Cirque du Soleil Brings Dazzling Extravaganza to Chattanooga

Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling show has made its way to Chattanooga, and News 12 had the chance to go behind the scenes to see what makes this show so extraordinary. “What you can expect is a little bit of everything. We mix a lot of high-level acrobats; we’ve got a seven-piece band with a singer, and we have two Olympians…

East Ridge, Collegedale come together for Helene relief

  A caravan leaving East RIdge to take donated supplies for Hurricane Helene victims to Collegedale. COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- The death toll from Hurricane Helene is now at least 223 across the Southeast. There are still hundreds missing. As communities to our east try to begin the process of recovery, many in the Chattanooga area have gathered to help. The…

Big Soddy Daisy Offensive Line Paving the Way For Trojans Offense

Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF-TV) Soddy Daisy features a huge offensive line this season, and they’ve been paving the way for a tremendous Trojans ground game. The big fellas are even enjoying the attention they’re getting from their outstanding play in the trenches. Brian Armstrong caught up with the Trojans big men. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Football, High School…

Local Businessman Rick Davis indicted on Theft charges

He operates Rick's Gold and Diamonds on Brainerd Road

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A longtime fixture on local TV commercials has been indicted by a grand jury. Rick Davis operates “Rick’s Gold and Diamonds” on Brainerd Road. The 70 year old businessman is charged with theft. The indictment lists eight victims. It accuses Davis of stealing thousands of dollars from each. Specifically, the indictments claim he obtained property from the victims…

Port strike reaction

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– A port strike along the east and gulf coast is worrying citizens as it could become one of America’s most disruptive work stoppages in recent times. We spoke with individuals from the Chattanooga area about how they think this possible shortage could affect them. Charlotte Mcnabb, a Chattanooga resident said, “We’re in a fortunate group that we’ll…

Dread Hollow promises even more scares than the year before

Todd Patton and Josh Philpott join News 12’s Chip Chapman to preview this scary season’s Dead Hollow. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Dread Hollow returns with a promise of a bigger and more frightening experience than last year. Todd Patton has been in the haunted house business for over 30 years and still finds a new screaming thrill in it each…

What Ring of Power can you properly wield?

Viewers ask what is the best activity tracker ring so we have to call in some super hero help.

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Todays Tech Byte comes from viewer mail.  Eric asks us for help deciding on the best sleep ring.  We called in all the experts but unfortunately Hal Jordan is out celebrating his 65th anniversary.  Fortunately, that’s not the only superhero we know. Our research to find the best sleep ring was aided by competitive body builder and…

Baylor-McCallie Rivalry Just Another Game (Not Really)

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor and McCallie broke out the hype videos this week for their football game Friday. But doesn’t this rivalry have enough hype already? Apparently not. Six years go, Baylor assistant Eric Westmoreland broke out the boom box in practice blasting the song ‘Rapper’s Delight’. Seems everyone is rappin’ to the beat for this annual showdown. Fans in the stands…

Dave Staley honored with state proclamation

Dave Staley being presented with a state proclamation alongside Sen. Bo Watson, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, his wife Gin Staley, and News 12’s Chip Chapman. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A longtime News 12 and Chattanooga TV personality received a large honor Thursday.Senator Bo Watson presented our own Dave Staley with a proclamation honoring his television work in Chattanooga. Originally arriving in Chattanooga…

Officials discuss government response to Helene

Destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. (Courtesy: MGN) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There are now over two hundred deaths from Hurricane Helene across the Southeast. As recovery efforts continue to escalate, some are asking if the government is doing enough in their response. As the scope of the Helene disaster continues to escalate just to our east, the job of many now…

TVA holds meeting to discuss future plans

The T-V-A has begun their open comment process on a draft plan for the future. The draft of the 20-25 Integrated Resources Plan is the topic of discussion for T-V-A’s Regional Energy Resource Council. The plan highlights how T-V-A wants to invest their resources over the next few decades to meet increasing demand. They also say they’re taking into account…

Chattanooga welcomes new fire station to Eastdale

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Community members came together this evening  to celebrate the opening of Fire Station 15 in Eastdale .  Chattanooga’s new Fire stations will provide service to community members in the area.  The 5 Million dollar project took years in the making.  This new facility includes updated features such as a new kitchen, gym, showers, and sleeping rooms.  “I…

White Oak Bicycle Co-Op needs more bike donations

HAMILTON COUNTY,Tenn. (WDEF)- White Oak Bicycle Co-Op is well on its way to distributing more than 700 bikes in 2024.  “We have given away 516 bikes this year to different community organizations like metropolitan ministries, bridge refugee services, as well as Hamilton County Schools,” said Ben Richards, Operations Director at White Oak Bicycle Co-Op White Oak Bicycle Co-Op  is a…

Thursday Throwback: Elevator Operator

A lot of jobs that your grandparents had don’t exist anymore. We used to have milkmen that delivered milk to your door. We used to have switchboard operators who routed phone calls. And don’t forget the projectionists who used to load the films at the movie theater. Well we found another one of those disappearing jobs for this week’s Thursday…

Chattanooga Police recover 10,000 fentanyl pills during search warrant

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Police (CPD) uncovered a significant amount of drug paraphernalia and firearms after conducting a search warrant. On October 2, 2024, the CPD Gun Team, SWAT, Narcotics Unit, K-9, Drone Team, and Neighborhood Policing, searched the 500 block of North Hawthorne Street. This search warrant was in relation to multiple shooting investigations back in April. During…

Dalton Police investigating truck theft

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) —  The Dalton Police Department (DPD) is asking the public to help them identify a man who stole a pickup truck. The suspect stole the vehicle in the morning hours of September 27, 2024, at 737 Riverbend Road. DPD reported the victim parked his 2000 red Ford F-150 outside Loa Bakery and went inside the store for…

Two hospitalized after vehicle crash on Standifer Gap Road

The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department responded to an accident on Standifer Gap Road last night. Standifer Gap Vehicle Crash / Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department A motor vehicle accident left individuals injured just after 7:00 Wednesday. A vehicle went off the road and down an embankment. First responders found the vehicle on fire in the woods. Thankfully, both of the passengers…

The Barn Nursery delivers trailer of donations for Hurricane Helene relief

Cole Webster from The Barn Nursery joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as he talks about donating supplies and aiding in relief efforts to Hurricane Helene victims. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Now with 190 known deaths following the devastating Hurricane Helene, The Barn Nursery is stepping up and driving trailer load after trailer load of supplies to aid in disaster relief….

Twiggy, the water skiing squirrel, splashes her way to the Fried Pickle Festival

Shannon Wright joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the Fried Pickle Festival and brought some friends, “Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel.” DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) – The Fried Pickle Festival promises tons of fried pickles, family fun, and furry critters with a knack for water sports. The North Georgia Fairgrounds in Dalton, GA welcomes Touch the Sky Events’ annual Fried…

Baylor Beats Rival GPS 3-0

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a battle of the previous two soccer state champions in Division II AA on Wednesday, Baylor defeated rival GPS 3-0. The Lady Raiders punched one home on a penalty kick in the first half, and then they tacked on two more goals in the second half for the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – Soccer…

Chattanooga Mocs Digging New Football Facility

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) UTC opened their new football building last month. The 36-million-dollar project also included upgrades to the adjoining McKenzie Arena. The modern facility has the Mocs feeling like they’re among the big boys of college football. Said defensive lineman Quay Wiggles:”I have been waiting a long time for this to be done.” The waiting is the hardest part as Tom…

ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF)- Things are getting spooky around the Tennessee Aquarium during ODDtober. This is a month-long celebration of strange creatures from around the world and in our own backyard. Some events you can plan to see are underwater pumpkin carving and even trick or treat fun. Come learn about all the odd facts about the aquarium animals and look for all the…