Nominate your hero for the National First Responder of the Year Award

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The National Association of Convenience Stores Foundation has opened voting for its second annual First Responder of the Year Award, giving communities across the country the chance to recognize local heroes who go above and beyond in service to others. The three first responders will ultimately receive the honor. According to Kevin O’Connell, executive director of…

Mental Health Awareness Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing renewed attention to mental health challenges affecting millions of Americans. Nearly one in five adults experiences mental illness each year. Rising stress, financial pressure, and social factors are contributing to higher levels of anxiety and depression, particularly among younger people. At the same time, efforts to expand support are…

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Nothing Bundt Cake

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Mother’s Day is around the corner and Nothing Bundt Cake is ready to make magic happen if Mom just wants to celebrate with nothing but cake! Strawberry Cheesecake is their seasonal flavor which features white cake with cheesecake filling, strawberry sauce drizzle, and graham streusel. A sweet flavor for a sweet Mama! For those with dietary…

Turn the page of a new story with Bookanooga!

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For those missing the Scholastic Book Fair during your childhood, Bookanooga is the perfect event for those wanting to relive that feeling and also meet new people! The first ever Bookanooga will be taking place at Renassiance Park and the Northshore Starbucks on Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM. The event features meet and greets…

Chattanooga Zoo hosting annual 21+ Spirits Night Event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo is once again hosting its annual Spirits Night event for adults. The premier 21-plus event will take place Saturday, May 19, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. No children will be allowed. Throughout the night, adults will have the opportunity to experience animal encounters that typically do not happen during regular zoo hours….

Lawmakers Begin Redistricting Special Session

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee’s political landscape could soon see a major shift as lawmakers returned to the Capitol in Nashville for a special session focused on congressional redistricting. The session, called by Governor Bill Lee, was focused on potential changes to the state’s congressional map, including the Memphis-based 9th District. That district is currently the only Democratic-held seat in…

New Survey Highlights Food Insecurity

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – New findings from the City of Chattanooga Office of Community Health in collaboration with the mayor’s office and Columbia University show food insecurity continues to affect local households, according to a presentation today from a city public health director. Dr. Derek Anderson, a city public health director, presented the results during a meeting today. He outlined…

Collins Campaigns Ahead Of Primary

RINGGOLD, GA. (WDEF) – Republican Congressman Mike Collins has kicked off the  “Big Rig Roadshow”, a statewide campaign tour ahead of Georgia’s Republican primary. The tour opened in Ringgold at Farm to Fork, where Collins held a breakfast event and met one on one with voters.  During the stop, the congressman spoke directly with attendees in an informal setting, taking…

79th Annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 79th Annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Dayton is going on all throughout this week. While preparations were still underway earlier in the day, organizers say the festival has a long-standing reputation for being a community favorite. From carnival rides and live entertainment to pageants and contests, the festival offers something for everyone. Organizers explained that…

Boyd-Buchanan School’s 29th Annual Physics Boat Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students at Boyd-Buchanan School took learning beyond the classroom during the school’s 29th Annual Physics Boat Day, an event that challenges students to design and race cardboard boats. Jason Owens, a physics and engineering teacher, said the event has become a long-standing tradition at the school. “All right, today’s the 20th annual physics cardboard boat races,…

Developer says that amphitheater could be centerpiece of The Bend

; Rendering of a potential design of The Bend’s proposed amphitheater as shown to the Chattanooga Industrial Board Monday (From: City of Chattanooga) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A survey conducted by Chattanooga Tourism Company in late 2024 indicated that Chattanoogans are having to leave town to attend roughly three out of every four concerts, many of those in neighboring cities like…

Transfer of portion of Engel Stadium land to Hamilton County approved

The land that is being transferred on the Engel Stadium property from UTC to Hamilton County for a new Health Department building. (From: UT Board of Trustees) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees has approved a land deal concerning Engel Stadium. UTC, who has owned the historic stadium since 2008, is transferring over an acre of…

Judge rules civil settlement in fatal 2023 Northshore crash inadmissible in upcoming trial

Randy Vega in court on May 4, 2026, less the a month from his scheduled trial date. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The suspect charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a mom and her baby on Thanksgiving weekend in 2023 was back in court Monday morning. Randy Vega is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and driving under the…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High Best Buddy Program

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – A new organization at Cleveland High School got off to a strong star this year. The Best Buddies Club is a student led group that creates a space where *every* child feels seen, valued and included. It’s a perfect example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “This program is called Best Buddies. It’s actually a nationwide…

Vaccination Rates Decline as Cases Rise

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As vaccine preventable diseases continue to spread in parts of the United States, pediatricians are encouraging families to review their children’s immunizations. The end of April marked National Infant Immunization Week, a time when doctors remind parents to schedule checkups and discuss vaccines before summer travel and the next school year. Children are exposed to thousands…

Spring Market Celebrates Moms Early

CHICKAMAUGA, GA. (WDEF) – Families spent part of their weekend celebrating moms a little early at the Petals and Pearls Mother’s Day Market, held at the Gordon Lee Mansion. The event brought together local vendors offering handmade goods, jewelry, home décor, and self-care items, creating a one-stop shop for Mother’s Day gifts.  Food trucks were also on site, adding to…

BBC director to make a splash at the Tennessee Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium continues their special presentations with a special visit from BBC film director Matthew Wright for their Wild Asia: Life at Extremes 3D showing. Narrated by Colin Firth, Wild Asia: Life at Extremes 3D takes a look at the amazing creatures of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. From a little Mudskipper to Bengal Tigers,…

Chattanooga Market hosts Strawberry Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Chattanooga Market was buzzing with excitement. Crowds were able to enjoy live music, a variety of food and local vendors, and of course, strawberries. What BERRY way to celebrate than with the Strawberry Festival? Every weekend, starting in late April, the Chattanooga Market offers the community a variety of shopping opportunities, from food to…

Red Bank hosts its annual Jubilee celebration

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – The city of Red Bank hosted its annual Jubilee celebration, bringing together families, local businesses, and community organizations for a day of springtime fun. The Red Bank community has celebrated this tradition for years, with each event offering something new while maintaining its small-town charm. This year’s Jubilee once again drew a crowd, as attendees…

Safe Kids Day Brings Safety Lessons and Family Fun to the Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (WDEF) Families spent the day learning important safety lessons while enjoying the animals at the Chattanooga Zoo Saturday during the annual Safe Kids at the Zoo event. Children’s Hospital at Erlanger partnered with the zoo and Safe Kids Southeast Tennessee to host the family-friendly event focused on keeping children safe at home, on the road, and at play….