Ten Finalists are coming to cook at the National Cornbread Festival

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tennessee (WDEF) – The National Cornbread Festival has picked their ten finalists to compete live in front of festival goers this weekend. They gather cornbread recipes from across the nation and narrow them down to the final ten. This year’s cooks come from big cities like Los Angeles, Miami and Raleigh. And small towns like North Branch, Michigan.. Pyatt,…

TDOT urges drivers to stay alert during Work Zone Awareness Week

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It is National Work Zone Awareness Week. The annual campaign is focused on spreading the importance of driving safely, especially through active work zones where crews are working close to traffic. “Distracted driving is the most dangerous thing out here.” That is the message transportation officials are sharing as they raise awareness about roadway safety. According…

April marks Stress Awareness Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – April is Stress Awareness Month, a time when local organizations are encouraging the community to reflect on both physical and mental health. Mental health professionals say recognizing the signs of stress is an important first step in managing it before it becomes overwhelming. Lead Therapist Daniel Kiser, with Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC, said…

Dalton public safety board temporarily revokes license of establishment as manager questions process

The Deja Vu Social Club on Hamilton Avenue in downtown Dalton. DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- What is the difference between a bar and a restaurant? That was the question that the Dalton Public Safety Commission had to answer Tuesday morning in a hearing concerning Deja Vu Social Club on Hamilton Street in Downtown Dalton. Déjà Vu Social Club has been in…

Prescription Drug Bill Advances Statewide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee lawmakers have passed the “Fair Rx Act,” legislation that would restrict certain types of ownership within the prescription drug industry in the state. The bill would prohibit a company from owning a pharmacy while also owning a pharmacy benefit manager and a health insurer if ownership exceeds five percent. Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, serve…

Community Talks Solutions to Homelessness

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – City leaders and community organizations gathered this morning to discuss ongoing challenges related to homelessness and potential long-term solutions. The discussion included ideas such as creating a database of churches willing to help house individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as revisiting plans for a low-barrier shelter designed to reduce barriers to entry for those seeking temporary…

McClellan Island Future Vision

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – McClellan Island is still in the early stages of what could become a long-term transformation, with community partners working together to shape its future. Groups like Chattanooga Botanical Garden and the Audubon Society are focusing first on restoring the island’s ecosystem through a process known as re-wilding.  That includes removing invasive species and encouraging native plants…

Learn to stay safe this summer with the Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – School is nearly out , which is why the Chattanooga Zoo and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is making sure kids know how to stay safe in all situations with their special “Safe Kids at the Zoo” event. Several community organizations are coming together for this annual event to teach children how to stay safe at home,…

What’s Right With Our Schools, Valley Point STEM Night

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Families at Valley Point Middle School recently came together to solve a mystery. Students used the skills they learn each day to track down their missing mascot. It’s a wonderful example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Well, we have a very special event planned for our students this evening. We have a CSI themed family…

Red Bank Community celebrates grand opening of the Godsey Ridge Trail

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today in Red Bank, local organizations and community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Godsey Ridge Trail System. The community joined city leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new trail network, which officials say will provide more opportunities for recreation, wellness, and outdoor connection. Eddie Kessler with Ptarmigan…

Major Fine Art Festival Returns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 4 Bridges Arts Festival returned this weekend as one of the region’s premier visual arts events, drawing large crowds and artists from across the country. More than 140 artists took part, showcasing a wide range of work including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.  The festival has earned recognition as one of the top fine…

Pollinator Garden Comes Into Bloom

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new pollinator garden is now officially open in Soddy-Daisy, the result of a community-wide effort focused on conservation, native plants, and supporting local wildlife. Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful dedicated the garden at the corner of Dayton Boulevard and Thrasher Pike during a ceremony that brought together local officials, Ivy Academy, and the Tennessee Aquarium. The…

Clean out your medicine cabinets for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring cleaning season means cleaning out those medicine cabinets and finding plenty of unused or expired medications, which is why the Hamilton County Coalition is hosting their annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this weekend. On April 25, people will be able to properly dispose any unwanted medication at these designated sites: HAMILTON COUNTY LOCATIONS…

Christian Hurd challenges Steve Tarvin for his seat in Georgia House District 2 race coming up in May

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Georgia House District 2 race is coming up in May, with Marine Corps veteran Christian Hurd challenging longtime Northwest Georgia Representative Steve Tarvin for the seat. News 12 spoke with both candidates about why they believe voters should choose them. Incumbent Steve Tarvin spoke with News 12 by phone about the upcoming race and his…

East Ridge High School hosts free community Health Fair

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – East Ridge High School hosted its annual Health Fair, featuring a variety of free resources including health screenings, informational booths, and interactive demonstrations. The event was organized by students along with a variety of community partners, giving residents access to health resources and information. School leaders say the fair also highlighted opportunities available through the…

Glass Street Block Party Brings Community Together in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)A neighborhood street in Chattanooga turned into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and community this weekend. Glass Roots, a local nonprofit, hosted its third annual block party—closing down the intersection of Glass Street and North Chamberlain Avenue and transforming it into a lively outdoor gathering space. A stage was set up right in the middle of the…