Americans caught in escalating violence in Mexico

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Widespread violence unfolding in parts of Mexico is impacting not only local citizens but also tourists, including Americans visiting popular vacation destinations. News 12 spoke with two U.S. citizens who were in Mexico when the violence escalated. As chaos unfolded, one traveler was able to catch a flight back to the United States Sunday night. Another,…

Tennessee ranks 8th worst in nation for dangerous drivers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new Consumer Affairs analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows Tennessee ranks among the worst states in the country for dangerous drivers. According to the data, Tennessee ranks eighth nationwide for the worst drivers across all age groups. Experts explain that while dangerous driving cannot be attributed to just one generation,…

Grier gets sentenced to 62 more years in prison for murder of Bianca Horton

Andre Grier walking into his sentencing hearing on Monday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga gang member who was convicted in the 2016 murder of a mother was back in court Monday morning. Back in October Andre Grier was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton. He was facing the death penalty for that case. However, an…

Construction begins on new Slygo Road bridge

The Slygo Road bridge over I-24 being closed as GDOT prepares to replace it. DADE COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- One Dade County road is set to be closed for months as a bridge over I-24 is replaced. GDOT says they are replacing the bridge on Slygo Road. That is located near the split of Interstates 24 and 59 in the northern…

AAP Shares Childhood Vaccine Guidance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The American Academy of Pediatrics is sharing new guidance this month aimed at helping parents and caregivers understand how routine childhood vaccinations fit into a child’s early development. The organization says infancy and early childhood represent a key period for building immunity, as the body’s defenses are still maturing and the risk for complications from infectious…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Teachers Meet With Medal of Honor Author

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Inspiration is an important part of education. Some local teachers recently completed a workshop where they learned how to incorporate the values associated with the Medal of Honor into their lesson plans. What they learned is an inspiring example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “With it also being Black History Month, we are highlighting a space…

Firefighter Faces Life-Changing Recovery

TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Manchester firefighter and Tracy City resident, Jay Lankford is continuing a long and difficult recovery after a September motorcycle crash left him with life-changing injuries.  Family members say he underwent multiple extensive surgeries after the wreck. In the moments after the crash, loved ones say their first concern was protecting his children from the…

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…