SNAP Cuts Impact Food Access

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Congressional District Health Dashboard has released updated data showing SNAP participation by congressional districts across the United States. The dashboard now allows users to track SNAP enrollment trends over time, including quarterly changes, alongside other health and economic indicators. The tool is designed to give a clearer view of how participation in the Supplemental Nutrition…

School board candidates debate issues in Hixson as they vie to replace Joe Smith

From left to right: Sandy Pricer (I), Dr. Ruth Walker (D), and Ashley Dillon (R), the three candidate for Hamilton County District 3 School Board. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Longtime Hamilton County school board chairman Joe Smith announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection in his district. Three candidates are looking to replace him, and whoever does so…

Fans to get opportunity to see Spain train in open practice session before World Cup

The website where fans can apply to see Spain’s training session. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the American World Cup just three weeks away, Chattanooga soccer fans may soon be able to get to see some of the world’s best players up close. The Spanish national football team will be hosting a community training session at The Baylor School on June…

State of Hamilton County Focuses On Growth

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – State and County leaders highlighted major progress and long-term investments during this year’s State of the County address at UTC’s Wolford Center, focusing on education, economic growth, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and outdoor recreation. One of the biggest successes centered on career and technical education. Hamilton County Schools has raised its “Ready Graduate” rate from 39.5%…

Pleas for safer driving heightened after pair of fatal motorcycle crashes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s motorcycle community is continuing to mourn the loss of two bikers in the past week. Lucas Weaver says he was friends with both Riley Hairsine and Dathan Thomas, who were killed in separate crashes in Hixson in the past week on their motorcycles. Hairsine’s crash was on Tuesday on Highway 153, and Thomas’s crash was on…

New Plans Transform Pavilion Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community leaders are moving forward with a new vision for Pavilion Park, announcing the BlueCross Healthy Place project near Finley Stadium during a public event. The project will focus on creating a more connected gathering space around First Horizon Pavilion, adding new recreation areas and shaded spaces designed to encourage year-round activity. Leaders say the effort…

Down Payment Help Program Launch

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Buying a home has become increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers as housing prices and upfront costs continue rising nationwide.  Now, leaders in Chattanooga say a new partnership aims to make homeownership more accessible for working families. The city has officially launched a new Down Payment Assistance Program in partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. …

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa Reads Program

CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – Getting young people to love reading is a team effort in Catoosa County. Last year, the School District teamed up with Citizens for Literacy and the Public Library to create Catoosa Reads. That’s a page-turning example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Today we have Catoosa Reads which started last year as a collaborative of…

Veteran Singer Advocates Mental Health

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month continue, Benjamin Hightower is using his platform to speak openly about mental health and life after military service. Hightower, an Air Force veteran and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, gained national attention following his breakout performance on America’s Got Talent. Now, he says he wants to help reduce the stigma…

Triathlon Tradition Draws Big Crowds

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The IRONMAN 70.3 returned over the weekend, bringing athletes to a course built around a downstream Tennessee River swim, rolling regional roads, and a downtown run lined with spectators. The event’s local history began in 2014, when the first full IRONMAN race was held following a 2013 announcement that the city would join the global endurance…

Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga: Athletes reflect on their Ironman journey

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Chattanooga celebrated another year of the Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga, athletes from across the country crossed the finish line with stories of perseverance, discipline, and determination. Charlie Baker and Andrew McBurney could be heard shouting, “Ironman 2026!” For many competitors, months of training and sacrifice led to Sunday’s race. “I worked too hard for this. I’m…

Cohutta Mayor resigns following weeks of controversy

COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Town of Cohutta is seeing another major leadership change. The Town of Cohutta’s Attorney, Bryan Rayburn, confirmed that Ron Shinnick has resigned from his position as mayor. Over the last several weeks, News 12 has covered allegations surrounding the former mayor’s wife, Pam Shinnick, continuing to work as Town Clerk after town meeting minutes indicated…

Chickamauga’s 52nd annual Down Home Days Festival

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Down Home Days Festival returned to Chickamauga today for its 52nd year of celebrating community traditions and local entertainment. The annual festival featured live music, food vendors, family activities, a KidZone, and entertainment throughout the day, drawing community members and visitors to downtown Chickamauga. Residents said the festival continues to be one of Chickamauga’s longest-running community…

Motorcyclist dead after serious crash on Hixson Pike

UPDATE: On Sunday afternoon, close family members and friends gathered at a memorial created in honor of their loved one. Friend Michael Wright reflected on the emotional loss. “We are here at the memorial of our best friend and fallen friend, Dathan Thomas. You don’t get to say goodbye at the end of the day. So being able to do…

Pensacola Defeats the Lookouts 9-3

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Pensacola Blue Wahoos had the bats working against Chattanooga on Friday, as they defeated the Lookouts 9-3. The Blue Wahoos built a 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back in collecting the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Family of fallen Hamilton County deputy given proclamation, assurance of help at Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Those who have fallen in the line of duty were honored Friday in downtown Chattanooga. The annual ceremony held a special significance after the recent death of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Landon Faulkner in an April crash in Sequatchie County. A declaration made by the Hamilton County delegation in the Tennessee General Assembly was given to the…

East Hamilton Student Earns Award for Short Film

OOLTEWAH,TN (WDEF) – An East Hamilton High School student is receiving national recognition for a short film she created. Rayna Wright took third prize in C-Span’s Student Cam Documentary Competition. Her film “A Long way from Prosperity” looked at ways to solve the homeless crisis in America. Wright earned a $750. Today, the student body got to watch her film….

Competitors check in for IronMan triathlon

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Iron Man 70.3 Kilometer triathlon starts on Sunday, bright and early. Friday was check-in day for the competitors at Ironman Village on Riverfront Parkway. Hundreds of competitors from Chattanooga and beyond came in droves to attend an orientation and purchase gear. Talking to the competitors, one thing was clear: Everyone loves Chattanooga. Competitor Julie…