Hamilton County school budget passes amid controversy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Weeks of controversy have surrounded the Hamilton County school board as they have been dealing with a large budget shortfall. Thursday night was the night that school board members said they needed to pass a budget. This whole situation began with a $16 million dollar shortfall due to lower than expected revenues. After a series of adjustments,…

First Responder Hero Award: Lexie Mcnabb

South Pittsburg, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responder Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it’s our turn to put them…

Thursday Throwback: 1985 New Coke

Forty years ago, the Coca-Cola company took a major gamble. The first bottles of New Coke started rolling off local assembly lines. For our Thursday Throwback, we show you how the company had high hopes for their new flavor. Categories: From The Archives Tags: From The Archives, Thursday Throwback

Pet of The Week: George Ford

Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, George Ford. George Ford is a mostly mature, distinguished dog. The Humane Educational Society says he has nice manners, and even knows a couple of cues and commands. He’s great on a leash, and when he feels like being less mature, he loves to chase toys and sometimes romps in the play yard…

Real ID Rules Take Flight

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Starting today, if you plan to fly, your regular driver’s license may not be enough.  A long-delayed federal requirement is now in effect. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in response to 9/11, is finally being enforced.  As of today, travelers must have a Real ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. …

From Exhaustion to Restful Nights

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga resident Nathan Uglow has battled sleep issues since his teenage years. Friends and family told him he snored loudly, and he often felt exhausted, falling asleep at stoplights or whenever he sat down. In his 20s, Uglow was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. He tried several treatments, including a CPAP machine, oral appliances, and…

Volunteers Needed for Flag Placement at Chattanooga National Cemetery Ahead of Memorial Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  As Memorial Day approaches, a powerful and solemn tradition returns to the Chattanooga National Cemetery—one that honors the lives of those who served. The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (CAVC) will once again lead the effort to place nearly 50,000 American flags on the graves of fallen service members. This year’s flag placement will take place on…

Commissioner clarifies stance on sales tax referendum proposal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last week in response to criticism over the Hamilton County School budget’s $16 million dollar shortfall, two commissioners floated the idea of a referendum to raise the county’s sales tax. Wednesday, Commissioner David Sharpe commented on the feedback he’s received in the past week on that proposal. That, if county voters passed it, would raise taxes by…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Southern Champion Tray

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  They bring your brand alive with packaging.  We look at how Southern Champion Tray has been Driving Our Economy Forward with printing and production. “Southern Champion was founded in 1927 right here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We’re third generation, privately held, grown to about a thousand employees around the Chattanooga area.  We’ve also got plants in Ohio…

“Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D” stomping into the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX

Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer ahead of the premiere of a new feature film at IMAX called “Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D.” CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium is bringing an immersive and educational documentary that will take you on a journey with one of the world’s largest animals, elephants. On May…

Come and enjoy a Day of Play at the Creative Discovery Museum

Mackenzie Steele with CDM joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the local attraction gets ready to host a special anniversary event this weekend. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Creative Discovery Museum is celebrating their 30th anniversary and they’re inviting everyone for their birthday block party called the Day of Play! On May 10, Chestnut Street between W 3rd St. and…

YMCA Launches Teaching Kitchen Series

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The JA Henry Community YMCA is serving up something new, and it’s not just about fitness.  Starting today, their brand-new Teaching Kitchen is launching a series of cooking classes designed to help families eat healthier and cook with confidence.  Open to all skill levels, each hands-on session covers simple, nutritious meals that are easy to make…

Students Earn Award for Full Voting Registration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One local high school is being recognized for going above and beyond in preparing students for civic responsibility.  Lookout Valley High School is now among a select group of Tennessee schools to receive the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award, a statewide honor recognizing schools that register 100 percent of eligible students to vote.  The Tennessee Secretary…