Red Bank Elementary School plan falls through

  RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – A plan to build an elementary school behind Red Bank Middle and High Schools has fallen through. Hamilton County Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson sent commissioners a message Tuesday saying that building the new school would be impossible. His reasoning is that the geothermal system that is used to heat up Red Bank Middle School…

ELVIS Act to protect musicians from AI if passed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The connection between artificial intelligence and music may soon be regulated in Tennessee. The Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security, or ELVIS ACT, has been introduced at this session of the Tennessee General Assembly. The act would allow music artists to protect their name, image, and likeness from being taken by AI tools without permission. Artificial…

Police investigating homicide of Chattanooga rapper

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man died after being shot on North Bishop Drive on Tuesday. The Chattanooga Police Department is investigating it as a homicide. At around 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, a 57-year-old man was shot and had life-threatening injuries. A CPD spokesperson identified the victim as James McReynolds. The Chattanooga Hip Hop Summit confirmed that James McReynolds is…

Pat Summitt Foundation opens applications for treatment grants

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Pat Summitt Foundation is looking to assist non-profits who help patients dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. They are currently accepting applications through the end of January for up to $200,000 in funding across Tennessee. Individual organizations that are 501 C3 non-profits or governmental can receive $10,000-$30,000 in funding for projects to help patients with…

Blood Assurance in need of donors due to low supply

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance is in a critical need for blood donations. Late Tuesday evening, a Chattanooga medical facility needed additional units of blood to treat two patients with traumatic injuries. While Blood Assurance was able to provide it, their supply is severely strained. Blood Assurance “We have less than a day’s supply of type O, O-positive and…

LaFayette Edges Ringgold 56-48

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) After trailing by nine at halftime, LaFayette battled back to beat Ringgold 56-48 on Tuesday night at Ringgold High School. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: boys basketball, Lafayette High School, Ringgold High School

Bradley County mayor suggests school merger

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – For over a century, the Bradley County School District and Cleveland City Schools have operated as two separate entities.  However, the idea of school consolidation is something the area has seen before. For Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis, he believes it might be time for Cleveland and Bradley County to consider. The mayor said with the…

Golden Apple Award: Jasmine Johnson, Tyner Academy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Children learn in different ways. The best teachers figure out to reach each one of them. Tyner Academy’s Jasmine Johnson has a knack for helping every student perform their best. For that, she earned the Golden Apple Award. Dr. Tiffany Earvin is the Principal at Tyner Academy. She says, “So Jasmine Johnson is one of the…

Mom to Mom – Morning Workout

Today, I’m mom to mom. I’ve got a quick morning workout routine for you. You’ve probably created lots of New Year’s resolutions. Some are looking to get more in shape. Some are just looking to be able to get up early in the morning and start their day regardless of what it is. I’ve got a quick morning workout just…

Soddy Daisy Edges Rhea Co 69-66

Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF-TV) Rhea Co carried at 19-3 record into their matchup with Soddy Daisy on Monday night, but it was the Trojans pulling off the upset. They beat their rival 69-66.   Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: boys basketball, Rhea County High School, Soddy Daisy High School

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga Ballet Nutcracker

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A heartwarming holiday tradition recently wrapped up. The Chattanooga Ballet and hundreds of local school children put on a first-rate production of The Nutcracker. Let’s pull back the curtain on a timeless example of what’s right with our schools. Brian McSween is the CEO and Artistic Director at Chattanooga Ballet. He says,” Each year here at…

Community can provide input for Chattanooga’s future

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Plan Chattanooga is asking for the public’s input in the future of the city. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency is conducting a survey this month so residents can share their thoughts and concerns.  This month’s survey is round two of the community input survey. In December, Plan Chattanooga held a “Launch Survey,” with general questions….

Cleveland’s Lauren Hurst Named Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year…Again

(press release) CHICAGO (January 8, 2024) — In its 39th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes, Gatorade today announced Lauren Hurst of Cleveland High School is the 2023-24 Gatorade Tennessee Volleyball Player of the Year. Hurst is the first Gatorade Tennessee Volleyball Player of the Year to be chosen from Cleveland High School. The award, which…

City, county disagree on impact of South Broad price increase

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – First pitch at the new South Broad Stadium is supposed to be in April of next year. However, that and the price of the South Broad Project, is changing to the disagreement between Chattanooga city and Hamilton County officials. The master developer of the South Broad project for New City Properties, Jim Irwin said, “We are…

Rep. Mike Cameron previews Georgia legislation ahead of Monday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — As state legislatures return to session this week, Georgia lawmakers are anticipating a reduced tax rate. Governor Brian Kemp recently proposed a tax reduction for the state. The state budget along with matters of criminal budget will be prime topics in Georgia sessions. Representative Mike Cameron claims this will be one of the main topics of…

Sen. Bo Watson previews 2024 Tennessee legislation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee state legislature returns on Tuesday, January 9th at noon for the second half of the 113th general assembly. 1,500 bills or more will be introduced. However, only a small percentage of these bills will actually pass and become law. Senator Bo Watson previews what he expects in state legislation this year. Sen. Bo Watson…

Mocs Down Furman 73-58, Dan Earl Earns Win No. 100

(GoMocs)– In front of 3,901 fans, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team used a fast start and a dominating defensive effort to help register a comfortable 73-58 victory over defending Southern Conference champion Furman on Saturday night inside McKenzie Arena.  Following the win, Chattanooga snaps a three-game skid and improves to 9-6 overall and evens its league record at 1-1….

Tyner Wins District Battle Over CSAS 67-52

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a battle of unbeaten teams in district play, Tyner up-ended CSAS by a final of 67-52. The Rams were up just four after the first quarter, but they forced several turnovers in the second quarter with their pressure defense to push the lead to 16 at the break. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: CSAS, district battle,…

Ryan Tannehill Starting Titans Season Finale Against Jacksonville

Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday that Ryan Tannehill will start at quarterback Sunday in Tennessee’s season finale against Jacksonville. Will Levis is fighting a foot injury, and he is designated as the team’s emergency third string QB. It will likely be Tannehill’s final game in a Titans uniform. The team is not expected to bring him back next season…

Heritage Long Snapper Jay Williams Headed to Play For the Crimson Tide

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) Alabama’s football season came to an end at the Rose Bowl last Saturday. But now, a new group of players are coming to Tuscaloosa in the hopes of winning a national title, including Heritage High School’s long snapper Jay Williams. Brian Armstrong talks with the new Crimson Tide commit. Heritage High Schooler Jay Williams is a preferred walk…

Monteagle truck stop project facing legal, community backlash

MONTEAGLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Johnny Cash once sang about the dangers of trucking down Monteagle Mountain.  However, residents on top of the mountain are warning about the dangers of a proposed truck stop. Current state of the property where the Petro’s Truck Stop may be built. (From: United to Protect the Plateau) Monteagle resident William Best recalled, “There are literally…

Increased renewal fees for all Electric Vehicles in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — An increased fee went into effect at the beginning of the year for electric vehicles in Tennessee. This includes All-Electric, Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles. County clerk offices statewide have been advised by the Tennessee Department of Revenue there are increased renewal fees for all EVs. The rate is just under $300, adjusted annually…