Youth Panel Guides Middle Schoolers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This morning, Orchard Knob Middle School hosted the “State of Our Youth” panel. Middle school students from Orchard Knob and Dalewood attended the event. High school seniors, coaches, and other adult mentors spoke with students about school challenges, preparing for high school, and participating in clubs and activities.  Students asked questions and discussed strategies for staying…

Golden Apple Award, Jordan Reeves, E.L. Ross Elementary

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – The best teachers make learning fun. Jordan Reeves has a gift for doing just that, and her students’ test scores continue to climb, and her commitment outside the classroom is also a big reason why she is such a successful teacher. See for yourself in tonight’s “Golden Apple Award.” “Miss Reeves is an incredible teacher and…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga State Hands-On STEM Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students from communities across the Tennessee Valley gathered and Chattanooga State to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They call it “Hands-On Stem Day”. It’s a great example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “This is our STEM day. It happens every year during Engineers Week on a Friday of that week and we…

Vols Receivers Coach Kelsey Pope Likes Receivers Talent Pool

(utsports.com) – Tennessee football continued its spring practice slate Monday with its ninth official session of the semester, holding an individual workout inside the Anderson Training Center. Following the workout, pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope met with the media to discuss the development of his unit, pointing to noticeable strides from several key contributors. Pope highlighted the growth…

Sheriff Garrett defends partnership with ICE

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Sheriff Austen Garrett defended a partnership with ICE Monday. This was during a talk with the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club during their weekly meeting. In the light of recent protests against the sheriff’s office partnership with ICE through their 287 (g) program, Sheriff Garrett asserted that he feels it is in the best interest of…

Pawpaw’s Homeless Ministry hosts Easter Celebration for Chattanooga’s unhoused community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Pawpaw’s Homeless Ministry will host an Easter celebration this Thursday, April 2, for Chattanooga’s unhoused community. The event will provide 100 Easter baskets, toiletry bags, and tables filled with free children’s clothing for those in need. Organizers say the evening will also include a full meal, featuring pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, beverages, and…

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…