New rehabilitation hospital coming to Ooltewah

Ooltewah, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new rehabilitation hospital is on the way to Ooltewah, aiming to bring specialized care closer to home for patients recovering from serious injuries and illnesses. Right now, the site on Mountain View Road is just dirt and construction plans. But in the coming months, it’s expected to transform into a 40-bed inpatient facility focused on…

Environment based competition brings opportunities for students

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Dozens of students gathered at Chester Frost Park to compete in a competition based around the environment. The Envirothon is a national competition for high school students. Bill Dailey is a retired soil conservationist and involved with the competition. He said, “It’s an opportunity to get these kids out to learn more about soils, forestry, wildlife,…

Have the best breakfast with Benton’s Country Ham

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just an hour and a half away from Chattanooga is some of the state’s best breakfast products located in Madisonville, Tenn., Benton’s Country Hams. Benton’s Country Hams is used in many dishes across the country, chefs always anticipating their next order from them. Their pork products are made with a special recipe that just requires two…

Celebration of life held for Stroud Watson, whose vision shaped downtown Chattanooga

A picture of the late Stroud Watson, who was honored Wednesday evening in a celebration of life at Miller Plaza, one of the many spots he had influence over its design. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A visionary who helped Chattanooga transform its future was honored Wednesday evening. Stroud Watson recently passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes according…

Lanny Thomas Wins Senate Runoff

TRION, GA. (WDEF) – Republican Lanny Thomas won the special runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 53 on April 7.  Thomas defeated Democrat Jack Zibluk by a wide margin, receiving about sixty-nine percent of the vote compared with Zibluk’s thirty-one percent. During his campaign, Lanny Thomas emphasized support for small businesses, public safety, and local schools.  He also highlighted…

CARTA’s parking enforcement delayed by city council

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga City Council has delayed CARTA’s plan to begin booting vehicles with outstanding parking tickets. CARTA’s resolution would allow them to boot vehicles with three or more parking violations. Some council members worried that this resolution would financially burden some community members. That is why council members added an amendment to the legislation allowing people with…

The Bend Project Update Delayed

UPDATE: Urban Story Ventures has provided a statement in regard to the April 7, 2026 City Council meeting. They share The Bend has been in compliance with the One Westside TIF agreement and remains on target with projections for the development. Their full statement reads: “In response to the Council’s comments on April 7, Jimmy White, President and managing partner…

Clay Fuller, Republicans celebrate congressional hold in District 14 Special Election

Congressman elect Clay Fuller celebrating his victory with his wife and daughter following his victory speech on April 7, 2026 in Ringgold. RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- We now know who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in North Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. After a two round election, former Lookout Mountain Judicial District Attorney Clayton Fuller has defeated Democrat Shawn Harris. 22 candidates…

Democrat Shawn Harris Concedes Race in District 14

Shawn Harris held a watch party at the Mariott Hotel in Rome, Georgia. Supporters and campaign staff filled the room, along with media from overseas. After it became clear that the results were not in Mr. Harris’s favor, he addressed his supporters. A common theme in his message was the fact that his campaign was more successful than any Democrat’s…

Schools Honored for Academic Achievement

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Catoosa County Public Schools on Tuesday, April 7, to recognize 11 schools for academic achievement. During the visit, Woods presented John Hancock, Literacy, and Math Leader Banners to honor the schools’ performance in different areas of academic achievement.  The awards highlight schools that have achieved state-level recognition for literacy,…

Forest Kindergarten Equipment Stolen

ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Rock Spring, Georgia, reported that its forest kindergarten basecamp was damaged over spring break. Items taken or destroyed included hammocks, zip lines, ropes, wagons, and tools.  The damage occurred at the basecamp used by the forest kindergarten program, a part of the school where children spend time outdoors…

Golden Apple Award: Kassie Dockery, Park Creek Elementary

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Parents describe Kassie Dockery as a wonderful and dedicated teacher. Her students at Park Creek Elementary know that she will always be there for them. Her patience, kindness and genuine love of teaching earned Ms. Dockery this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Miss Dockery is a wonderful first grade teacher at Park Creek. She genuinely loves her kids….

Sale Creek Schools celebrate opening of CTE construction building

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Exciting developments are underway in Sale Creek as the middle and high school unveiled their new Career and Technical Education construction building. The school hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new facility, which was built by students as part of their coursework in the construction and structural systems program. Principal…

Gas prices rise sharply in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Gas prices are continuing to climb across Chattanooga, with drivers feeling the impact at the pump. According to GasBuddy, prices in the area have increased more than 26 cents per gallon in the past week. Compared to last month, prices are now roughly 88 cents higher, bringing the average cost to around 3 dollars and 80…

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County held a proclamation ceremony at the Courts Building to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event reaffirmed the city and county’s commitment to supporting survivors and encouraged the public to participate in awareness efforts. Community partners recognized for their work…

Youth Alcohol Risks

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – April is Alcohol Awareness Month. New Tennessee data shows some of the most serious consequences tied to teen drinking are increasing. A 2025 report from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission found that youth alcohol-related crashes, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions all increased in recent years.  Crashes among youth ages 13 to 19 increased 209% between…

Launch Pad set to place free narcan box in Miller Park to combat overdoses

A rendering of the narcan box, which is made out of a repurposed newspaper box. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last year, 140 people died from drug overdoses in Hamilton County. While that number is lower than the years before, as the peak of opioid deaths were in 2022, there is still room for improvement in tackling the opioid crisis. Some recent…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Celebrating Dr. Ware at Howard

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Dr. LeAndrea Ware’s time at Howard is coming to an end. She has accepted a leadership role with the Boys and Girls Club. Her contributions to Howard will have far reaching benefits. See for yourself in this week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” She says, “I think we go back to bittersweet. And it’s going to…

Union Gospel Mission hosts Easter dinner for Chattanooga’s unhoused community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Union Gospel Mission hosted its annual Easter Community Dinner this afternoon, serving Chattanooga’s unhoused community with food, resources, and a message of hope. More than 500 warm meals were served during the event, along with toiletry items and support from local organizations. Attendees say the gathering provided more than just a meal. “It’s nice to…

The Chattery celebrates reopening and new ownership milestone

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattery celebrated its reopening this weekend, marking not only a return to its space but also a major milestone in now owning its building. Community members gathered to recognize the organization’s growth and resilience following a devastating setback. The nonprofit is reopening after a fire destroyed its previous space, resulting in a total loss. Co-founder…