Tennessee Aquarium Removes Minority Requirement from Job Posting

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium took down a job posting for a Community Engagement Educator. The top requirement on the job posting stated only minorities need apply. “Quite frankly, I’m shocked by this job posting.” says attorney Gary Massey, owner of Massey and Associates, a firm that specializes in employment law. Since being questioned about the minority requirement, the aquarium…

New players, experienced QB lead McMinn County into new era

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) — McMinn County’s offense will have a new look to go along with its new classification this season. The Cherokees drop from 6A to 5A, and they’re hoping last year’s success propels them to another winning season. “We’ve got athletes, like, athletes everywhere on the field, really,” junior quarterback Jayden Miller said. Athletes are the number one…

Crush Autism Disc Golf Tournament

DALTON. Georgia (WDEF)- The Disc Golf community came together in a tournament to Crush Autism. “They have helped us in so many ways to learn about autism and ways of what to do and what not to do,” said Marshall. The inaugural Crush Autism disc golf tournament sold out and raised money and awareness for autism. “We’re here to support the…

Experience Excites the Cleveland Blue Raiders

Cleveland finished last season with a 5-6 record after a tough opening round playoff loss. But now that the Blue Raiders return a bunch of veterans, that gets their juices flowing. Cleveland enjoys the 30-in-30 treatment. Reporter:”How many seniors do you guys have this year?” Said running back Tetoe Boyd:”We’ve got a lot. Most of the team are seniors. We…

Man found guilty of killing girlfriend and her mother with an axe

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) – A Tennessee man has been convicted of killing his girlfriend and the woman’s mother with an ax. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports jurors deliberated for more than four hours Thursday before convicting 47-year-old Robert Joe Whittenburg of Pikeville on two counts of murder. He was charged in the slayings of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Dedra Lawrence,…

Phillips CPAP recall impacting millions

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Philips is recalling millions of CPAP machines used to treat sleep apnea. “I’ve been in Chattanooga for 27 years. I have not experienced anything like this,” said Sleep Medical Specialist Dr. Anuj Chandra. Back in June, Philips issued a recall for specifically affected ventilation and sleep apnea devices “The noise abatement foam which is inside the machine and…

Covid vaccinations jumping in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey says Tennessee has seen a 90% increase in people receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination over the past two weeks. Piercey on Friday praised the bump in vaccinations while warning that the virus continues to surge throughout the state. She says pediatric cases are also “quickly on the rise.” About…

Apple’s fall iOS software scans phones for images of child sexual abuse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Apple announced yesterday that their new iOS software could be able to catch child predators. Apple will start scanning iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches for images of child sexual abuse. With iPhones being so popular, many child protective groups are excited about this new feature. Like Chattanooga’s own, Street Grace, who says it could help stop trafficking…

Puckett EMS offering chance to become an EMT for free

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-As COVID cases continue to spike, medical personnel including emergency medical services are needed. Puckett EMS is offering the chance to become an EMT for free in 8 weeks. Puckett EMS will pay for the cost of tuition, certification fees, and class materials. The company will also provide a full benefits package as a full-time employee during classroom…

Friendship Flag And Summerville – Stronger Than Ever

The “World Friendship Flag” is still flying high Summerville, Georgia. And that’s the perfect place for it, since Summerville is “The Friendship Capitol Of The World.” You might not have known that. And once again, the flag has a connection to the Summer Olympics. The “World Friendship Flag” is a project that started as a fundraiser. The goal, now and…

Lauren Alaina returns home to help renovate former coach’s house on Secret Celebrity Renovation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Country Music star, Lauren Alaina is returning home to star in a new Tv series called Secret Celebrity renovation. It’s a new one-hour series that gives celebrities the chance to gift a surprise home renovation to a meaningful person who helped guide them to success. “I love everything the show represents. To be able to give back…

Trash Pandas Knock Off the Chattanooga Lookouts 5-1

(lookouts.com) The Chattanooga Lookouts fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, 5-1. Rocket City’s starting pitcher Jhonathan Diaz stymied the Lookouts’ offense tonight, only allowing one run in seven innings. For the third straight game, the Trash Pandas struck first, this time on a home run by Luis Aviles Jr. The homer was the first allowed by Lookouts starter Graham…

CCS Seeking New Playmakers to Ignite Their Offense

In the eight games Chattanooga Christian actually played last year, they scored 40 or more points five times. But it might take some work to reach that kind of production this season. The Chargers get the 30-in-30 spotlight. When CCS coach Mark Mariakis looks at his roster, he has to be excited…until he takes a closer look. Said Mariakis:”It’s the…

District 9 councilwoman meeting

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- “Let’s get this trash and brush cleaned up off the streets. Just call 311. It’s going to take a community effort so I’m gonna need all of you to help me help you,” said Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod. Around 100 people came out to voice their options and ask questions of city officials. “So I want to connect them…

Chattanooga holds $1,000 drawing for vaccinated residents

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly announces his incentive plan to get more people to take the Covid vaccine. The city will hold a weekly drawing for $1,000. All Hamilton County residents who are fully vaccinated are eligible. The first drawing comes on August 19. And that winner will also get a pair of airline tickets to anywhere in…

Why the eviction moratorium extension does not apply to Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-More than 70 families were on the docket for eviction court today. Even though the CDC extended the eviction moratorium through October of this year, the sixth court ruled that it was unconstitutional-which means families in Tennessee had to deal with eviction court this morning. Tears, pleas and sometimes arguing filled the courtroom as Judge Gary Starnes heard…