CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One local high school is being recognized for going above and beyond in preparing students for civic responsibility. Lookout Valley High School is now among a select group of Tennessee schools to receive the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award, a statewide honor recognizing schools that register 100 percent of eligible students to vote. The Tennessee Secretary…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A major expansion is coming to Hamilton County’s Veterans Service Office, Mayor Weston Wamp announced today. A third Veteran Service Officer will be added, giving the VSO its largest team in the history of Hamilton County. They are exploring the possibility of opening another satellite location in the future. Right now, they have offices in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Three bronze plaques were stolen from a Chattanooga national military park Sunday. At 12:01 p.m., May 4, 2025, two white males removed three bronze plaques from the Sherman Reservation on Missionary Ridge. The plaques are valued at $18,000. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the males were driving a late 90s – early 2000s model…
Scott Chase with KZ106 joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as he gets ready to host an inaugural golfing event. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local radio legend Scott Chase with KZ106 is holding an inaugural golf tournament in support of the Forgotten Child Fund. The Scott Chase Scramble will be on May 19 at The Ooltewah Club. One of the grand…
Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF-TV) Red Bank beat Soddy Daisy 2-1 to claim their district tournament title on Monday. Sean Brune had an RBI single in the top of the first, and then the Lions added another run on an error in the top of the fourth. That’s all the offense they needed to claim the championship. Categories: Sports – Local Sports…
South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) S outh pittsburg pitcher Kaylee Kilgore signed with Chatt State on Monday. She’s likely the most prolific pitcher in Pirates history. Kilgore is the school’s all-time strikeouts leader with 755, and she holds the record for most K’s in a season with 283. Kilgore currently has 205 strikeouts this season, which is tops in the state for…
Long-time softball coach Norma Nelson notched another milestone win on Monday. She collected her 900th career victory as East Hamilton beat Howard 10-6 in their district tournament. Nelson has been a high school softball coach for nearly 40-years between East Ham, Gordon Lee, and Ooltewah. She won the state crown with the Lady Owls in 2008. Categories: Sports – Local…
Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) The best season in Ringgold soccer history came to a close on Monday afternoon. The Tigers lost to Shaw 2-0 in the second round of the state playoffs. The game was moved to Monday after inclement weather on Friday. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – An elite group of young changemakers was honored this weekend at the largest Carson Scholars Fund celebration in the organization’s history. More than 1,500 students across the nation—each demonstrating outstanding academic performance and a commitment to serving others—were recognized as 2025 Carson Scholars. Each scholar receives a $1,000 college scholarship, an Olympic-sized medal, and a certificate…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) is investigating a drive by shooting that occurred at a local hospital. At 4:35 p.m., May 5, 2025, ERPD responded to 941 Spring Creek Road (Park Ridge East Hospital) on reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers began securing the scene. According to ERPD, three unknown suspects arrived in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga gang member charged with killing a mother in 2016 to prevent her from testifying in a murder trial was back in court Monday. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Andre Grier, who is charged with first degree murder in the death of Bianca Horton. Horton was set to testify against Cortez Sims, who…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Chattanooga teacher has pleaded guilty to federal charges after investigators say he tried to exploit two students, ages twelve and fourteen. Federal prosecutors say the former East Lake Academy and Chattanooga Prep teacher used his position of trust to target two young students with inappropriate messages. The investigation began in February 2023, when a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new change order could raise the cost of restoring Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge by more than $630,000. If approved, that would bring the total renovation price tag to roughly $35.3 million. The increase comes after contractors discovered more deterioration than expected in the bridge’s support strands—damage that wasn’t visible until crews began work earlier this…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local council meeting this week brought renewed attention to the future of children’s health and education in Hamilton County. Presenters introduced two key programs—each aiming to build a stronger, healthier generation. From the dentist’s chair to the classroom, these community-led initiatives are betting big on long-term change. Dr. Andy Thomas with the Hamilton County Health…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga police are investigating a homicide that occurred on I-24 eastbound near the Westside Drive exit. At 2:57 a.m., May 4, 2025, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 18100 block of I-24 on reports of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a 22-year-old male inside a vehicle with life-threatening injuries. EMS…
MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A former Murray County bus driver has been arrested by the GBI for grooming a minor. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the GBI was asked by the Murray County Sheriff’s Office to investigate Kenneth Knight. Knight was a former employee of the Murray County School system, and was being investigated on allegations of having inappropriate…
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will not seek the GOP nomination in next year’s Georgia Senate race, a key contest for control of Congress’ upper chamber as Republicans look to unseat vulnerable Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. In a post on X, Kemp said, “Being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family.” He added that…
The Real ID deadline is rapidly approaching. Americans will be required to switch to the enhanced form of identification by Wednesday, May 7, if they want to travel by plane domestically. If you still need to update your ID you’re not alone: CBS data shows that dozens of states are behind on compliance. An analysis conducted from April 7-18 found that 30…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Former Chattanooga Prep teacher Kenya White has agreed to plead guilty to enticement of a child in federal court. He signed a plea agreement last week. In the agreement, White admits to enticing two victims over the last year. One was a seventh grader at East Lake Academy. The second was a student at Chattanooga Prep…
TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF) — A Dade County man has been found guilty of child molestation. The conviction of Jesse Miles Seals was followed by a two day trial that was held April 21, 2025 through April 22. During the trial the victim testified, describing several inappropriate interactions with Seals. The victim stated this started when Seals was dating their older…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Cleveland High School continues to excel both in and out of the classroom. This year, two graduating seniors are taking their achievements to the next level. Both are heading to an Ivy League university. Their success serves as an inspiration for other students to dream big and pursue academic excellence. Robert Hanley visited Cleveland High School…
Robert Davis with Shop the Market At joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as they get ready for a month-long lineup in May. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Shop the Market At has an exciting large event each weekend of May with plenty of things to do and vendors to shop from! Mother’s Day is right around the corner and Shop the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the heart of our community, Fur Mama is doing more than just rescuing animals—it’s providing a specific kind of care that’s often overlooked: neonatal support for orphaned puppies and kittens. Neonatal animals, often just days old and without their mothers, require around-the-clock care. Without trained support, their chances of survival are slim. “Neonatal care in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It was a flavorful weekend at Camp Jordan as the 4th Annual Chattanooga Taco Festival took over East Ridge. Despite one day being canceled due to weather, everyone still came out to enjoy the beautiful, sunny Sunday. From sizzling street tacos to sweet treats and handcrafted goods, the festival offered something for everyone. Families enjoyed live…