Tiny new friends at the Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Exciting update for all you animal lovers out there. The Chattanooga Zoo has some new residents—and they’re already stealing hearts. The zoo has welcomed not one, but four new fennec foxes to its family. Known for their distinctive, oversized ears and adorable demeanor, these desert dwellers are already becoming a big hit with visitors. The four…

Financial experts consider Household bills low in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Financial experts found Chattanooga to be the lowest cost of living for household bills.   “Our average rents and mortgage rates here in the Tennessee Valley are probably 20% lower than the national average, which is helpful. In addition, thanks to TVA and our proximity to TVA, our electric bill here is about 25% lower than the national…

Debris from I-24 bridge causes emergency lane closures

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Fallen debris from the I-24 bridge above Dodds Avenue has caused emergency lane closures. CDOT reported that East 24th Street will have multiple lane closures while the bridge undergoes Emergency Road Closures for Bridge above Dodds Avenue / CDOT inspection and repair. Chattanooga Police are assisting with two-way traffic. There is potential of a full closure…

Chattanooga Police provide update on 153 fatal crash

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) has released more information about the serious crash on Highway 153 Friday. CPD stated that the crash was fatal. CPD’s preliminary investigation reveals the crash occurred at the 280 block of Highway 153 at 6:23 a.m. A Kenworth AA, being driven by a 49-year-old man, had entered Highway 153 South Bound…

Chattanooga Police respond to shots fired near Brainerd High School

  BRAINERD, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to shots fired outside of Brainerd High School over the weekend. At 6:15 p.m. December 14, 2024, CPD officers were working at a basketball game being held at Brainerd High School when one officer heard shots being fired outside. CPD stated the officers searched the area for…

2 killed, suspect dead in school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, police say

CHICAGO (CBS) — Two people were killed and a suspect was found dead in a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday morning. Just before 11 a.m. Madison police responded to a shooting at the private school located at 4901 East Buckeye Road. There was a large police presence at the school with multiple emergency vehicles in the parking…

Three dead, one arrested after fatal crash in Bachman Tunnel

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Three are dead and an arrest has been made after a fatal crash in the Bachman Tunnel Saturday morning. The East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) responded to reports of a serious single car crash inside Bachman Tunnel. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered three people who were deceased. They were identified as the following:…

Deputy struck, suspect killed in Catoosa County standoff

  CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy was struck and a suspect was killed after attempting to escape a standoff in a vehicle. At 10:25 p.m., December 15, 2024, CCSO deputies responded to 641 Karen Drive on shots fired reports along with a female screaming. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a black…

Be dazzled from above and below with the holidays at Ruby Falls

Jaclyn Lewis joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview exciting holiday opportunities coming to Ruby Falls this season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Ruby Falls has decorated above the largest cave waterfall and brought holiday spirit to the iconic castle and plaza. The iconic massive Christmas tree returns to the front of Ruby Falls, marking it as landmark as soon as visitors…

PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry’s first Miracle on 11th Street event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry hosted its first annual Miracle on 11th Street event. PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry was officially created in 2019 as a ministry with St. Elmo United Methodist Church. Over the last few years, the small organization has grown into a ministry that provides meals for the homeless community all year round. Now, Mike Rice,…

Sizzling competition and holiday joy at the Convention Center

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Convention Center brought some competition for food lovers and culinary enthusiasts this afternoon accompanied by some holiday shopping for all.  The 24th annual Chattanooga Cast Iron Cooking Competition returned this year with even more heat.  Chefs and home cooks went head-to-head to showcase their culinary skills, all while celebrating the versatility of cast iron…

Sylvan Learning sharing ways to show gratitude

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This holiday season, Sylvan Learning of Chattanooga is spreading Christmas joy in a unique way by combining education with festive cheer. Sylvan Learning Center is here to provide support in subjects like math, reading, writing, and even college prep. With a reputation for boosting confidence and improving grades, the center offers customized learning plans to meet…

The City of Red Bank’s annual Christmas parade

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the City of Red Bank held its annual Christmas festival this afternoon, followed by its beautiful parade. Holiday festivities are in full swing, as community members celebrate by participating in festivals and parades all throughout Tennessee. This afternoon, Red Bank held its festival at Red Bank City Park, located at 3817. There were over 30…

Red Bank invites feedback on former Red Bank Middle School site

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Red Bank hosted a “Public Input Pop-Up” at its Christmas Festival, inviting locals to vote on concepts for the former Red Bank Middle School site. The 12-acre site at 3715 Dayton Blvd has been part of the ongoing planning efforts since discussions began over a decade ago. The project officially launched in 2024,…

Farzier Avenue vehicle fire cause

The Frazier Avenue fire a month ago has a cause. An electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular. Shawn Stiger a senior insurance agent says, “We are seeing a lot more Teslas, we are seeing a lot more E.V’s, we are seeing a lot more in production. We are seeing a lot of Cyber Trucks throughout town too. Claim…

Orange Grove, Chattanooga State celebrates new CNAs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Orange Grove and Chattanooga State came together to celebrate the new class of Certified Nursing Assistants on Friday.  “In January of this year, we launched a CNA course in conjunction with Chattanooga State, and today is our first annual pinning ceremony for all of the CNAs that were direct support professionals at Orange Grove, and have now…

City councilwoman Dr. Carol Berz unexpectedly passes away

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The City of Chattanooga has announced the passing of City councilwoman Dr. Carol Berz. According to the city, Dr. Berz died of unexpected natural causes Wednesday. Dr. Berz served on the council for 16 years, representing District 6. The city states that her family requests that the community respects their privacy at this time. In lieu…