WGOW-FM (Chattanooga, TN)

Extreme heat disrupted Fourth of July celebrations across the central and eastern United States, with local officials canceling or postponing parades, concerts, fairs, and fireworks displays because of safety concerns. Reuters reported that in Washington, organizers said the Independence Day Parade would not go forward as planned after forecasters warned that heat index values could climb as high as 115 degrees.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the heat wave hanging over the Tennessee Valley, demand is rising for indoor activities. One activity traditionally played outdoors, pickleball can now be played indoors in Chattanooga. Formerly the Stockdale’s store on Highway 153, sounds of balls being smacked now fill the air. The Ace Pickleball Club is the first indoor pickleball club to open in the Chattanooga area. Josh Turner, the club’s general manager, said, “This is day one.

DALTON, GA (WDEF) — The City of Dalton celebrated the 250th Birthday of our country with a parade through their downtown. Despite the blazing temperatures, spectators watched as the parade vehicles passed by. The American Legion, local towing companies, and political organizations all took part. George Lo Greco, a veteran of the Vietnam War told us a message he has for the youth of America, “It’s much better to serve than to be served. You only learn that by serving.

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn.. (WDEF) — Faith and Family night has been a tradition in Collegedale for a long time, but this year is a little different. It’s the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence but the East TN Symphony Orchestra is also celebrating its 20th birthday. Collegedale is celebrating the occasion with a live performance by the symphony orchestra. They’ll be accompanying tonight’s fireworks display with a special medley of patriotic songs and hymns.

Iran began major funeral ceremonies today for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a closely watched moment shaped by mourning, politics, and tensions with the United States. Officials presented the ceremonies as a national tribute to the former supreme leader, who was killed earlier this year in a U.S.-Israeli strike. Large crowds gathered in Tehran as Khamenei’s body lay in state, with additional events planned across major Shiite religious sites before his burial in Mashhad.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- : After years of contentious debate, Plan Hamilton was finally adopted by the Hamilton County Commission Wednesday evening in a 6 to 5 vote. The plan is designed to guide future growth in unincorporated Hamilton County, as it places new density limits and infrastructure requirements for future residential development.

CHATTANOOGA, TN.- CARTA, the public transit system, will be introducing new bus routes in Chattanooga. They held a public meeting at the Downtown Chattanooga library to receive feedback from the community. During the meetings, CARTA staff presented the proposed routes and answered any questions that riders may have had. CARTA believes these new routes will not only benefit many people and also CARTA. “We struggle with funding and so we have to try to put the best service on the road.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga is celebrating in a special way today at Coolidge Park. The entire nation is gearing up for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence. Pops on the River starts at 6PM Thursday with live bands and entertainment. That was pushed back from their previous 4PM start time. The Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra will be performing, and Outdoor Chattanooga says they have some surprises up their sleeves.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With heat advisories across the southeast, it’s downright dangerous to be outside in some places of the country. This heat wave across the United States and Europe has climate scientists ringing the alarm bell. We spoke to one professor who told us that climate change driven by fossil fuel usage is to blame. He says that these high temperatures will continue to climb as the decade continues.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BISSELL Pet Foundation is bringing back its signature Empty the Shelters® adoption event from July 5–26, 2026, according to the McKamey Animal Center (MAC). They say during the event, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $70 or less for cats and dogs. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. From July 5 through July 26, McKamey Animal Center is offering special adoption opportunities to help more pets find homes.