Local organizers gathered for special conversation on gun violence

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Community  and law enforcement leaders gathered at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church for a special conversation.  They talked about gun violence and ways to stop it.   “People shared not only the trauma of losing someone to violence, but also some ideas and thoughts on what should happen in this special session to make a change,” State Representative,…

Mom to Mom – Marker Hack

Today on Mom to Mom, we have a marker hack just for you. If you’re tired of losing those marker lids or constantly having your markers dry out because your kids lose the lids, we have the perfect hack for you. So, all you’re going to need is some duct tape, and of course, a pack of your markers. So,…

IRONMAN Chattanooga gets longer this year

By adding four miles, this will be the longest bike course in the world

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – This year’s IRONMAN competition will be even more challenging than ever. Organizers say they are adding four more miles to the bike race, making it the longest course in the world. The course starts at the Riverfront, goes through town, then a pair of 47-mile loops through north Georgia. The route this year will take them through…

McCallie Aiming For Return to State Championship Game

McCallie barely missed out on making it four straight appearances in the state championship game last season. They fell by one lousy point to MBA in the semi-final round of the playoffs. News 12’s Brian Armstrong has Big Blue in the 30-in-30 Spotlight. It speaks to McCallie’s football success when making it to the state semifinals is a disappointing season.”…

More to the Story with Staley: FedEx St. Jude Championship

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WDEF) — A professional golf tournament is fueled by its sponsorships. No sponsors means no tournament. But it’s made to run smoothly because of the hundreds of volunteers. And we have any extremely dedicated volunteer right here in Chattanooga. It’s that time of the year again in Memphis! The annual FedEx St. Jude Championship, Tennessee’s only PGA Tour…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa County’s From Here to Career Academy

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – High School is an exciting and very busy time in a teenager’s life, but some students might be wondering, ‘How do I get from here to a career?’ In Catoosa County they have a wonderful new resource! Marrissa Brower is the CEO of the From Here to Career Academy. She says, “I am so excited to…

Staying Safe when Posting about Going Back to School

An example of a back to school social media post giving out too much information. This is about a fictional student. (Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- School is back in session across the Tennessee Valley. Many parents will want to share their child’s excitement on their social media. You may believe that posting a picture onto your…

Power, school and traffic all victims of afternoon storms

Tree falls on bus loaded with kids, but no injuries

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Today’s line of severe thunderstorms has taken a toll on traffic, power and back-to-school. The Eletric Power Board reports 30,000 customers were left in the dark, even if only for a few minutes. The number is around 8,600 at 4PM. Sequachee Valley Electric reports large outages in Pikeville and Crossville while Volunteer Electric has their worst in…

Highway 127 yard sale wraps up on Signal Mountain

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — The world’s longest yard sale wrapped up on Sunday. Despite the rainy weather, people from all over continued to shop. Taking place in the middle of Signal Mountain, tents and vendors were set up along highway 127. Families like the Holliday family, make it their tradition to go every year. “We’ve been coming, this is…

Amari Jefferson is going to Alabama

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Baylor’s Amari Jefferson has made it official, he is taking his talents to Alabama. He chose roll tide over Tennessee and Georgia who were his final three schools. Jefferson made an official visit to all 3 schools and then an unofficial visit to both Tennessee and Alabama. He immediately knew he wanted to go to Alabama, and…

6th annual Back-to-School Bash held for Hamilton Co. Schools

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The sixth annual Back-to-School Bash was held this morning for Hamilton County Schools. Hosted for the first time at Tennessee Riverpark, families were able to pick up school supplies and enjoy activities.  “It sets a precedent for the rest of the school year that families get involved and stay connected. That’s a big word for us…

Local volleyball teams play in support of ‘Remarkable Grace’

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The second annual Grace Mitchell Memorial Showcase was held today at Boyd Buchanan. Teams from around the community paid to participate in the event to raise money for the Grace Eleanor Mitchell Scholarship Fund. “My husband and I are just overwhelmed with the love and outpouring of support. And it’s just a testament to Grace’s life….

Governor Lee makes third pitch to join THP

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Governor Bill Lee is inviting out of state law enforcement officers to come to work in Tennessee.  It is his third pitch in three years, and it looks like another success. “We are working out with the cadet class of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, just to remind them of how much we appreciate and how much…

Trucking expert weighs in on East Ridge chemical spill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last night a chemical fire shut down the interstate and caused an evacuation. Rick Boatwright, operations chief of Chattanooga fire department, said “where they found a tractor trailer that was on fire at the time.” This is the seconded chemical spill, from the same chemical, in less than 48 hours. “They’re really just accidents from everything…

Ron DeSantis asked if his car left early from the crash scene in Chattanooga

DECORAH, Iowa (WDEF) – Republican Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis was asked about his crash in Chattanooga today on the campaign trail. The wreck happened July 25th as he and his caravan got into a fender bender on I 75 while attending a fundraiser. No one was seriously hurt. But he was asked about it today in Iowa after Chattanooga Police…