Tennessee Aquarium offers indoor option during cold weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As temperatures remain extremely low, many children across the area are still out of school. For parents looking for ways to keep their families engaged, the Tennessee Aquarium is offering a warm, educational option indoors. Aquarium officials say being climate controlled makes the facility a popular destination during extreme cold. Alison Pryor, media coordinator for the…

PawPaw’s Ministry helps unhoused community during extreme cold

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Our friends from PawPaw’s Ministry were spotted in Chattanooga today, handing out blankets, hot beverages, and coats to members of the unhoused community. With temperatures remaining well below freezing, the group says their goal is to make sure people have the resources they need to survive the harsh conditions. Founder Mike Rice, also known as PawPaw,…

Baylor Returns to Winning Ways This Season

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After back-to-back losing seasons, the Baylor girls basketball team has found their winning touch again. The Lady Raiders are 14-7 on the season. Brian Armstrong explains how Baylor turned it around this year. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Baylor School, High School Basketball, sports news

Airport Sets New Passenger Record

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Airport broke its all-time passenger record in 2025, serving 632,384 travelers, a 14 percent increase from the year before.  Airport President and CEO April Cameron says the growth reflects more residents choosing to fly out of Chattanooga. Cameron says passengers consistently point to convenience, low-cost parking, fast TSA security lines, and strong customer service…

Electric Crews Answer Extra Call

SEQUACHEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – After completing power restorations in their own service area Sunday evening, crews from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative answered a request for help from other electric cooperatives across Middle Tennessee. Recent winter weather caused damage throughout parts of Middle Tennessee, where freezing rain and ice weighed down trees and power lines.  Falling limbs and downed lines…

Golden Apple Award: Myra Cook, Oakwood Christian Academy

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) – Myra Cook is an institution at Oakwood Christian Academy. She’s been there for more than 25 years. As a music teacher, she inspired countless kids to find their talents and take the stage. That earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She has been at OCA for 27 years this year. And she’s taught kindergarten through…

Signal Mountain recovering from ice storm

A power pole that snapped in half following this weekend’s ice storm on Sawyer Road. SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- Many of our mountainous communities saw up to a half inch of ice accumulation over the weekend. Signal Mountain was among them which saw damage and widespread power outages due to the storm. Even with the sunshine returning on Monday, the…

Whataburger Expands Across Tennessee

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Whataburger, a fast-food chain founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950, continues expanding its footprint across Tennessee with the opening of a new location in East Ridge.  The Texas-based company has steadily grown outside its home state over the last several years and now operates more than 20 locations across Tennessee as part of its…

New Tax Rules for Tipped Workers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tax season has arrived, and new federal tax changes could impact how many Americans file their 2025 tax returns, particularly people who earn tips or overtime pay. Recent updates to the tax code include new deductions connected to tips and overtime earnings.  These changes could affect how income is reported and calculated, making this filing season…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Tennessee Aquarium STREAM Center

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The STREAM learning Center opened at the Tennessee Aquarium late last year. The Aquarium’s classrooms, educator offices and programming are all housed in the 4,500 square foot building. It’s a wonderful resource for students near and far, as we see in tonight’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “The STREAM learning center supported by UNUM, um is…

Locally Filmed Film Premieres at the Colonnade in Ringgold

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – A new movie filmed locally in the Northwest Georgia was shown over the weekend at the Colonnade Theater in Ringgold, Georgia. The director says the film follows four college students who are assigned a research paper focused on urban legends. To complete their project, the students visit a reportedly haunted house, only to discover it is…

EPB remains hopeful power will be restored by morning

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Earlier this morning, News 12 spoke with EPB about power outages reported over the weekend due to ongoing weather conditions. EPB provided an update on the number of customers affected across the Tennessee Valley. EPB spokesperson J. Ed Marston said crews were already on the ground working to restore service as quickly as possible. “We have…

Signal Mountain Police community members to stay indoors and avoid roadways

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 spoke with Signal Mountain Police earlier today regarding current weather conditions on the mountain. Officers are asking community members to stay indoors and avoid roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary. Detective Sergeant David Holloway said crews have been working tirelessly to clear roads, respond to downed power lines, and restore power throughout the area….

Hard Freeze Raises Black Ice Risk

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After nearly 48 hours of rain, falling temperatures could create hazardous driving conditions across Hamilton County overnight and into the morning commute.  Forecasts show temperatures dropping from around 24 degrees near midnight to as low as 18 degrees by early Monday morning. TDOT says when wet roads are followed by a hard freeze, black ice can…

Medical Director share safety tips as temperatures drop

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With serious weather conditions continuing throughout the weekend, we spoke with the regional medical director about what community members need to do during emergencies when resources may be limited. Dr. Daniel Poor, MD, Regional Medical Director, says limiting time outdoors is critical as temperatures continue to drop. “I would not recommend being outside for prolonged periods,…

SmartWay helps drivers track road conditions

CHATTANOOGAG, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 spoke with Regional Communications Officer Rae Anne Bradley, who says crews have been working tirelessly to keep roads clear across the Tennessee area. Bradley says one of the best ways for drivers to stay informed is by visiting SMARTWAY.TN.GOV. SmartWay provides a live, interactive map that allows drivers to view road conditions before heading…

Signal Mountain Police ask community to stay home and off roads

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- News 12 just spoke with the Signal Mountain Police regarding the current weather conditions. They are asking the community to stay indoors and off the roadways. Crews are working tirelessly on clearing roadways, handling down power lines, and restoring power. They say those who do not need to leave their homes, should not. You’ll hear more…

Barnes Questions College Eligibility With Return of G-Leaguer For Alabama

Bama coach Nate Oats says the Tide will play former G-Leaguer Charles Bediako against Tennessee Saturday night. Bediako got a temporary restraining order to restore his college eligibility. The kid left college for the pros in 2023, but now he’s back. While he never played in the NBA, he did play in the G-League. Vols coach Rick Barnes says what…

Mat Mocs Blitz Davidson 43-3

(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga Mocs scored early and often in a 43-3 win over Davidson Friday night in Maclellan Gym. The Mocs won nine of 10 bouts and clinched the match after the sixth. The win moves the Mocs up into a tie for first in the league race. Quotable “I think our guys built off last week, but we can…