News 12 is recognizing first responders for their dedication to the community. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, their service plays a crucial role in keeping people safe, often during their most vulnerable moments. This month, the community has come together to recognize the exceptional service of Tyler Ellis, a Paramedic Field Training Officer at Puckett…
UPDATE (3/14/2025): We’re now hearing from Hamilton County Schools regarding Chattanooga Preparatory School’s graduating class. “Our top priority is supporting the students at Chattanooga Prep and safeguarding their academic progress. We are currently verifying senior credits and taking any necessary corrective actions to ensure that the Senior Class will graduate on-time. We are hopeful that all 50 seniors will graduate…
Forty years ago, the news in our area was very much like today. But some wasn’t. For our Thursday Throwback, we take a look back at what was making news in March of 1985. And see how many 80’s pop stars you can identify in the “We Are The World” video! Categories: From The Archives Tags: From The Archives, Thursday…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing big problems from the Kenya White investigation. The Hamilton County School System has begun the process of revoking their charter. This involves issues over teacher licenses at the school. The school system believes almost half of Chattanooga Prep teachers are not licensed to teach their subjects. This could mean that…
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has been arrested after accidentally dropping meth inside an elementary school in Walker County. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a Walker County Schools employee found a plastic baggie in the floor of North LaFayette Elementary School, just inside the main entryway. The bag contained a suspicious substance, and was turned over to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fire personnel in our area are working around the clock to fight and contain wildfires. Red Bank At 12:30 a.m., The Red Bank Fire Department (RBFD) responded to 1010 Hiram Avenue on reports of a brush fire. Upon arrival, crews located a working brush fire. According to the city of Red Bank, crews relocated to 20…
UPDATE: Employees voiced their frustration with the layoffs at a rally Thursday afternoon in front of Volkswagen’s main entrance. A year ago, workers at VW voted by a nearly 3 to 1 margin to unionize in hopes that a bargaining contract would bring them more financial security and benefits. However, Thursday’s news left many of them wondering if they will…
Tiffany Miller joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the returning Coffee & Cocoa Festival coming to Catoosa County. CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – While the last of the cold weather starts to fade out, now’s the time to enjoy some cozy, hot drinks before the spring heat kicks in! Charlotte Grace Events is bringing back their successful Coffee…
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Legendary McMinn Central girls head basketball coach Johnny Morgan announced his retirement following the Chargerettes loss in the state quarterfinals to Loretto on Wednesday. Morgan served as the McMinn Central head coach for 47 seasons, posting an incredible 1,107-397 record. Said Morgan:”I’ve got 397 losses. Anybody else in the history have them many losses? 397 losses. I’m quitting…
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) McMinn Central’s fantastic season came to an end in the state quarterfinals on Wednesday in Murfreesboro. The Chargerettes lost to Loretto 59-48. McMinn Central couldn’t get the shots to drop, shooting just 24-percent for the game, while Loretto hit over 50-percent of their shots. Miss Basketball finalist Karina Bystry fouled out in the fourth quarter, but she still…
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Copper Basin lost to Richland 45-25 in the state basketball quarterfinals on Wednesday in Murfreesboro. It was the Cougars first ever appearance in the state tournament. Copper Basin couldn’t find their shooting touch. They scored only 10 points in the first half and were down 14 at the break. In the final quarter, the Cougars managed only one…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Officials have issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, meaning pollution levels have reached levels that could pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions are especially vulnerable. Experts are urging residents to limit prolonged outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercise outside to reduce exposure to harmful…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – We have the latest updates on the recent brush fires in Walker County, Georgia, and important wildfire prevention tips to help safeguard our communities. As of this morning, the brush fires that spanned a four-mile stretch from Rossville to near Chickamauga in northern Walker County have been contained. The fires, which ignited yesterday, were reportedly sparked…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Sewage capacity in rural Hamilton County has long been a point of contention. A resolution proposed by Commissioner Gene-O Shipley of Soddy-Daisy would require all onsite wastewater treatment facilities in the county to be under the ownership of the WWTA. This is as developers say they want to come up with their own solution to rural…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– Discussion is continuing about how cuts to the federal Department of Education will affect local schools. Doors were closed at the Department’s office today in Washington as Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced they were beginning cuts to staff. There has been ongoing debate here in Hamilton County as to how education will be affected by the potential…
ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) — It’s a premier paintball, airsoft, and nerf facility in Rossville Georgia. Insane Paintball started serving customers in 2000. If you are looking for a location to have a birthday party or just a fun afternoon with friends Insane Paintball has plenty of options. Today with are featuring the 24-acre playing facility in this week’s Driving our…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County officials announced the launch of the Overdose Prevention Team (OPT) Wednesday. OPT is a new program aimed at saving lives and connecting individuals to long-term recovery resources. This program is operating through two Quick Response Vehicles, designed to bring life-saving medications for opioids use disorder directly to those in crisis. OPT will also…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A male suspect has been arrested after leading authorities on a pursuit in a stolen EPB vehicle. At 12:34 p.m., March 12, 2025, Chattanooga Police responded to the 1000 block of Central Avenue for reports of a vehicle theft. An officer with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) located and stopped the vehicle in the 3100 block…
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fire crews are working to contain an active wildfire in Marion County. Mullins Cove Volunteer Fire Department (MCVFD) responded to the area of the Grandview Church of God at 7:18 a.m. for reports of a fire. According to the state’s website, the fire has spread 5 acres and is 50 percent contained. A forestry team…
ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) – We have 15 local schools on the under-performing list in the state of Georgia. And that means parents of those students can apply to get state money to send their kids to private schools instead. It’s part of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. The schools that qualify for the alternative scholarships are the bottom 25% in a…
WALKER COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The brush fires in northern Walker County are contained as of this morning. According to Walker County officials, fire and smoke will still be seen within the containment zone. Fire officials expect this to last through Thursday, March 13, 2025. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors. Fire officials are actively monitoring the…
Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about some exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences being offered this season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s spring break season and plenty of families are making their way to the Tennessee Aquarium to make new memories and have new interactive experiences. This season, the aquarium is hosting Surprise and Delight…
Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to get students excited for an exciting spring break. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring break is nearly here for Hamilton County Schools and the Creative Discovery Museum is continuing the learning with a fun filled camp. During the camp, kids will get to explore the museum and interact…
Tennessee held their pro day on Rocky Top on Tuesday. Running back Dylan Sampson ditched his shirt to run the forty. You don’t want any drag when you’re looking to go fast. Sampson clocked a 4.46 forty, and he was happy about his time. Said Sampson:”I feel good. Anytime you run a 4.4 or 4.3 that I was looking to…