Rhea County Animal Shelter hosts Run for the Rescues Fundraiser

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Rhea County Animal Shelter is inviting the community to lace up their running shoes for a cause that goes beyond the finish line. The shelter is hosting a fundraiser called Run for the Rescues to help raise money for a new addition to its existing building. The expansion will allow the shelter to continue…

Brush fire contained and put out

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Sunday the Red Bank firefighters responded to a brush fire located around the 600 block of Highway 27S. According to the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, around noon, motorists traveling south on Highway 27 noticed fire spreading up the hill. Tri-State Mutual Aid Association says that the fire began traveling quickly due to the strong…

Temporary Pocket Plaza opens as Skate Park Construction continues

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As construction continues on the Chattanooga Skate Park, Cassette Skateshop has opened what they are calling a Pocket Plaza. The temporary skating area is now open to the skating community while the new park is being built. News 12 stopped by to speak with local skaters who say the space is filling an important gap. “Nick…

Con Nooga brings fandom to the Chattanooga Convention Center

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)  – Con Nooga made its return to the Chattanooga Convention Center today, drawing thousands of fans together to celebrate pop culture, gaming, anime, and all things fandom. Attendees filled the convention floor in elaborate costumes, showcasing their favorite characters from movies, television, comics, and video games. Grace Barth, dressed as Glinda from Wicked, proudly shared details about…

Injured Firefighter Welcomed Home with Outpouring of Support

TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) After spending more than 20 years protecting his community, a local firefighter is now leaning on that same community for support. Jay was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that changed his life. Now recovering and preparing to return home, he’s facing a new chapter filled with adjustments — including learning to navigate life in a…

McCallie Wins Rubber Match Against Baylor 58-53

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After splitting their regular season matchups, Baylor and McCallie hooked up for a third time Friday in their East Region tournament. The Blue Tornado prevailed by a final of 58-53. Trell Knight had a big three-pointer with roughly 2:30 to play t o put McCallie up six, and it gave the Blue Tornado enough cushion for the win. Categories:…

Half-priced tickets for college students at the Tennessee Aquarium

Alison Pryor joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX Theatre shows a handful of educational nature documentaries this month.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – February is a busy month at the Tennessee Aquarium as they are running a special promotion for their College Days season and a collection of new documentaries now playing on their IMAX screen. College…

TechByte: Space Age Tech could bring new mobility aids

Robotic components have reached a price point where you don’t have to be NASA to build something really cool. On this week’s Tech Byte we look at space age technology, and how it could help regular folks like us. Even astronauts can struggle to stay in shape… So, researchers are developing robotic space pants to help crews move more naturally…

Vols Introduce New Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles

(utsports.com) – Jim Knowles takes the reins of the Tennessee football defense in 2026, and he will do it with several familiar faces by his side. Knowles was one of four new defensive assistant coaches who met with the media on Thursday afternoon, one month before the Volunteers begin spring practice. Co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Anthony Poindexter and LEOs coach Andrew Jackson worked…

Titans Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll Ready to Work With QB Cam Ward

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Brian Daboll is getting the chance to work with Cam Ward — even if it took a year longer than he might have wanted. Daboll was officially introduced as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator on Wednesday and developing last year’s No. 1 overall pick will be a big part of that role. Daboll was head coach of the Giants last season, when…

Hamilton County commission to get final say on term limits

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The topic of whether or not Hamilton County elected officials should have term limits was up for a vote at Wednesday afternoon’s commission meeting. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp had proposed this to be done through a referendum, as both the county mayor and commissioners would be term limited to three four year terms. However, the path…

Y-CAP Program Supports Youth Success

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The YMCA Community Action Project, known locally as Y‑CAP, is an early‑intervention and prevention program in Chattanooga that serves young people ages 10 to 15 who have been referred by the Hamilton County school system or the juvenile court system because of academic, behavioral, or social challenges.  Since its founding in 1998, the program has provided…

Ash Wednesday Sparks Faith Renewal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Church bells rang across Chattanooga this morning as parishioners gathered at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul to mark Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season.  The service brought together people of all ages for reflection and prayer. Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of 40 days and 40 nights of reflection, repentance, and spiritual…

New Hangar Project Takes Off

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – West Star Aviation leaders and Hamilton County officials broke ground on a major expansion that will significantly increase the company’s operational capacity. West Star Aviation operates multiple facilities across the U.S. and has been expanding its presence in Chattanooga to meet growing demand. The project includes a 40,000-square-foot hangar, 50,000 square feet of shop and office…

Don’t suffer a broken heart during Heart Month with the Chattanooga Heart Institute

Dr. William Warren joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to discuss heart health during ‘American Heart Month’ in February. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – February is Heart Month and the Chattanooga Heart Institute is reminding everyone that they provide care for various individuals with heart concerns. Heart issues are caused by factors like obesity playing a serious role in overall health and…

Pancake Race Celebrates Shrove Tuesday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students at St. Nicholas Elementary School celebrated Shrove Tuesday with their third annual pancake race, a tradition that blends faith, learning, and hands-on fun. The morning began with a chapel gathering introducing the meaning of Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent in many Christian communities. Following the reflection, fifth-grade…