goals And Milestones
Featured, Local News

Runners take on Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon chasing goals and milestones

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon took place this weekend, bringing runners from across the region together for a test of endurance, determination, and personal achievement. Participants laced up their shoes with goals in mind, whether it was breaking personal records, reaching new milestones, or simply creating lasting memories. Community members gathered once again for the annual event, which…

Chattanooga Community Gathers For 'no Kings Day' Protest At Ross’s Landing
Featured, Local News

Chattanooga Community gathers for ‘No Kings Day’ Protest at Ross’s Landing

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Members of the Chattanooga community gathered at Ross’s Landing to take part in another “No Kings Day” protest. Demonstrators lined the area, voicing their concerns and chanting, “Donald Trump has got to go,” as part of the organized event. Braxton Stratton, Tennessee Chairman for United Against the Elites, says while protests can raise awareness, he believes…

Fort Oglethorpe Hosts Annual Easter Egg Scramble At Gilbert Stephenson Park
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Fort Oglethorpe hosts annual Easter Egg Scramble at Gilbert-Stephenson Park

Lillian Yi,

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – The City of Fort Oglethorpe hosted its annual Easter Egg Scramble Saturday morning at Gilbert-Stephenson Park. Organizers say the event is completely free to the public and is designed to bring the community together, encouraging connection among friends, families, and neighbors. Families also had the opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny, adding to…

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Featured, Local News

New oncology and infusion clinic opens at Chattanooga VA clinic

Nick Hill,

The ribbon cutting for the VA Clinic’s new oncology and infusion clinic in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new resource for veterans has opened up. The Veteran’s Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Chattanooga has opened up its new oncology services and infusion center. This is at their Pointe Centre clinic off of East Brainerd Road. Previously, veterans diagnosed with cancer had…

Chattanooga Company Lodestar Introduces New Firearm Safety Mechanism
Hamilton County, Local News

Chattanooga Company Lodestar introduces new firearm safety mechanism

Russell Stroud,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A local Chattanooga firearm company is taking firearm safety seriously, and they’ve added a technological twist. The Lodestar LNK 9 is a 9mm handgun based on the Glock platform. What makes it different is the biometric safety developed by Lodestar Technology. It uses a brass actuator to block the trigger from being pulled. They chose brass…

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Featured, Local News

Undocumented students bill pushed back another week

Nick Hill,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- The bill that would require Tennessee school districts to count the amount of undocumented students enrolled has been pushed back again. The Tennessee Senate was supposed to debate and vote on Senator Bo Watson’s proposal. However, he elected to push back that bill to a committee for unstated reasons. This followed protests earlier this week by local…

Heights Wellness Retreat Opens
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Heights Wellness Retreat Opens

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Heights Wellness Retreat, formerly Massage Heights, officially opened its doors in Chattanooga on March 26th with a grand opening event for the community.  The ceremony included a ribbon cutting hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, welcoming residents to tour the facility and learn about its expanded wellness offerings. The retreat has added several advanced wellness…

Heritage Landing Road Fully Restored
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Heritage Landing Road Fully Restored

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Heritage Landing Road is officially open to traffic following a restoration project that addressed a subsurface collapse at the entrance to the Heritage Landing neighborhood.  The closure was caused by a degraded drainage pipe that allowed soil to wash into the river, creating an underground void that eventually collapsed. City crews used a different, more efficient…

Memorial Hospital Awards Health Grants
Featured, Local News

Memorial Hospital Awards Health Grants

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital awarded nearly $220,000 this morning to six local nonprofit organizations as part of its community health improvement program.  The funding will support programs aimed at improving access to health care, strengthening mental and behavioral health resources, increasing transportation options, and promoting health education for residents in need. Among the recipients, the AIM Center…

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Featured, Local News

Bill that would require sheriff departments to join ICE programs advances

Nick Hill,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Controversial partnerships between local sheriffs and ICE agents may soon be a requirement across the state of Tennessee. A bill is looking to require every single sheriff’s department to enter into ICE’s 287 g immigration enforcement program. Over 50 counties, including Hamilton, are already involved in the program. These agreements require the local agencies who detain undocumented…

This Morning Blood Assurance
Featured, Local News

Blood Assurance in need of donations this spring

Khristine Arnold,

Dr. Liz Culler joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to encourage viewers to donate blood during an ongoing blood shortage. Donate today to save three lives! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Earn a little extra money this spring break while also saving up to three lives by donating blood at Blood Assurance. Dr. Liz Culler talks about the ongoing blood shortage happening…

Notre Dame Agrees To Part Ways With Basketball Coach Matt Matoh
Sports - Local Sports News

Notre Dame Agrees to Part Ways With Basketball Coach Matt Matoh

Rick Nyman,

(press release) After two seasons, Head Boys Basketball Coach Matt Matoh and Notre Dame High School have mutually agreed to part ways following the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year. During his tenure, Coach Matoh led the boys basketball program to consecutive second-place finishes in the District 2 Basketball Tournament and compiled an overall record of 23–38. “I want to thank…

Governor Lee Stops In Athens And Decatur
Featured, Local News

Governor Lee Stops in Athens and Decatur

Robert Hanley,

MEIGS AND MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee made two stops in East Tennessee on Wednesday as part of his statewide farewell tour, drawing crowds of supporters in one community and protesters in another. Lee first visited the Meigs County Courthouse in Decatur, where residents gathered for a chance to greet the governor as he continues traveling…

How Workers Can Stay Competitive
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How Workers Can Stay Competitive

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Artificial intelligence and automation are changing how many jobs are done.  A new survey from the University of Phoenix highlights how hiring leaders view online credentials in today’s workplace. The survey found 78% of hiring leaders say workers with online educational credentials stand out because they bring new and emerging skill sets.  98% of hiring leaders…

Erlanger Hospital Announces Plans To Revamp Children’s Emergency Room
Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Health, Local News

Erlanger Hospital announces plans to revamp Children’s Emergency Room

Russell Stroud,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Erlanger Hospital announced plans to makeover their Children’s Emergency Room at a press conference Wednesday. They made the announcement at the Kennedy Outpatient Center across the street. Erlanger leadership says the goal is to make the emergency room environment calmer and more welcoming in what can be a traumatic moment for the young patients. Debbie Spielman,…

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Featured, Local News

Watson’s property tax referendum bill pulled for the year

Nick Hill,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposed bill by a Hamilton County lawmaker that would affect property tax increases in Tennessee has been pulled for the year. Senator Bo Watson had proposed that any local government who wanted to pass a property tax increase would have to gain approval from voters in a referendum. He said this was in response to the…

Survivor Inspires Hope Through Story
Featured, Local News

Survivor Inspires Hope Through Story

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – John O’Leary, bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and burn survivor, inspired attendees at the 23rd annual Possibilities Luncheon hosted by Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation.  The event, held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, raises funds for the Siskin Hospital Patient Scholarship Fund, which provides essential rehabilitation care to patients who are uninsured or underinsured following serious…