The Journey of Pilatus: From Chattanooga to Connecticut
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) - He’s fuzzy, he’s feisty—and he’s heading off on a new adventure. Pilatus, one of the Chattanooga Zoo’s beloved red pandas, is saying goodbye to…
Lillian Yi
Articles
Chickamauga gathers to celebrate freedom and community
CHICKAMAUGA Ga, (WDEF) - Red, white, and blue filled the streets of downtown Chickamauga as families, friends, and neighbors gathered for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Flags waved,…
Athens City Fire Department welcomes new Safe Haven Baby Box
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Athens City Fire Department is celebrating a new addition—not to their team, but to their mission: a Safe Haven Baby Box,…
The Chattanooga Zoo is saying goodbye to Pilatus the Red Panda
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Zoo is saying goodbye to Pilatus, the red panda, as he prepares to move to a zoo in Connecticut.…
Quantum Technology experts take over Chattanooga for UTC conference
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Experts in quantum technology are taking over Chattanooga this week, with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) serving as a central hub…
Men’s Health Awareness Month: Breaking silence and encouraging action
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, a national observance aimed at raising awareness about the health challenges men face—and encouraging early detection, treatment,…
Congressman Fleischmann weighs in on U.S. strike against Iran
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As headlines around the world focus on the United States’ latest military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the global stage feels tense —…
Knox County deputy critically injured in the line of duty
UPDATE: The suspect, Christopher Michael Hensley, 44, of Powell, has been charged with the following: Attempted Second-Degree Murder Aggravated Assault on First Responder Domestic Assault Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Go Armed Manufacturing/Delivering/Selling/Possession of a Controlled Substance…
Bradley County Woman charged after dozens of neglected and dead animals found
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Saturday (6/21), the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check involving multiple animals at a residence located at 1325 8th Street NE. Upon arrival, deputies discovered numerous animals on the property living in…
Harvest Deaf Ministries hosts car wash to support global mission trip
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — For more than three decades, Harvest Deaf Ministries has been committed to reaching the Deaf community with the message of Christ. Established…
Traffic Alert: Avoid I-24 West at Germantown Road This Weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Drivers are being urged to avoid I-24 West at Germantown Road (Exit 183) this weekend due to major detours and closures. According to…
A group protested at Miller Park demanding “No War on Iran”
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Saturday evening, a protest was held at Miller Park centered on a growing concern: the possibility of war with Iran. The…
Walker Rocks Park expands with inclusive playground features
ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) - Big changes are coming to one of Walker County’s most well-loved parks. This week, construction officially began on the next phase of Walker…
GoFundMe launched after Soddy Daisy family loses everything
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A late-night house fire in Soddy…
Pops on the River adjusts for 2025 celebration
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s most patriotic summer traditions is making a big comeback — with a few changes. “Pops on the River,” the beloved Fourth…
CEO talks financial planning at the Pachyderm Club
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Pachyderm Club is continuing its tradition of civic discussions in downtown Chattanooga. The group welcomed guest speaker Mark Fraker, CEO of the Chattanooga…
Father’s Day Blues and Brews
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, Father’s Day got a special treat this weekend with a celebration full of food, fun, and family time. The First Horizon Pavilion was filled…
House and pets lost in Soddy Daisy structure fire
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) - This morning, around 12:40, a family in Soddy lost not only their home but also their pets in a house fire. Soddy Daisy Fire Department responded to 115 Nale Road on a reported structure…
Man shot and killed after producing a firearm and striking a deputy
MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - TBI special agents continue to investigate the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting Sunday morning involving the Maury County Sheriff's Office. The investigation shows that around 3:00 Sunday…
Voices on both sides heard at No Kings Day protest
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - “No Kings Day” Protest Brings National Movement to Chattanooga. A national protest movement called “No Kings Day” reached Chattanooga on Saturday, drawing…
Suspect shot after using car to hit Officer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WDEF) - At the request of 30th Judicial District Attorney General Steve Mulroy, TBI special agents continue to investigate the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting Friday night involving the Memphis…
Bonnaroo canceled due to weather
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Bonnaroo 2025 is canceled because of the weather. Just one day after thousands arrived for the start of Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN on Thursday they are now all going to have to go home This…
First Responder Hero Award: Janet Tomaszewski
CHATTANOOGA, 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…
What’s Right With Our Schools, BASF Chattanooga and Chatt State host annual TECH Academy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BASF Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College are teaming up once again for the annual TECH Academy program —…
24/7 Movement highlights dangers of impaired driving
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - The 24/7 Movement partnered with the East Ridge Police Department for Community Safety Day at Camp Jordan, bringing an important message to the forefront:…
Good Samaritan steps up after storms in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Here in Chattanooga, strong storms left a visible mark on the city, with downed trees and snapped power lines scattered across Alton Park Boulevard.…
Emergency response on Lee Highway ends in death
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Sunday, a significant police and emergency response was seen in the 7700 block of Lee Highway in Chattanooga, drawing concern and speculation…
One dead after two-vehicle crash involving two motorcycles
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Sunday afternoon around 4:40p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a two-vehicle crash involving two motorcycles in the 100 block of Honest Street. The collision resulted in the fatality of a 52-year-old man. The investigation shows that both…
Accidental kitchen fire in Hixson
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) - Sunday afternoon, around 5:30p.m., the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department respond to a kitchen fire on Carterwood Lane. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw smoke showing at the home. Once first responders confirmed…
Ms. Piggy’s great rescue
DADE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — If you were wondering what caused the slowdown on I-24 East earlier, Dade County had a few pigs running wild, causing traffic delays. Dade County police confirm…
Tennessee program offers free help with child car seat safety
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Keeping your child safe on the road is a top priority—and now it’s easier than ever. The Safe Journey Child Passenger Safety Program, administered by…
Paw Palooza takes over Coolidge Park for a day of furry fun
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga went to the dogs this weekend — all for a good cause. Paw Palooza, hosted by the McKamey Animal…
Project K-9 Hero: Life Force leads the way
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - It’s a big step forward in emergency care for working dogs. Life Force Air Medical, part of Erlanger Health System, has made history…
Chattanooga seeks public input for the future of recreation
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Public input is essential as the City of Chattanooga looks to shape the next generation of parks, programs, and recreational spaces. City leaders…
The Chattanooga Zoo’s summer wild encounters
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This summer, the Chattanooga Zoo is packed with new adventures and exciting experiences for the whole family to enjoy. The zoo is offering a multitude of…
Walnut Street Bridge’s annual Festival
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Walnut Street Bridge Festival made its much-anticipated return for its third year, drawing crowds to celebrate one of Chattanooga’s most iconic landmarks. Although the Walnut Street…
Injured hiker rescued after falling over 50 feet below the trail
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) - Sunday afternoon at 2:51 p.m., Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene and walked down the trail to find the injured hiker. A Gentleman called 911 reporting…
Melanoma survivor celebrates a decade beyond diagnosis
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - May 31st marks the end of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and to close it out, we share the story of an 86-year-old melanoma survivor who…
278th Armored Cavalry Regiment Task Force Deploys to Middle East
COURTESY: Tennessee Department of Military NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 260 Guardsmen from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment departed from Knoxville and Smyrna, May 30, on their first leg of a nearly year-long deployment…
House fire in Lakesite: No reported injuries
LAKESITE, Tenn. (WDEF) - Friday night at 9:18p.m., a neighbor reported a house fire located at 2323 Lyons Lane. Firefighters from Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene reporting fire in the garage and moving to other…