TRION, GA. (WDEF) – Republican Lanny Thomas won the special runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 53 on April 7. Thomas defeated Democrat Jack Zibluk by a wide margin, receiving about sixty-nine percent of the vote compared with Zibluk’s thirty-one percent. During his campaign, Lanny Thomas emphasized support for small businesses, public safety, and local schools. He also highlighted…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga City Council has delayed CARTA’s plan to begin booting vehicles with outstanding parking tickets. CARTA’s resolution would allow them to boot vehicles with three or more parking violations. Some council members worried that this resolution would financially burden some community members. That is why council members added an amendment to the legislation allowing people with…
UPDATE: Urban Story Ventures has provided a statement in regard to the April 7, 2026 City Council meeting. They share The Bend has been in compliance with the One Westside TIF agreement and remains on target with projections for the development. Their full statement reads: “In response to the Council’s comments on April 7, Jimmy White, President and managing partner…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s Chattanooga’s Burger Week and many local restaurants are offering mouth-watering deals to discover the best burger in town, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is confident their smash burger will take the trophy! Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is offering their classic smash burger for the low price of $8 as their entry for the best burger…
Congressman elect Clay Fuller celebrating his victory with his wife and daughter following his victory speech on April 7, 2026 in Ringgold. RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- We now know who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in North Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. After a two round election, former Lookout Mountain Judicial District Attorney Clayton Fuller has defeated Democrat Shawn Harris. 22 candidates…
Shawn Harris held a watch party at the Mariott Hotel in Rome, Georgia. Supporters and campaign staff filled the room, along with media from overseas. After it became clear that the results were not in Mr. Harris’s favor, he addressed his supporters. A common theme in his message was the fact that his campaign was more successful than any Democrat’s…
RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Catoosa County Public Schools on Tuesday, April 7, to recognize 11 schools for academic achievement. During the visit, Woods presented John Hancock, Literacy, and Math Leader Banners to honor the schools’ performance in different areas of academic achievement. The awards highlight schools that have achieved state-level recognition for literacy,…
ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Rock Spring, Georgia, reported that its forest kindergarten basecamp was damaged over spring break. Items taken or destroyed included hammocks, zip lines, ropes, wagons, and tools. The damage occurred at the basecamp used by the forest kindergarten program, a part of the school where children spend time outdoors…
DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Parents describe Kassie Dockery as a wonderful and dedicated teacher. Her students at Park Creek Elementary know that she will always be there for them. Her patience, kindness and genuine love of teaching earned Ms. Dockery this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Miss Dockery is a wonderful first grade teacher at Park Creek. She genuinely loves her kids….
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Exciting developments are underway in Sale Creek as the middle and high school unveiled their new Career and Technical Education construction building. The school hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new facility, which was built by students as part of their coursework in the construction and structural systems program. Principal…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Gas prices are continuing to climb across Chattanooga, with drivers feeling the impact at the pump. According to GasBuddy, prices in the area have increased more than 26 cents per gallon in the past week. Compared to last month, prices are now roughly 88 cents higher, bringing the average cost to around 3 dollars and 80…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County held a proclamation ceremony at the Courts Building to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event reaffirmed the city and county’s commitment to supporting survivors and encouraged the public to participate in awareness efforts. Community partners recognized for their work…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – April is Alcohol Awareness Month. New Tennessee data shows some of the most serious consequences tied to teen drinking are increasing. A 2025 report from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission found that youth alcohol-related crashes, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions all increased in recent years. Crashes among youth ages 13 to 19 increased 209% between…
A rendering of the narcan box, which is made out of a repurposed newspaper box. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last year, 140 people died from drug overdoses in Hamilton County. While that number is lower than the years before, as the peak of opioid deaths were in 2022, there is still room for improvement in tackling the opioid crisis. Some recent…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Dr. LeAndrea Ware’s time at Howard is coming to an end. She has accepted a leadership role with the Boys and Girls Club. Her contributions to Howard will have far reaching benefits. See for yourself in this week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” She says, “I think we go back to bittersweet. And it’s going to…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The McMinn Regional Humane Society is inviting the community to support a good cause at its upcoming fundraiser, Party for the Paws. The event will offer guests an evening of entertainment and giving back, featuring a silent auction, a cash bar, a catered dinner, and live music. Organizers say all proceeds from the event will…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Union Gospel Mission hosted its annual Easter Community Dinner this afternoon, serving Chattanooga’s unhoused community with food, resources, and a message of hope. More than 500 warm meals were served during the event, along with toiletry items and support from local organizations. Attendees say the gathering provided more than just a meal. “It’s nice to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattery celebrated its reopening this weekend, marking not only a return to its space but also a major milestone in now owning its building. Community members gathered to recognize the organization’s growth and resilience following a devastating setback. The nonprofit is reopening after a fire destroyed its previous space, resulting in a total loss. Co-founder…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – An Easter service at UTC’s McKenzie Arena brought thousands together Easter morning as part of the Rise Up at the Roundhouse event. The gathering, presented by Red Bank Baptist Church and The Point Church at Signal Mountain, featured Willie Robertson, star of Duck Dynasty, as the guest speaker. The free event welcomed community members for a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt took place Sunday at Tennessee River Park, hosted by Coogi Doogi. The event offered children and families a fun-filled afternoon with prizes, inflatables, and free food for attendees of all ages. Families explored a variety of Easter activities in the outdoor park setting, participating in games, races, and other activities…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo welcomed families this weekend for its annual Hug a Bunny Day event. The event served multiple purposes, bringing the community together to celebrate the Easter weekend while also educating visitors about the responsibilities of caring for a rabbit. Guests had the opportunity to interact with bunnies while learning more about what it takes…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Reflection Riding is kicking off its annual Campfire Concert Series tonight, marking the first of four concerts scheduled throughout the season. The event serves as one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, helping support its mission of connecting people with nature. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere featuring live music, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of space…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind 5-0, Silverdale rallied to beat McCallie 9-7 in 8 innings. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga softball team swept Mercer Friday afternoon at Frost Stadium in Southern Conference action winning the opener 8-0 in five innings and recorded its fifth walk-off of the season with a 6-5, 10-inning affair. Taylor Long earned both wins and struck out nine in 8-1/3 innings. She didn’t give up a run and allowed just two hits. Sophia…