Social Security’s 90th Anniversary
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, one of the most influential programs in American history. New AARP data shows just how much the program…
CHATT Foundation Receives Food Donation
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) --The CHATT Foundation received a surprise donation today. Today, a vehicle from Renewal by Andersen arrived at the Chatt Foundation…
Small Tennessee town divided over new ICE detention facility: "I don't want my neighbors to go to work out there"
Mason, Tennessee — The small West Tennessee town of Mason, just 2 square miles in size, is home to about 1,000 people. But its residents are now divided by what a new immigration detention facility will…
Cracker Barrel to return to its old logo after backlash
Less than a week after unveiling a controversial new logo that prompted the company's stock value to take a dive and even President Trump to weigh in, Cracker Barrel announced Tuesday that it will return to its old logo.…
Blood Assurance accepting donations through Labor Day
Caitlin Stanley, the Senior Director of Blood Assurance, reminds everyone that one donation of blood can save up to three lives. They're in need of donations and are offering gift cards…
Cracker Barrel Unveils New Logo, Sparking Conversation
WDEF- Cracker Barrel is stirring up conversation after unveiling a major brand refresh for the first time in decades. The chain has rolled out a redesigned logo, removing its…
Giving Back: Ace Bailey Comes Home to Inspire Dalewood Students
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Dalewood Middle School welcomed back one of its own this week as NBA rookie Ace Bailey returned to the halls where his basketball journey began. The school honored Bailey with a special jersey presentation, celebrating not only…
Sentencing hearing for former elementary teacher convicted of child sex abuse delayed
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A former elementary school teacher convicted on 15 child sex abuse charges in June, including aggravated child rape, was back in…
Flood Relief Donation Drive Continues
RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) - Families are still recovering from the flash floods that swept through just a couple of weeks ago, leaving homes and lives turned upside down. In response, the…
New round of school upgrades discussed
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Renovations of several Hamilton County Schools were discussed at the school board’s finance committee meeting. (more…)
Ribbon Cut on Special Kids Clinic
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga is celebrating a major step forward for families of children with special needs. Special Kids, a nonprofit founded 27 years ago in Murfreesboro, has officially…
Man arrested after Lakewood Avenue shooting leads to drug and gun seizure
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A man has been arrested after a shooting incident on Lakewood Avenue that resulted in the seizure of drugs and firearms. Around 2:00 a.m., Tuesday, August…
First human screwworm case linked to travel confirmed in U.S., HHS says
The first case of a New World screwworm infestation in a human was confirmed in the U.S., according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Travel-associated New World screwworm was detected in a patient…
11 arrested in Collegedale after joint human trafficking operation
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) -- 11 people were recently arrested in Collegedale after a joint human trafficking operation. The Collegedale Police Department (CPD) , the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and several other…
Menlo man sentenced to 17 years in prison after mobile home shooting
SUMMERVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Menlo man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after a mobile home shooting almost three years ago.…
26-year-old killed in early morning Fort Payne crash
FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) -- A motorcyclist died after a multi-vehicle crash in Fort Payne early Tuesday morning. At 4:45 a.m., August 26, 2025, officers with the Fort Payne Police Department (FPPD) responded to the…
Fire crews battle house fire on Brentwood Drive in Athens
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Athens Fire Department (AFD) worked a structure fire Monday afternoon. At 3:24 p.m., August 25, 2025, AFD responded to the fire on Brentwood Drive. Upon arrival, crews found the back…
Powerball estimated jackpot jumps to $815 million, game's 7th biggest, after no winners of $750 million grand prize
Wednesday night's Powerball jackpot will be an estimated $815 million, the seventh biggest in the game's history, after no winning tickets were sold for Monday night's $750 million grand prize, Powerball's 10th largest ever when it…
Color Wheel opens class registration for the fall
Local artist, Harlan Lovestone joins News 12's Amelia Greer as registration opens for his Fall 2025 'Remote Art and STEM/STEAM' classes. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Developed through ArtsBuild's Periscope Program, Color Wheel…
Arrest in Ringgold goes viral as man at center of protest enters ICE custody
NOTE: We previously reported that Jimenez had a federal warrant. We have updated this to the wording of the jail report. RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- An arrest in Ringgold of an undocumented immigrant and…
Rhea County investigating racist social media posts about Red Bank
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Rhea County Schools say there is an active investigation into a series of racially charged social media posts. (more…)
Hamilton County launches new public records portal
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County now has a new public records request system. (more…)
What's Right With Our Schools: Bethlehem Center STEAM Camp
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Best Buy is famous for its Geek Squad. Those same big brains recently visited Bethlehem Center to teach students how to solve tech problems,…
Mother facing child abuse charges after hitting child with car at CGLA
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A mother is facing aggravated child abuse charges after hitting her child with a vehicle at Chattanooga Girls Leadership…