No Vaccine Requirements
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.
Local restaurant owners struggling to find staff
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…
Zebra Mussels: Wrecking havoc on economy and ecology
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…
Tennessee Aquarium Partners with TDOT for New Exhibits on Earth Day
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…
Golden Apple: Lorie Bowen, Boyd Buchanan
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…
TECH BYTE: Tips For Driving Safely, Not Distracted
Let’s look at ways we can use tech, but still be safe behind the wheel.
Our First Responder Award this month honors 911 operator Trish Matthews
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…
Golden Apple Award: Samantha Smith, Loftis Middle School
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….
TECH BYTE: LG Doing Away with Smartphones
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.
Dolly Parton eulogizes the uncle who got her started in music
Read the farewell and tribute Dolly posted on Wednesday to the Uncle who got her started in music.
Golden Apple: Andrew Jones, East Side Elementary
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…
TECH BYTE: Tech for Tracking COVID Vaccine Appointments
Finding and making an appointment to get your shot doesn’t have to be difficult.
Hooked On Science – Watch a Carrot Soar Into the Air
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.
Mom To Mom – Magic Jelly Beans
Take some jelly beans and magically turn them into Blow Pops for a surprise treat for your kids.
Golden Apple Award: Claire Millsaps, Big Ridge Elementary
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,…
Hamilton County will lift mask requirement after one more month
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…
TECH BYTE: Apps to Help You Celebrate Easter
Some traditions may still be a little different this year, because of the pandemic, so use tech to help you celebrate.
Remembering Chattanooga’s Republican groundbreaker, Bill Brock
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…
Mom to Mom – Make Your Own Easter Basket
Here’s a budget friendly Easter basket idea that super easy to make and kid approved.
Golden Apple Award: Richard Hardy’s Coach Tommy Wells
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.
Lee University on LGBTQ+ and the church
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Lee University administration is clearing the air after they faced some backlash from a chapel service. Lee University students go to chapel twice a week, either online or in person. However, two of the services, in the month of March, have raised some concerns for some alumni and some members of the LGBTQ community. On March 2nd,…
Golden Apple Award: Barger Academy of Fine Arts, Kathy Gordon
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -When teachers truly connect with their students, they can spend less time on discipline and more time on learning. Kathy Gordon makes it a priority to find each child’s learning style. The Barger Academy of Fine Arts teacher is great at coming up with lesson plans that leave no child behind. Roxanne Anthony is the Principal at…
Financial Planner says tax season should not slow down stimulus payment
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Americans are set the receive the biggest stimulus check yet thanks to The American Rescue Plan. However, it’s the middle of tax season. So does that mean that there will be a delay in stimulus deposits? We checked with a financial planner. John Vandergriff, of Blue Ridge Wealth Planners, says, “It should be a lot faster to…
COVID’s impact on mental health even after the virus is behind us
(WDEF) COVID has impacted many aspects of life including mental health. But what will the long-term effects be even after people get vaccinated and we get back to normal? “Just ask for help. Just acknowledging that you realize that this is a little bit more than you’re used to that will prove a sense of relief anyway,” said Smith. Therapist…