Walker County, GA (WDEF) – Walker County voters will decide tomorrow on the continuation of a one-percent sales tax that funds school improvements. This E-SPLOST, in place since 1997, helps cover school facility upgrades, heating and air systems, roofing, lighting, technology improvements, and parking lot repaving. Unlike capital funds from the state, which only cover certain expenses, local schools rely…
he rise of legalized sports betting, industry leaders are emphasizing the need for responsible gaming, especially during this high-stakes tournament. With March Madness set to drive another surge in betting activity, experts and industry leaders are reinforcing responsible gaming efforts. The NCAA tournament coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, making it a crucial time to highlight available resources and encourage…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Three Hamilton County schools teamed up to craft strategic funding plans that could change the way they secure resources in the future. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center was buzzing with excitement as the School Resource Development Institute wrapped up their very first program designed to help Hamilton County students with funding and much more Development and…
GORDON COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has been arrested after being accused of threatening court judges in Georgia. On March 10, 2025, deputy sheriffs received a report of a caller threatening superior court judges in Gordon County. Gordon County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) stated deputies questioned witnesses and gathered electronic evidence which corroborated witness statements. Deputies arrested 57-year-old Phillip…
Billy Joe King / Dunlap Police Department via Facebook UPDATE (3/17/2025): The Dunlap bench thief has been apprehended. The Dunlap Police Department (DPD) and the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) arrested Billy Joe King after receiving a tip. He is being charged with two counts of Theft of Property. DPD says the benches were recovered and returned to Cates Street…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial bill being advanced by a Hamilton County lawmaker is continuing to receive pushback. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson, would give local schools the option to not enroll students if they are undocumented. A copy of the flyer handed out to parishoners of Sen. Watson’s church over the weekend. (Courtesy: Education for All…
Tasty Donuts owner Tony McInnis and his son A.J. McInnis join News 12’s Chip Chapman to talk about the donut shop turning GREEN for St. Patrick’s Day. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Tasty Donuts is making sure no one gets pinched by offering green sweet treats. Currently, lots of their donuts are being dyed green for…
Ms. Rosalyn Hickman with Covenant Keepers brings Pastor Kenneth Ware and Pastor John Geeter to preview a special workshop and class for married couples. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Covenant Keepers collaborates with the Hamilton County Marriage Initiative to work towards reducing the divorce rate in local churches. Every 36 seconds, there are 3.6 petitions for divorce in America which roughly…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – From Shoes to Strollers: Just Between Friends consignment sale gives back to families in the local area. Camp Jordan Arena had it all—from shoes to strollers—offering parents discounted prices on gently used children’s items. For many shoppers, events like this provide an opportunity to save big on essential items for their kids. Single mother of…
GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last night, a powerful storm system swept through Grundy County, Tennessee, leaving a trail of significant damage in its wake. The community of Palmer was particularly hard-hit, with reports of extensive structural damage. In a neighboring area, a resident reported that the storm’s force tore the roof off his barn, damaged two vehicles, and displaced…
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — At 10:55 a.m., the Signal Mountain Fire Department responded to a structure fire after a young boy spotted flames and quickly alerted his parents. They immediately called 911, allowing firefighters to arrive on the scene within minutes. The Signal Mountain Fire Department responded to the possible house fire at 7 Rock Crest Drive. Upon arrival,…
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Bradley Central used a huge second half to rally for a 66-39 win over Bearden in the state semifinals on Friday. The Bearettes were down two at halftime, but they outscored Bearden 45-16 in the second half. Kimora Fields enjoyed a monster game for Bradley Central with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Bearettes will play Bartlett for the…
Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Dalton State served as a host site for the first and second round of the NAIA tournament, but the home court advantage didn’t help the Roadrunners against Saint Mary of-the-Woods. Dalton State lost 74-67 on Friday afternoon at Bandy Gym to see their season come to an end. Antonio Lewis led the Roadrunners with 20 points. Categories: Sports…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We received an update on the construction progress of the South Broad Stadium. It will soon be the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. Construction at the South Broad Stadium is in full swing as workers are actively building the next stadium here in Chattanooga. Excitement is building for what this stadium, due to be ready in a…
CHATTANOOGA, TN – The history of board games can be traced back almost 4600 years to Mesopotamia and Chinese culture had their first recorded board game with rules around 200 B.C. They have evolved over the years but games like Monopoly and Settlers of Catan have roots in these ancient games and today we’re exploring how the latest technology has…
Sue Anne Lockhart joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the community rebuilding of the Cookie Jar Café and all delicious desserts they offer. DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today is Pi Day and the best way to celebrate the irrational number 3.14159 is with an irrational amount of pies from the Cookie Jar Café! Cookie Jar Café is a…
Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) Silverdale rallied for a crazy 5-2 win over Red Bank on Thursday evening. The Lions trailed 1-0 going to the bottom of the sixth when they scored a run on a wild pitch and a steal of home to take a 2-1 lead. In the top of the 7th, Silverdale loaded the bases. Jonah Winton hit it…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Long time McCallie swim coach Stan Corcoran has announced he’s stepping down. Corcoran has led the Big Blue swim team for 33 years, winning 12 state titles, including the last three in-a-row. Assistant Zane Hamilton will take over the program, and Corcoran will still assist the team however he is needed. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: High…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Long-time Baylor wrestling coach Rex Kendle has stepped down. He has been with the Red Raiders program for 15 years, including the last five as the head coach. Kendle has been apart of 15 TSSAA state championships at Baylor. He’s now off to work in the private sector. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Baylor School, High School…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Red Bank grad B.J. Ragland has used the transfer portal to move back home. He left Charlotte for the Chattanooga Mocs this spring, where he hops to make an impact on the offensive line. Brian Armstrong has the story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UTC Mocs Tags: B.J. Ragland, Football, Red Bank, UTC Mocs
News 12 is recognizing first responders for their dedication to the community. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, their service plays a crucial role in keeping people safe, often during their most vulnerable moments. This month, the community has come together to recognize the exceptional service of Tyler Ellis, a Paramedic Field Training Officer at Puckett…
UPDATE (3/14/2025): We’re now hearing from Hamilton County Schools regarding Chattanooga Preparatory School’s graduating class. “Our top priority is supporting the students at Chattanooga Prep and safeguarding their academic progress. We are currently verifying senior credits and taking any necessary corrective actions to ensure that the Senior Class will graduate on-time. We are hopeful that all 50 seniors will graduate…
Forty years ago, the news in our area was very much like today. But some wasn’t. For our Thursday Throwback, we take a look back at what was making news in March of 1985. And see how many 80’s pop stars you can identify in the “We Are The World” video! Categories: From The Archives Tags: From The Archives, Thursday…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing big problems from the Kenya White investigation. The Hamilton County School System has begun the process of revoking their charter. This involves issues over teacher licenses at the school. The school system believes almost half of Chattanooga Prep teachers are not licensed to teach their subjects. This could mean that…