Mocs Prepare For Ranked Season Opening Showdown With Austin Peay

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Mocs earned a top ten ranking during their brief spring season a few months ago. Now they want to prove they are indeed one of the nation’s top FCS teams as they kick off their fall season this Thursday against Austin Peay. Since Chattanooga returns 46 players with four or more years of experience. That has to…

Mayor Kelly’s proposed budget gets publics backing at council meeting

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s citizens could walk up to the podium, speak two minutes and tell the council why they should or shouldn’t pass the mayor’s proposed fiscal budget.  “We need the pay increase to maintain the officers here. It’s not for me like I said I got my 25 but it’s for the officers coming up we’re gonna lose them,”…

Chattanooga Lookouts Black ‘Nooga Jersey Becomes Popular Staple of the Team

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF-TV) – Red and white are the traditional colors of the Chattanooga Lookouts, except for a touch of blue when the team was affiliated with the Dodgers. Now Chattanooga is breaking with tradition by wearing black jerseys. The Lookouts introduced their ‘Nooga black jerseys five years ago. They were designed as an alternative jersey to be worn sparingly….

Governor Kemp issues new executive order as Covid-19 cases continue to surge

GEORGIA, (WDEF) – The Fourth wave of Covid-19 is continuing to overwhelm Georgia’s hospitals. Right now, more than 92% of Georgia’s ICU beds are in use – while nearly 50 % of adult ventilators are being used.  On Monday, Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order authorizing up to 2,500 Georgia national guard members to assist healthcare workers.  Governor Kemp says…

U.S. Department of Education opens civil rights investigation into Tennessee and 4 others

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – On Monday, The U.S. Department of Education launched a civil rights investigation into Gov. Bill Lee and four other governors who are prohibiting mask mandates in schools.   “The Department has heard from parents from across the country – particularly parents of students with disabilities and with underlying medical conditions – about how state bans on universal indoor…

McKamey Animal Center at Full Capacity; Adoptions/ Fostering Needed

Mckamey Animal Center is desperately asking for adoptions or foster care. They are currently holding over 600 animals and at full capacity. Mckamey Animal Center says the adoption rates have been lower this year. And, animals are spending more time at the shelter. Mckamey is in partnership with the national campaign, ‘Clear the Shelters’. New adopters can spin a prize…

Drive Thru Covid Testing at Colonnade

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) – There is a new COVID-19 testing site in Catoosa County. Today was the second day the public could drive through and receive a test at no cost. As News 12’s Dave Staley shows us, “The Colonnade” in Ringgold was a mighty busy place. A long line at the Colonade! Catoosa County partnering with the Georgia Department…

EPB and Office of Emergency Management Crews Prepare for Bad Weather

Hamilton County, TN (WDEF): Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to be weather alert tonight into Tuesday. That includes securing loose outdoor property, bringing pets and valuables inside, and having ways to get weather alerts. “A lot of us still have to go to work, a lot of us have to go to school. Just leave yourself…

Representative Robin Smith requesting legal opinion about vaccine mandates

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – State Rep. Robin Smith is asking the Tennessee Attorney General for a legal opinion as to whether employers can require their workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations. In a recent Facebook post, Rep. Smith says that she wants Attorney General, Herb Slatery to provide a formal review of the legal landscape regarding “vaccine mandates and employment.”  Smith says she…

TDOE to allow schools to request virtual learning waivers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) -With the surge in covid-19 cases showing no signs of slowing, schools are struggling to continue in-person learning. Tennessee Education Commissioner, Dr. Penny Schwinn, made the announcement that she will consider waivers that are related to remote instruction in order to allow students affected by covid-19 isolations or quarantines to participate in remote learning.  “This is not…