Chattanooga, Education, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

HamCo schools superintendent thanks teachers in a letter for two reasons

The second reason has to do with controversial statements made by a leading educator with Gov. Bill Lee in attendance, and Lee never stood up for teachers
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Hamilton County’s teachers got a letter of support from the school superintendent today, but there were two reasons why Dr. Justin Robertson wrote that letter. At the end of every school year, most school superintendents write a letter of appreciation to their educators. Dr. Justin Robertson is no different in this case. Today’s letter had one more…
Chattanooga, Local News

Mayor Kelly announces American Rescue Plan spending

Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Mayor Tim Kelly has announced how he wants to spend federal American Rescue Plan funds. Chattanooga is getting $30 million. Mayor Kelly wants to use it to invest in 36 local initiatives that he ways should spur economic growth and close gaps in public health and education. Here is his breakdown: ● $5.8M to increase availability of…

Reach One Teach One
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, More To The Story With Staley

More To The Story: Back To School Bash

Dave Staley,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s “Summer Camp” time for the local non-profit “Reach One Teach One.” Third annual. Kids gathering at Calvary Church on Bonny Oaks Drive in Chattanooga. Learning some of the basic skills they’ll need to go through life. Reggie Yearby is in charge of it all. He founded this non-profit five years ago. It’s designed to help our…

Patrick Core 25 Years Ago
Featured, Local News

Paying Tribute to Patrick Core’s Weather Career

He retires from WDEF TV after 32 years on the air
Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chief Meteorologist Patrick Core is retiring after a 32+ year career at WDEF-TV. After working at the Weather Channel for a few years, Patrick started his local TV weatherman run in 1989, working mornings and weekends. He didn’t think it would be a lifetime choice, but Patrick would end up raising his family in the Chattanooga area,…

Alexis Lewis
Chattanooga, Crime, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Preliminary hearing for suspected shooter in McCallie Avenue shooting bound for grand jury

Judge Lila Statom said in court "It's clear to me from watching that that this could be not seen as anything other than gangs"
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – One of the accused shooters in the shooting along McCallie Avenue a month ago was in court today. Alexis Lewis was the second of three people arrested in connection with the shooting along McCallie Avenue. Videos from the early morning of June 5th were played, and Judge Lila Statom was flabbergasted at what she saw. “It’s clear…

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Featured, Local News

County Commission approves $2M in funding for Tivoli restoration

WDEF News,

The Hamilton County Commission just approved 2 million dollars of public funding to go towards the upcoming Tivoli restoration. This project will close the landmarks doors for at least two years “When you’re dealing with historic buildings like this, the costs are really unique. They’re landmark treasures,” said Wilkinson. “It’s a pretty interesting set of circumstances you have to deal…

Median pay increase rises
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Chattanooga residents ready for sales tax holidays

Tennesseans could save up to 10 percent on some purchases
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Inflation continues to make budgets challenging for Americans all throughout the country. But here in Tennesee, residents of the Volunteer State will soon be enjoying a much-needed “holiday” to help a little at home. Residents are currently enjoying a sales tax holiday on gun safes and safety equipment that will run through the end of June 2023….

2048px Seal Of The United States Environmental Protection Agencysvg
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

EPA to grant $4.9 million toward the cleanup of contaminated sites in Chattanooga

One of the priority areas for the money is the Wheland Foundry site, where the city plans to build the new stadium for the Lookouts
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Environmental Protection Agency announced almost five million dollars is coming to Chattanooga to help the city clean up contamination. Back in mid-March, News 12 did a story about the city looking for $21 million to help start the cleanup of the old Wheland Foundry site to build new green spaces for a new stadium for the…

Crime Aholics
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

More To The Story with Staley: Crimeaholics

Dave meets a local woman who is part of the team for a True Crime podcast
Dave Staley,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – 29 year old Kenzi Durbin lives here in Chattanooga. Two and a half years ago, she and her good friend Holly Allen started a podcast. Calling it “Crimeaholics.” The two always had an interest in true crime. Purely fun. It was a hobby. Not anymore. It’s now a passion. And a full-time job. Investigating unsolved murders. Advocating for…

Veteran Csas Coach Mark Dragoo Announces His Retirement
Sports - Local Sports News

Long Time CSAS Coach Mark Dragoo Announces His Retirement

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Long time CSAS basketball coach Mark Dragoo announced his retirement this summer. He arrived at CSAS in 1989, helping kick-start the school’s varsity sports programs. Now Dragoo just wants to kick-back on his own schedule. Mark Dragoo may have thought his CSAS coaching career was going to end before it even got started. Said Dragoo:”The principal was new, and…

Foundation House
Featured

Local pro-life nonprofit offers help to pregnant women following SCOTUS Roe v. Wade decision

WDEF News,

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – It has been just shy of two weeks since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade and local Non-profit Foundation House Ministries is preparing for an influx of calls. The nonprofit offers several alternatives to abortion. The Foundation House is the only maternity home in the region that provides financial, emotional, and physical support to pregnant…

Blight Snip
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Chattanooga Enters 10-Month Initiative to Assess Blighted Properties

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Chattanooga is one of six cities across the US to have been selected to participate in the Putting Assets to Work Incubator. The program is an initiative to assess underused properties and retool them for the economic benefit of the community. Examples of potential assets include blighted buildings and vacant parking lots. “Those are often times, right…

4th Of July
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Veteran flies American flag while skydiving to honor Military and Veterans this 4th of July

Brian Armstrong,

JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF)- “These jumps make me excited to be out here, even after 10,000 jumps. These are the jumps I look forward to, when I can go out and do something for someone else and today is that day,” said Jenkins. Michael Jenkins served in the Army and is now a skydiver at the Chattanooga Skydiving Company. He has…

Techbyte Epikos 1280x720
Local News, Tech Byte, Technology

TECH BYTE: Sony Announces New PC Gaming Gear

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Gamers, rejoice! Sony is out with new gear that’ll take your computer gaming experience to the next level. If you’re looking to upgrade your current gaming system, Sony’s announcing its newest gear brand for PC gamers. The electronics company says INZONE “sharpens the senses, and enhances gaming ability.” They’re not your average computer monitors. They produce…

Chattanooga Fc Get Back In Win Column
Sports, Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - Soccer

Chattanooga FC get back in win column

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — After two straight draws, the Chattanooga Football Club is back in the win column with a chippy 2-1 victory over AC Syracuse Saturday. Next up, CFC travels to Flower City Union Saturday, July 16 at 6 p.m. **Video provided by Madonna Kemp Categories: Sports, Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – Soccer Tags: AC Syracuse, Chattanooga…

Chattanoogaredwolves Logo Text
Sports, Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - Soccer

Lady Red Wolves squeak out win to earn top table spot

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves beat the Southern Soccer Academy 3-2 Saturday in the Wolf Pack’s last regular season home match of the year. With the three points, Chattanooga moves to the top of the USL W League standings. I don't know, y'all. This is pretty fancy. Maybe #SCTop10 fancy?! @ladyredwolves Mackenzie Smith (also of @GoMocsSoccer)…

Praters Knives
Business, Featured, Local News, More To The Story With Staley, Walker County

More To The Story with Staley: Making Knives

Dave Staley,

FLINTSTONE, Georgia (WDEF) – “I figured out I’m good at this. Or I can BE good at it.” He’s good at it all right! History indicates such! For Michael Prater is really good at making knives. Specifically, making knife handles. With uniqueness and creativity. Prater started crafting and selling knives back in the 1980’s. Moving into this relatively small shop…

Hooked On Science Launch A Canister Into The Sky
Education, Hooked On Science

Hooked On Science – Launch a Canister Into the Sky

WDEF News,

SCIENCE SAFETY PLEASE follow these safety precautions when doing any science experiment. • ALWAYS have an adult present. • ALWAYS wear the correct safety gear while doing any experiment. • NEVER eat or drink anything while doing any experiment. • REMEMBER experiments may require marbles, small balls, balloons, and other small parts. Those objects could become a CHOKING HAZARD. Adults…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Chattanooga church hosts pro-life prayer event

Event personnel say prayer necessary for nation to heal following Roe v. Wade reversal
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — It’s been nearly a week since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has sparked protests and anger throughout the nation. But it’s also sparked joy and prayer. Prayer filled the halls tonight at Calvary Chapel in Chattanooga. While there have been numerous protests both locally and nationwide since last Friday, tonight, members of the community came…

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Sports, Sports - Baseball, Sports - Local Sports News

Lookouts changes: From stadium to roster

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Lookouts finally have a plan for their new home. The team announced the new South Broad project Thursday morning, which is all centered around the stadium. The new facility comes in the wake of Major League Baseball’s threat to strip the Lookouts of their minor league affiliation. Lookouts owner Jason Freier says the club…

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Chattanooga, From The Archives, Local News, Walker County

From The Archives: 1988 Vakhtang Jordania’s tribute to freedom

The Pops in the Park concert was special for the CSO conductor after his escape from Russia
Collins Parker,

CHICKAMAUGA, Georgia (WDEF) – The Pops On The River concert returns to Coolidge Park on Saturday after missing a couple of years due to the pandemic. The music begins at 5:30 in the park, with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra taking center state at 8PM. Their show concludes with the traditional fireworks display on the river. The CSO Pops shows have…