Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has died
BOSTON (AP) - Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and…
Michelle Morrison Dances for a Cause at Murray County’s Dancing with the Stars
Murray County(WDEF)-Michelle Morrison spends most of her days surrounded by horses, running her nonprofit ministry, Broken Heart Ranch, in Chatsworth. But this weekend, she’s swapping her cowboy boots for dancing shoes. Morrison will be one of the local stars performing…
Pumpkins take over Rock City!
Pepper Raper with Rock City joins News 12's Amelia Greer to highlight their newest attraction for spooky season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A new fall tradition has begun at Rock City that…
Major 2025 Tax Code Changes
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Millions of Americans will see significant changes when they file their 2025 tax returns. The Child Tax Credit is increasing to $2,200 per child, providing more support…
Protect Kids from Early Illness
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This fall, pediatricians are noticing an early rise in respiratory illnesses, especially flu and RSV. These viruses spread quickly in schools, daycares, and other busy indoor spaces,…
Golden Apple Award: Kathleen Rifenberick, Cloud Springs Elementary
ROSSVILLE, GA (WDEF) - Not every child learns the same way. Kathleen Rifenberick has a gift for tailoring her lesson plans to fit each student in her class at…
Over a thousand people are homeless in Chattanooga area a night per report
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new report on homelessness is painting a concerning picture. (more…)
Hamilton County kindergarteners to get free passes to Creative Discovery Museum for third straight year
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Kindergarten students across Hamilton County will once again be able to go to the Creative Discovery Museum. (more…)
Eleven Arrested in Whitfield County Child Sex Crime Sting
Whitfield County-(WDEF)Eleven men are behind bars following a multi-agency child sex crime sting in Whitfield County. The arrests mark a significant step forward in protecting children from harm and holding those who try to victimize them accountable, Sheriff Pierce said.…
Artwork from local and regional artists featured at art installation in Chattanooga Airport
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Chattanooga Airport has a modular exhibit space in it's ticketing area named CHA ART SPACE! It is curated by Carrie Pendergrass, a local…
Harriman City councilman and firefighter son charged in shooting case
HARRIMAN, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Harriman City Councilman Brian Frost has been charged with multiple counts of tampering with evidence, among other charges. A shooting had occurred at a party that was hosted at Harriman Mr.…
One dead and one left paralyzed after shooting in East Ridge
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A 19-year-old is being charged with murder after a shooting in East Ridge a few months ago. On August 25, 2025, at 3:09…
Escaped Monroe County inmate captured
UPDATE: Escaped inmate Cody Allen Patterson has been located and taken back into custody without incident. A Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputy…
Flights delayed at some U.S. airports amid shortage of air traffic controllers
Airports in U.S. cities including Denver; Newark, New Jersey; and Burbank, California, experienced flight delays Monday amid shortages of air traffic controllers, according to federal flight data. Federal officials have flagged more air traffic control facilities…
News 12 launches weekend series for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring survivors, promoting prevention, and highlighting local resources that bring hope and…
Exclusive interview: Judge calls for mental health reform after death of local man
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - A Bradley County judge is speaking out after the tragic death of a 27-year-old man who spent years…
What's Right With Our Schools: Orchard Knob Baptist Back to School Bash
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Communities can play a vital role in a child's education. With that in mind, families, neighbors and local leaders recently gathered at Orchard Knob Baptist…
Centerstone says they're being left in the dark in Hamilton County Schools mental health situation
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The mental health provider at the center of a controversial decision by the Hamilton County School Board is speaking out. (more…)
IDB approves Northgate Mall TIF to go to next step
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposal to modernize infrastructure at Northgate Mall passed its next step. (more…)
Chattanooga man convicted of trafficking fentanyl in Catoosa County
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Catoosa County jury convicted 35-year-old Ladarius Nollie, a resident of Chattanooga, of trafficking fentanyl in Catoosa County. The trial…
Supreme Court won't take up Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal of sex-trafficking conviction
Washington — The Supreme Court on Monday said it will not take up a bid by Ghislaine Maxwell to overturn her 2021 conviction and 20-year prison sentence for her role in a scheme to…
Death on New Highway 68 under investigation
MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- On Sunday evening around 5:30 p.m., the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Madisonville Police Department, responded to a report on New Highway 68 at Turnpike Road about…
Gratefull, a community Thanksgiving luncheon, celebrates a decade of events on November 20th
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- This year, Gratefull is hitting its 10th anniversary! Celebrations are set to kick off on Nov. 20, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will…
Kroger recalls deli pasta salads due to possible listeria contamination
Two types of pasta salad bowls sold at Kroger and other stores across the U.S. have been recalled due to possible listeria contamination, the Food & Drug Administration announced Saturday. The Kroger Company voluntarily recalled…