Chattanooga Swim School ‘Survival Week’

A new swim school in Chattanooga is teaching kids how to survive unexpected plunges into deep waters for their “Survival Week” training.The British Swim School encourages students to wear additional clothing on top of their swim suits so that they can become familiar with how to deal with a water emergency. Brooke Bernhardt is the school’s aquatics instructor. She said…

Hamilton County short nearly 40 teachers ahead of School beginning this week.

School is back in session this week, but how prepared is Hamilton County despite a nationwide teacher shortage? Well, Penny Murray the Hamilton County Department of Education’s Chief Talent Officer, said Hamilton County is doing better than most of the state. In Tennessee we currently have around 1,000 teacher openings to fill before classes resume, according to the Professional Educators…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa County Students Learning with TN Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The written word takes on a whole new meaning when you can actually reach out and touch your subject matter. Students in Catoosa County earned new respect their local library thanks to a hands-on program with the Tennessee Aquarium. Shannon Neal is the Youth and Outreach Coordinator for the Catoosa County Library. She explains, “We have…

More To The Story with Staley: Rowing

Dave meets a McCallie graduate who wants to make the Olympic Team

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – 7AM on a Saturday morning at the McCallie boathouse. Right next to the Tennessee River. Richmond Coney is home for a few days. But hard at work. Getting ready for his senior year at Drexel University. A private school in Philadelphia. Coney, a former McCallie rower, is a scholarship rower with the Drexel Dragons. But hard work is…

TECH BYTE: Disney Introduces New MagicBand Features

ORLANDO, Fla. (WDEF) — If you’re planning a trip to Disney soon, the company has added some more tech to make your experience even more magical. It’s part of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The My Disney Experience smartphone app isn’t the only tech you can take advantage of at the theme parks. MagicBand+ actually pairs with the…

New attraction coming to Dollywood plus a behind the scenes looks at Dolly’s tour bus where you can now stay

SEVIERVILLE. Tennessee (WDEF)- A new family coaster is coming to Dollywood. Big Bear Mountain will be a $25 million expansion. It’s nearly 4,000 ft long and is the longest roller coaster at the park. It will have a Top speed of 48 MPH and 3 launches. Everything we do a Dollywood is about families as Dolly said it today its…

As school begins across the area, say goodbye to the free meal program for all students

USDA food waiver at schools ended July 1st; pre-pandemic rules return at many schools in the area

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Expect a major change at elementary, middle and high schools in the cafeteria. Every family qualified for the free meal program at schools the last two years because of the pandemic. Not so any more. The Department of Agriculture’s food waivers at schools ended July 1st. Several schools in Hamilton County will still offer free meals to…

Back To School Bashes help thousands of families across Hamilton County

The school district, as well as private citizens, give of their time and money to help give students a head start to Wednesday's first day of school

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – This is the final weekend before school starts in Tennessee. Several groups, including the Hamilton County School District, wanted to get students and parents ready for what’s to come next Wednesday. The district held its Back To School Bash at the First Horizon Pavilion this morning. Thousands of families showed up to get free backpacks and supplies…

21st Annual Minority Health Fair held this weekend at UTC

The 21st Annual Hamilton County Minority Health Fair was held Saturday at the UTC University Center. This event addresses a major need in the community by providing free health services to underserved communities in Chattanooga.    Tony Sammons is the Co-Chair, he said this all started from a desire to educate.  “The Minority Health Fair started 21 years ago as…

Chattanoogan Sam Gooden dies at 87, co-founded The Impressions

The Hall of Fame singing group scored hits in the 1950s-70s

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame died this week in Chattanooga. Sam Gooden was 87. Gooden formed the group The Impressions with brothers Richard and Arthur Brooks along with songwriter Curtis Mayfield and lead singer Jerry Butler. The group had hits in the 1950’s like “For Your Precious Love.” After Butler left for…

Silverdale Marches on Despite Losing Key Player

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Silverdale posted a solid 9-3 record last year, which was their first winning season since 20-16. The Seahawks want to keep that winning vibe going this fall, despite losing a key player. Seahawks coach Mike Connor must plug a big hole in his offense with the graduation of running back Conner Delashmitt, who set all sorts of school records….

Mocs Kick Off Fall Camp as SoCon Favorites

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga hit the practice field on Friday for their first workout of fall camp. Mocs will try to get dialed in ahead of their season opener on September 3rd against SoCon rival Wofford. UTC returns several key players from last year. It’s one of the reasons why they’ve been picked to win the SoCon title this season. Chattanooga Mocs…

Big Bear Mountain rollercoaster coming to Dollywood

SEVIERVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – The folks at Dollywood announces their biggest ride yet. Dolly Parton made the announcement herself from the theme park today. ‘Big Bear Mountain’ will be the largest and longest coaster in the park. The project is part of the 500-million-dollar expansion first announced last year. “They’re saying we’re one of the biggest parks in the whole…

Balloon Glows event returns to East Ridge

Event to be held at Camp Jordan, tethered rides to be offered

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — There were plenty of residents looking to catch a ride in a hot air balloon Friday night or just to watch those that were airborne with the sunset fading, but Mother Nature had other plans. Although Friday’s weather kept the fleet grounded, the event’s organizer is still optimistic for the weekend ahead. The family-friendly Balloon…

County Commission Newcomers Talk Post-Election Priorities

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Beginning September first, the Hamilton County Commission will add two new seats to represent recently added districts 10 and 11. Thursday’s election decided who will occupy seats, and a familiar face will be returning to represent District 11 — Joe Graham. Several years ago, Graham represented District 6, and he laid out his priorities to News 12…

Historic night for Coty & Weston Wamp offers reminder of their father’s legacy of service

Zach Wamp served in the House of Representatives for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District from 1995 to 2011

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Election night was historic here in Hamilton County. The youngest county mayor in Tennessee. The first female, and second-youngest District Attorney in Hamilton County. And they happen to be brother and sister. The Wamps had a banner night, calling themselves “The New Generation of Leadership.” After winning their elections, Coty and Weston Wamp established themselves as the…

Humane Educational Society gives update on nationwide Beagle rescue

The U.S. Department of Justice ordered the removal of about 4,000 beagles from Envigo, a breeding facility that supplies laboratories with their animal subjects for pharmaceutical research and testing. A USDA inspection reported the facility performed unnecessarily painful medical procedures on dogs and puppies. Other inhumane actions and hazards found by the USDA included: “A 3-week-old male puppy was found…

Wamps, Graham, Mott and Judge Webb highlight local election stories

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – On a night with many political suspicions confirmed by the voters of Hamilton County, we did see one upset and one amazing close race. But the big story is the Wamp family in Hamilton County politics. Both the son and daughter of former Congressman Zach Wamp will now lead important branches of local government. And both did…