Commissioner Highlights Experience During Campaign

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Commissioner Chip Baker spoke to the Pachyderm club Monday as part of his reelection campaign for District 2. During the meeting, Baker highlighted his background, including serving on the Hamilton County Board of Education, the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, and the Hamilton County Commission, where he has held chairman and vice chairman roles. He…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa County Awards

CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – The Georgia State School Superintendent recently made a stop in Catoosa County. Richard Woods honored 11 local schools for their academic achievements. Celebrating student’s success is a perfect example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “I think the secret starts out with looking at every individual student and every teacher focused on every individual student…

Candidates clash over ethics complaints in Georgia Republican primary senate debate

(Courtesy: Georgia Public Broadcasting) ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF)-  As early voting begins in Georgia, candidates are beginning to make their final pitches to voters. Candidates in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate clashed in a debate held in Atlanta Sunday. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, along former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley squared off in the debate along with…

Thomas the Train Event Brings Family Fun

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Day Out with Thomas brought families to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for a seasonal train-themed event built around a real excursion ride experience.  Visitors had the chance to ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine as the train traveled along the museum’s railroad tracks, offering a hands-on look at one of the most recognizable characters in…

Chattanooga Market Returns to First Horizon Pavilion

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Market is back for the season at the First Horizon Pavilion, launching its seasonal run with a weekend opening event. Opening weekend brought back hundreds of vendors, food trucks, and live music, drawing large crowds to the pavilion.  Visitors spent the weekend browsing local makers and crafters, sampling a wide range of food options,…

29th Annual National Cornbread Festival draws crowds to South Pittsburg

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 29th Annual National Cornbread Festival took place this weekend in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, bringing thousands together to celebrate one of the South’s most beloved traditions. Festival goers enjoyed food, live entertainment, and the popular cornbread cook off, where contestants from across the country competed with creative dishes centered around cornmeal and cast-iron cooking. For…

Jewish Federation of Chattanooga celebrates Israel’s Independence Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Jewish Federation of Chattanooga celebrated Israel’s Independence Day. Organizers say the event honored 78 years of Israel’s history and culture while bringing the community together, welcoming both Jewish and non-Jewish attendees. This year’s celebration also marked the beginning of a new tradition. Michael Dzik with the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga said the organization…

American Legion Post 214 hosts Friends and Family Day

ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) – The American Legion Post 214 hosted its annual Friends and Family Day this afternoon, bringing the community together to honor veterans and celebrate service. Organizers say the yearly event is designed not only to recognize those who have served in the military, but also to give back to the community. Members say supporting veterans and their…

GPS Pushing For Return to Spring Fling

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) GP S owns four softball state championships, but it has been a couple of years since they’ve been to Spring Fling. With over 20 wins this season already, the Bruisers hope they can make that final push to return to the ‘Boro. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Southeast Drought Conditions Continue Worsening

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Drought conditions continued to expand and intensify across much of the Southeast, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update. In the Tennessee Valley, extreme drought conditions are present in portions of the region, with broader severe drought spreading across portions of Alabama, Tennessee, and into parts of Kentucky and North Carolina.  Conditions vary by location,…

Be “Set Free” with a new local, feature film

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Hollywood was brought to Ringgold, Ga. with the filming and premiere of local, feature film Set Free. The faith-based film by Soul Purpose Entertainment focuses on God setting people free from various vices including drugs. It also brings awareness of the fentanyl crisis in the News 12 viewing area. The film features entirely local talent and…

Job growth expected to be slow in Chattanooga area

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will there be more jobs coming to the Chattanooga area? With inflation tied to high gas prices and other factors, many are asking what that means for the future of our economy. A new report says that while the picture isn’t the brightest, we should not panic. Dr. Howard Wall of UTC’s Center for Regional for Economic…

Two different versions of voucher testing bill pass Tennessee legislature

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Two different versions of the bill that would change testing requirements for private schools that take one kind of voucher in the state of Tennessee have passed both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly. Senate Bill 1585 according to its sponsor Senator Jack Johnson is designed to align testing requirements for schools receiving Educational Savings Account (ESA)…

Large Crowds Mark Mr. T’s Opening

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – Large crowds and long lines took over Ooltewah as Mr. T’s Pizza opened its second location with a three-day grand opening celebration. The excitement started early Thursday morning, with people lining up well before the 10:30 a.m. opening.  The first 250 customers received a free large pizza and a Mr. T’s T-shirt, drawing in a huge…