Golden Apple Award: Lauren Gillot, North Hamilton Elementary School

SALE CREEK, TN (WDEF) – Hard-working, caring and understanding, those are the superlatives that parents use to describe Lauren Gillot. Every morning, she greets her students at North Hamilton Elementary with a smile right when they walk through the door. That’s the kind of teacher we love to feature in our Golden Apple report. Jacquie Hauth is the Principal at…

Bird Flu Outbreak Drives Egg Prices to Record Highs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– Egg prices have shocked many shoppers recently, as they’ve reached about $7 per dozen in Tennessee. This price surge is largely due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has led to the deaths of millions of chickens across the country, causing severe disruptions in egg production. Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Haley Treadway explains the…

Cancer advocates push for biomarker testing in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)—Over 50 cancer advocates, including patients, survivors, and caregivers, gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol today to speak with legislators about the importance of biomarker testing in cancer treatment. The advocates, representing the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), emphasized how this testing can save crucial time in a patient’s fight against cancer. Currently, 20 states…

Pastor says controversial sermon is being taken out of context

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-A Chattanooga pastor is at the center of controversy after his sermon this past Sunday went viral on social media. Dr. Steve Caudle is the lead pastor at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church. He also holds a seat on the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency Commission. He is in the middle of a firestorm after comments made on…

Renewal by Anderson of Chattanooga Donates Windows to Habitat for Humanity in Support of Affordable Housing

In a generous act of community support, Renewal by Anderson of Chattanooga has donated a significant number of windows to Habitat for Humanity. The donation is set to help in the building of affordable homes for families in need. “We do a lot of giving back to the community. We recently held a coat drive downtown, and donating these windows…

Church Voter Guide Provides Essential Information as Early Voting for Chattanooga Municipal Election Begins

Early voting for the 20-25 Chattanooga Municipal Election begins tomorrow, and the Church Voter Guide is here to help. The organization aims to educate voters on where candidates stand on key issues, providing accessible information to help you make informed decisions. The guide can be found online at Vote-Chattanooga-dot-org. “We want to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions…

Chattanooga Launches Community Input Platform

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is taking a major step toward community-driven change with the launch of the Engage Chattanooga platform – a new way for residents to have a direct voice in shaping their neighborhoods. And first on the agenda? The future of our community centers. To better meet the needs of Chattanooga community members, the city government is…

Two suspects indicted by grand jury for child sex crimes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Hamilton County Grand Jury indicted two men with rape and child sex crimes. Felix Andres Domingo Chattanooga Police originally arrested Felix Andres Domingo and Pascual Andres Domingo last May when the victim came forward. The arrest affidavit says the victim is a minor who reported that she was two months pregnant from the rapes. Both parties…

Authorities investigating skeletal remains found in Cumberland Co.

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the TBI are investigating skeletal remains found in Crossville over the weekend. On February 8, 2025, at 7:30 a.m., CCSO responded to Westel Road, near the entrance of the Mount Roosevelt Wildlife Management area, on reports of skeletal remains. Upon arrival, deputies, along with CCSO investigators and TBI special…

Ex-jailer sentenced for smuggling, lying about military service

SUMMERVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) —  A former jailer has been sentenced after being caught bringing in contraband and lying about his military service. Nicholas Grindle was caught smuggling drugs and contraband into the Hays Correctional Center where he worked. Nicholas Matthew Grindle Prosecutors say they found he had been taking bribes from inmates to bring in the meth and phones. Grindle…

Special Galentine’s Day performance with Cuatro Cinco

Cuatro Cinco joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as he promotes a special ‘Galentine’s Day’ event this Thursday, Feb. 13 where he will be headlining a show at Mint for couples, ladies, singles, and everyone in between.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WEDF) – For those looking to have a girl’s night out to celebrate Galentine’s Day, Cuatro Cinco is creating a safe, fun…

New developments in the Liner Murder Case

BRADELY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)– After spending two weeks in jail without bond, Mr. Liner appeared in court once again, expecting a ruling on his bond request. We have been closely following the murder case of Charlton Craig Liner for several weeks now. Charlton Craig Liner faces a potential life sentence for the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Karen Liner. However,…

Cancer advocates push for Biomarker testing in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tuesday, more than 50 cancer advocates including patients, survivors, and caregivers will gather at Tennessee’s Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to support a critical bill focused on biomarker testing. This legislation aims to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring by ensuring physicians can access precise and personalized testing for their patients. Maddie Michael, the Government Relations…

Mayor Kelly Addresses Pachyderm Club

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Mayor Tim Kelly met with The Hamilton County Pachyderm Club this afternoon to discuss key concerns regarding financial, safety, and infrastructure throughout the city. The Hamilton County Pachyderm Club is a local political organization affiliated with the National Federation of Pachyderm Clubs, which is connected to the Republican Party. This club focuses on promoting Republican principles,…

Planning Commission Defers Market Street Building

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Regional Planning Agency staff has officially recommended denying the request, citing concerns over the scale and impact of the development in that area.  The proposal aims to rezone the property to allow for a significantly taller structure, but planners say it may not align with the city’s vision for downtown growth. Raquetta Dotley, City Council…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Black History at Bessie Smith Cultural Center

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Black History is much more than a month at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. They have exhibits on African American history, culture, sports and so much more. It’s a great resource for students of all ages and a timeless example of what’s right with our schools. Arthur Benton is the Educational Program Coordinator. He explains, “Here…

Fatal traffic accident claims two lives on Rossville Boulevard

  UPDATE (2/11/2025):   We’re getting new updates on the condition of the Impala’s passenger following the fatal crash on Rossville Boulevard over the weekend. The driver of the Impala died on the scene. However, the passenger was transported to a local hospital with what officials were calling non-life-threatening injuries. According to Chattanooga police, the passenger later died at the hospital….

Pet of the Week: Sky

Sky has been adopted! Tune into Prime News at 7, February 10, 2025 to meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Sky! Sky is a lab/staffy mix who is very sweet. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says Sky was brought to them with 7 two-week old puppies. After the puppies were old enough, they were sent to their forever homes…

Man arrested after double shooting in south Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga man has been arrested after shooting two people over the weekend, leaving them both in the hospital. At approximately 1:03 a.m., February 9, 2025, Chattanooga Police (CPD) officers were dispatched to 5222 Woodland View Circle for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two juvenile victims who had sustained gunshot wounds. One victim…

Expect some “Hearts and Hisses” at the Chattanooga Zoo this weekend!

The Chattanooga Zoo’s Jake Cash, Sam Sanders, and Indigo Montoya the snake joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the upcoming Valentine’s Day themed event “Hearts and Hisses.” CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For those looking for a late Valentine’s Day celebration, the Chattanooga Zoo has the perfect date set up with their “Hearts and Hisses” event. Included with standard admission…