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…

Vols Digging Their Depth at Linebacker

Last year linebacker was a big question mark for the Vols heading into the season. This year it may be the strength of the defense. Tennessee returns its entire linebacking corps from 2021. They’re hoping the experience and depth will pay huge dividends this fall. Linebacker coach Brian Jean-Mary:”With the way we play and score, we have to have several…

More to the Story with Staley: new Cereset franchise

Cereset offers BrainEcho technology to treat your stress

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Whether you work in an office building downtown or for that matter, work in your office at home, you might be dealing with stress. At one point in time, all of us have to deal with some sort of stress. However, if you come to the 7th floor of the James Building here in downtown Chattanooga, there…

Local doctor gives Covid update: why the BA.5 variant will lead to more ‘long Covid’

The B-A 5 covid strain has been labeled as the most contagious variant so far by the C-D-C. Although the symptoms are reportedly more mild, health experts say this variant will lead to more cases of long covid. With back to school just around the corner around, we can expect to see an uptick in covid cases. Already in Hamilton…