CCS Defeats Baylor 1-0

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a rematch of last year’s state championship game, CCS defeated Baylor 1-0. The Chargers got a run in the third inning, and that was all pitcher Kylie Black needed, as she helped lead Chattanooga Christian to the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Mocs Looking to Rebuild Pass Rush

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Since R usty Wright arrived as UTC’s head coach, the Mocs have been really good at getting after the quarterback. But Chattanooga had a big dip in sacks last year, and now they’re hoping to get the sack-attack-back. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UTC Mocs

First Responder Hero Award: Captain Thomas Finch

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. When danger strikes, these men and women are the first to respond. Now, it is our…

Renovations announced for Fisher Hall at Tennessee Wesleyan University

One of the labs inside of Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Fisher Hall in Athens. ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- One of the main halls at Tennessee Wesleyan University will soon get a much needed renovation. Fisher Hall has long been a central building on the Tennessee Wesleyan campus, housing much of the school’s science courses. TWU President Tyler Forrest said, “Fisher Hall was…

Island Erosion Threatens Natural Landmark

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Maclellan Island is facing a long-term erosion problem, according to leaders with the Chattanooga Audubon Society. The nonprofit said the island has lost about three acres since 1997, shrinking from roughly 27 acres to 24 acres. The erosion appears to be occurring at a rate of about one acre every decade. The island sits in the…

Fleischmann says he believes United States in good position in Iranian conflict

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing from Representative Chuck Fleischmann on the current ceasefire in Iran. That ceasefire was reached Tuesday after President Trump threatened an escalation in attacks if the country did not open up the Strait of Hormuz. Representative Fleischmann says that he supports the President’s actions and believes Iran is much weaker than it was a few…

Bend Project Update Pushed Back

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A scheduled update on The Bend, the major riverfront redevelopment project led by Urban Story Ventures, was postponed Tuesday after the development team did not appear before city council members.  The council had expected a presentation during the Economic Development Committee, a subcommittee of city council, to review progress on the mixed-use project near South…

New rehabilitation hospital coming to Ooltewah

Ooltewah, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new rehabilitation hospital is on the way to Ooltewah, aiming to bring specialized care closer to home for patients recovering from serious injuries and illnesses. Right now, the site on Mountain View Road is just dirt and construction plans. But in the coming months, it’s expected to transform into a 40-bed inpatient facility focused on…

Environment based competition brings opportunities for students

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Dozens of students gathered at Chester Frost Park to compete in a competition based around the environment. The Envirothon is a national competition for high school students. Bill Dailey is a retired soil conservationist and involved with the competition. He said, “It’s an opportunity to get these kids out to learn more about soils, forestry, wildlife,…

Have the best breakfast with Benton’s Country Ham

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just an hour and a half away from Chattanooga is some of the state’s best breakfast products located in Madisonville, Tenn., Benton’s Country Hams. Benton’s Country Hams is used in many dishes across the country, chefs always anticipating their next order from them. Their pork products are made with a special recipe that just requires two…

Celebration of life held for Stroud Watson, whose vision shaped downtown Chattanooga

A picture of the late Stroud Watson, who was honored Wednesday evening in a celebration of life at Miller Plaza, one of the many spots he had influence over its design. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A visionary who helped Chattanooga transform its future was honored Wednesday evening. Stroud Watson recently passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes according…

Lanny Thomas Wins Senate Runoff

TRION, GA. (WDEF) – Republican Lanny Thomas won the special runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 53 on April 7.  Thomas defeated Democrat Jack Zibluk by a wide margin, receiving about sixty-nine percent of the vote compared with Zibluk’s thirty-one percent. During his campaign, Lanny Thomas emphasized support for small businesses, public safety, and local schools.  He also highlighted…

CARTA’s parking enforcement delayed by city council

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga City Council has delayed CARTA’s plan to begin booting vehicles with outstanding parking tickets. CARTA’s resolution would allow them to boot vehicles with three or more parking violations. Some council members worried that this resolution would financially burden some community members. That is why council members added an amendment to the legislation allowing people with…

The Bend Project Update Delayed

UPDATE: Urban Story Ventures has provided a statement in regard to the April 7, 2026 City Council meeting. They share The Bend has been in compliance with the One Westside TIF agreement and remains on target with projections for the development. Their full statement reads: “In response to the Council’s comments on April 7, Jimmy White, President and managing partner…

Clay Fuller, Republicans celebrate congressional hold in District 14 Special Election

Congressman elect Clay Fuller celebrating his victory with his wife and daughter following his victory speech on April 7, 2026 in Ringgold. RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- We now know who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in North Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. After a two round election, former Lookout Mountain Judicial District Attorney Clayton Fuller has defeated Democrat Shawn Harris. 22 candidates…

Democrat Shawn Harris Concedes Race in District 14

Shawn Harris held a watch party at the Mariott Hotel in Rome, Georgia. Supporters and campaign staff filled the room, along with media from overseas. After it became clear that the results were not in Mr. Harris’s favor, he addressed his supporters. A common theme in his message was the fact that his campaign was more successful than any Democrat’s…

Schools Honored for Academic Achievement

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited Catoosa County Public Schools on Tuesday, April 7, to recognize 11 schools for academic achievement. During the visit, Woods presented John Hancock, Literacy, and Math Leader Banners to honor the schools’ performance in different areas of academic achievement.  The awards highlight schools that have achieved state-level recognition for literacy,…

Forest Kindergarten Equipment Stolen

ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Rock Spring, Georgia, reported that its forest kindergarten basecamp was damaged over spring break. Items taken or destroyed included hammocks, zip lines, ropes, wagons, and tools.  The damage occurred at the basecamp used by the forest kindergarten program, a part of the school where children spend time outdoors…

Golden Apple Award: Kassie Dockery, Park Creek Elementary

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Parents describe Kassie Dockery as a wonderful and dedicated teacher. Her students at Park Creek Elementary know that she will always be there for them. Her patience, kindness and genuine love of teaching earned Ms. Dockery this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Miss Dockery is a wonderful first grade teacher at Park Creek. She genuinely loves her kids….