Chattanooga Airport launches new nonstop flights to Houston

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is expanding its travel options with a new nonstop flight route. The Chattanooga Airport, in partnership with United Airlines, has launched twice-daily nonstop service to Houston, marking a major expansion in air travel for the region. Airport leaders say the new route is part of a larger effort to increase connectivity and create more opportunities…

Diesel Prices Affect Consumer Goods

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rising diesel costs are putting pressure on the trucking industry and could soon affect consumers.  Diesel recently passed five dollars per gallon, while regular gas is closer to four dollars. Semi-trucks rely on diesel, and higher fuel costs are already affecting freight and shipping. Matt McClain, a gas expert, explained the importance of fuel costs to…

Baseline Eye Exams Urged

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – GLP-1 medications, often prescribed for diabetes management and weight loss, are growing in popularity in the U.S., with roughly 12% of adults having used them at some point.  These drugs can provide meaningful improvements in blood sugar control and support weight loss goals. However, recent reports have highlighted rare but potentially serious eye complications among some…

Tulips Bring Colorful Spring Fun

ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) – Spring was on full display Sunday at Happy Valley Farms, where visitors spent the day surrounded by blooming tulips and open-air creativity. The farm hosted a painting event that invited guests to bring their own supplies and create artwork while taking in the colorful spring scenery.  Artists of all experience levels were welcome to take part…

Social Media Companies Found Negligent

NATIONAL, U.S. (WDEF) – A Los Angeles County jury has found Meta and YouTube negligent in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit claiming that features of their platforms contributed to addiction and mental health harm in a young user. The plaintiff, identified in court by her initials K.G.M., is a 20-year-old woman who testified that her use of Instagram, owned by Meta, and…

The Nehemiah Project R3 is helping children “one pack at a time”

Kelley Andrews with the Nehemiah Project R3 joins News 12’s Amelia Greer on ‘National Pencil Day’ to spread the call for school supplies year-round. Learn how you can get involved with the organization with their ‘Pack Day’ ahead of the next school year this July! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – March 30 is ‘National Pencil Day’ and Chattanooga’s Nehemiah Project R3…

Chattanooga Trach Families host Easter egg hunt at Riverview Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Trach Families brought the community together this weekend with a family-friendly Easter egg hunt. The organization hosted the event at Riverview Park, welcoming families for a morning focused on celebration, connection, and inclusion. Chattanooga Trach Families supports children who have had a tracheotomy, providing resources, guidance, and a strong sense of community for both the…

Runners take on Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon chasing goals and milestones

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

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

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…

New oncology and infusion clinic opens at Chattanooga VA clinic

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

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…

Undocumented students bill pushed back another week

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

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

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

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…

Bill that would require sheriff departments to join ICE programs advances

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…

Blood Assurance in need of donations this spring

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…