CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Health Department has reported that 534 Tennesseans have contracted COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated, something that the state refers to as breakthrough cases. 54 of those cases are individuals who reside in Hamilton County. But medical professionals are saying this is not a reason to doubt the vaccine’s effectiveness, as no vaccine is 100…
(WDEF)- The covid-19 pandemic caused shortages in toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and now lumber. This time last year a simple 2 x 4 would’ve been thought of as nothing special and just cost you a little over three dollars. Now it’s thought of as the Holy Grail and will cost you over seven. Lumber prices have roughly tripled overall in…
Residents in Monteagle were ordered to shelter in place after a chemical spill.
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Tennessee lawmakers pass a new transgender student ‘bathroom bill’ Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill that would put public schools at risk of civil lawsuits if they let transgender students or employees use multi-person bathrooms or locker rooms that don’t reflect their gender at birth. Cathryn Oakley with Human Rights Campaign said she feels this will hurt…
The bill that opposes vaccine mandates now includes incentives for people to receive unemployment benefits if they leave their employer for refusing to get a shot.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Many restaurants are looking to hire more staff as the economy continues to edge towards reopening. However, owners are now saying they are having trouble filling the jobs they need to keep up with the growing demand. “I’ve probably worked with over 200 restaurants at this point and with every single one of them, staffing is…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Here in the Tennessee Valley we are aware of some invasive species like the Bighead Carp or the Silver Carp. But, how many of us have ever heard of Zebra Mussels. Well, one boater in Georgia is very aware of the species now because after his trip to the Tennessee River, here in Chattanooga, he came home…
Thursday is the 51st anniversary of Earth Day! The Tennessee Aquarium is partnering with TDOT’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign. This campaign will highlight the impact of road litter and micro plastics on waterways. “TDOT spends 19 million dollars picking up litter across the state of Tennessee. At any given time in the state, there are a hundred million pieces of…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Students and parents agree that Lori Bowen goes above and beyond to make sure the children in her class are successful learners. The Boyd Buchanan teacher was known to drop off supplies to students while they were learning virtually. Jill Hartness is the Head of School for Boyd Buchanan Elementary. She says, “Mrs. Bowen exudes the…
Let’s look at ways we can use tech, but still be safe behind the wheel.
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s National Public Safety telecommunications Week–a time to recognize the valuable contributions made by the thousands of 9-1-1 employees across the country. The Hamilton county 9-1-1 center has almost 200 people who fit that category. But this week we salute someone who made it her life’s dedication. Here’s News 12’s Bill Mitchell with tonight’s first responder of…
SODDY-DAISY, TN (WDEF) – English Language Arts is a vital part of a well-rounded education. Samantha Smith is great at making the page come to life for her students at Loftis Middle School. She’s firm, but fun and, she loves sprinkling in a big word from time to time. Dr. Mary Catherine Gatlin is the Principal at Loftis Middle School….
LG is leaving the smartphone industry after 20 years in the business. Let’s look at what’s next for the company, and its customers.
Read the farewell and tribute Dolly posted on Wednesday to the Uncle who got her started in music.
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Andrew Jones knows that communication is key for exceptional education students. He just started at East Side Elementary last August, but kids in his class are already making great strides toward independent learning. Jasmine Farrow is the Assistant Principal. She says, “Mr. Jones is fantastic. He joined our faculty this August, and he has revamped our…
Finding and making an appointment to get your shot doesn’t have to be difficult.
Do carrots soar through the air at your house? Possibly, if you have kids! Our “Science Guy” Jason Lindsey, says they do at his! Watch as he uses science to launch a gigantic carrot.
Take some jelly beans and magically turn them into Blow Pops for a surprise treat for your kids.
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The pandemic forced teachers to adapt. Virtual learning is typically not ideal. Claire Millsaps took on that challenge in style, and her second graders at Big Ridge recently scored very well on their Benchmark Tests. Her virtual learning program earned Ms. Millsaps the Golden Apple Award. Jeana Johnson is the Principal at Big Ridge. She says,…
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Mayor Jim Coppinger is extending the mask mandate for Hamilton County for one more month. Masks will be required through April 28th, but then it will finally end. The county mayor first imposed the mask requirement back in July. The largest counties in Tennessee have all had mask requirements at different points. But none of Hamilton County’s…
Some traditions may still be a little different this year, because of the pandemic, so use tech to help you celebrate.
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Bill Brock, a former Tennessee senator and Republican chairman who rebuilt the party after the Watergate scandal, has died. A family friend says he passed away this morning. Brock was a Chattanooga native who graduated the McCallie School and Washington and Lee University. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1962 and the Senate in…
Here’s a budget friendly Easter basket idea that super easy to make and kid approved.
Tommy Wells is an institution at Richard Hardy Memorial School in South Pittsburg. Through his decades of teaching, he has displayed genuine kindness to all his students and players earning him this week’s Golden Apple Award.
