Tennessee Democrats hold ‘Affordability Tour’ in Chattanooga

The audience at the Tennessee Democrats ‘Affordability Tour’ in Chattanoga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tennessee Democrats made a stop in Chattanooga Friday. Representative Yusuf Hakeem and Senator Charlane Oliver talked with voters at the Washington Hills Community Center. This is part of the Democrats’ affordability tour which has also visited Nashville and Memphis, and will visit Knoxville Saturday. They spoke about…

First Responder Hero Award: Captain Christopher Blazek

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. When danger strikes, these men and women are the first to respond. Now, it is our turn…

TechByte: The Internet Archive is the Library of the Web

Public Libraries are an important institution. They’re strongholds of information, accessible to everybody. But what if there were a public library that was accessible to everyone on the internet. The internet archive has become the de-facto library of the world wide web. Founded in 1996 by Brewster Kahle, almost anything you’ve ever wanted to read or watch or listen to…

Remembering the Blizzard of ’93: Office of Emergency Management says they’re prepared

It’s been thirty-three years since the Blizzard of 1993 ravaged the southeast. Local officials say that funding for emergency agencies has greatly increased since then. Communication between agencies has also been prioritized, including with the National Weather Service. The Hamilton County government now has a way to directly communicate with the public through its Hamilton Ready program. Amy Maxwell, Public…

The Rotary Club to host a shoe drive for Soles4Souls

Dr. Edna Varner, David Carroll, and Deb Birdsall join News 12’s Chip Chapman to promote donations for their Soles4Souls campaign at the Rotary Club. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Rotary Club will soon begin their March service project and they need your help to donate shoes for the Soles4Souls campaign. Rotarians from six districts in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky are…

Killer Beaz returns with some killer jokes

Comedian Killer Beaz is getting ready to entertain folks in South Pittsburg this weekend. He joins News 12’s Chip Chapman before he takes over The Princess Theatre this Saturday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Killer Beaz is back in the Tennessee Valley area bringing tons of laughs and good humor! Just coming off his performances at the Grand Ole Opry, Killer…

Boyd Buchanan Tabs Charles Fant as New Head Football Coach

(press release) Boyd-Buchanan School has announced the hiring of Charles Fant as the new head football coach for the Buccaneers. “We are thrilled to have Charles Fant lead our Buccaneer football program. Boyd-Buchanan had a terrific applicant pool and several well-qualified candidates,” said Matt Pobieglo, Director of Athletics. “Coach Fant’s passion for Boyd-Buchanan, his ability to pour into our community,…

Sevier Co Stuns Bradley Central 52-34

Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Sevier Co stunned top-ranked Bradley Central in the state quarterfinals posting a 52-34 victory. The Bearettes struggled offensively, failing to score a field goal in the second quarter. Kimora Fields led Bradley Central with 12 points. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Commission to consider lease with Jailhouse Studios as public continues to raise concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposal is now under consideration to turn the old Hamilton County Jail into a television and film studio as the Commission is considering approving a lease. The former Hamilton County Jail across Walnut Street from the county courthouse has sat vacant for years. A proposal by Urban Story Ventures and Dynamo Studios would make it a…

Quantum Technology Moves Toward Application

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders gathered Thursday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a program focused on quantum technology.  The event explored how quantum research can move toward real-world applications. Quantum technology uses principles of quantum mechanics, the physics that governs very small particles, to study computers, communication systems, and sensors. The half-day program…

Dalton State Leaves For the NAIA Tournament

Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Dalton State loaded up the bus and took off for the NAIA tournament. The Road Runners open first round play in Marion, Indiana, on Friday. Dalton State plays Shawnee State out of Ohio. The Road Runners carry a 23-8 record into the NAIA Big D ance. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Proposal of rural planning commission sparks tense debate over future growth in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will Hamilton County create its own planning commission? That’s what some in county government would like to see. However, others raised concerns about the message that could send. Currently, Hamilton County and Chattanooga have a joint planning commission at the Regional Planning Agency. However, some within county government would like to see county create their own planning…

Meeting time once again discussed by Hamilton County Commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission once again discussed when they should hold their weekly meetings. Commissioner Gene-O Shipley proposed that meetings go back to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. The meetings have been held at 4 p.m. since a trial change proposed by Commissioner Jeff Eversole was approved last year. Several commissioners believe that the meeting should remain at…

The Hidden Reason Allergies Linger

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring is here, and with it comes seasonal allergies. For many residents, the familiar symptoms, sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, are already starting to appear.  Pollen levels rise in both the spring and fall, making certain times of the year particularly challenging. In the Chattanooga area, geography plays a big role in how severe allergies can feel. …

Chattanooga Zoo Introduces first ever mascot Finnegan

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Our friends at the Chattanooga Zoo are introducing their first ever mascot to the team, and his name is Finnegan. To uphold the zoo’s mission of creating a fun and interactive environment where people can learn about animals, Finnegan can be seen walking around the zoo grounds and appearing at special events, including animal feedings and…

Family seeks support after house fire

ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) – On Saturday, a house fire damaged the home of a local family in Rossville, Georgia. Former residents say the fire claimed not only physical and irreplaceable items but also the lives of several pets. One resident says while the loss affects her husband and children, it has also impacted their ability to provide care for three…

Community honors life of Hamilton County Deputy Caleb LeBruno

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Deputy Caleb LeBruno was laid to rest today. Deputy LeBruno was killed last Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash on Brainerd Road. He is remembered for dedicating his life to serving others during their most difficult moments. LeBruno began his career as a dispatcher. In 2020, he became a deputy with the Grundy County…

Commissioners Tour Erlanger Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With opening day less than two months away, several Hamilton County Commissioners toured Erlanger Park this week to see the progress on the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. During the tour, officials viewed new stadium features and historic elements preserved from the original 1800s foundry buildings.  Concrete slabs and a 1936 floor made from river…