Seniors Targeted in Romance Scams

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Valentine’s Day approaches, new national research from AARP reveals a significant digital threat to older Americans.  Nearly one in ten adults aged 50 and older have been targeted by an online romantic connection who ultimately asked for money or promoted a cryptocurrency investment.  The study finds that these scams are increasingly sophisticated, often originating from…

Chattanooga Zoo reveals names of Tamarin Twins

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo has officially announced the winning names for its emperor tamarin twins: Basil and Sage. The two male tamarins were born in October and quickly became favorites among zoo visitors and staff. Shortly after their birth, News 12 received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the newborn primates, with masks required to help protect the…

Salvation Army announces Mardi Bra donation supporting unhoused women

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Major Douglas McClure with The Salvation Army in Chattanooga is announcing the organization’s annual Mardi Bra donation drive. This donation event focused on providing undergarments and other essential goods to women experiencing homelessness. The Mardi Bra event will take place Tuesday, February 12. Organizers say the drive is designed to support women in the unhoused community…

First project helped by Chattanooga affordable housing PILOT program breaks ground

The groundbreaking of 702 Manufacturers Road. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For many who work in Chattanooga, finding housing can be a challenge. The city approved a new program last year that looks to put a dent in that issue. That program approved last year was the affordable housing payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT program. This gives developers tax incentives…

School board approves capacity expansion for Skillern Elementary amid opposition

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County school board approved an expansion of capacity for a Soddy-Daisy charter school. They are allowing Skillern Elementary at Ivy Academy to expand their capacity by nearly one hundred students, or a 20 percent expansion over the next two school years. Skillern is the elementary wing of Ivy Academy, which is privately run but publicly…

New Cookie Hits the Menu

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Winter weather and freezing temperatures weren’t enough to delay the highly anticipated 2026 Girl Scout cookie season.  Over the weekend, Girl Scouts, troop leaders, and families gathered at the regional distribution point to pick up their massive supplies of cookies, ensuring the community’s favorite treats stay on schedule despite the icy conditions. Volunteers worked through the…

Golden Apple: Taryn Painter, Apison Elementary

APISON, TN (WDEF) – Each school day Taryn Painter walks into her third-grade classroom at Apison Elementary with energy, patience and a genuine love of teaching. Her students know she believes in them. That makes them work hard and have the confidence to try new things. Ms. Painter’s boundless positivity earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She goes above…

Health Leaders Address Vaccine Concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Health leaders gathered this month for the regional health council meeting to review current respiratory illness trends and discuss ways to strengthen vaccination outreach across the area.  A major focus of the meeting was influenza, as flu activity remains high in Tennessee and across the country. According to data shared during the meeting, nearly 19 million…

Chickamauga mayor’s attorney addresses community questions

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) — The Chickamauga City Council held a special meeting Friday at 4 p.m. to consider removing Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office. Council members have not publicly stated their concerns regarding the mayor. After the meeting was postponed, Mayor Deck addressed a crowd gathered outside City Civic Center. “I’m a Chickamauga boy,” Deck said. “I believe…

Hurd exits congressional bid to focus to State House Race

WHITEFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — As candidates line up in hopes of challenging U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat, one local contender says he is stepping out of the congressional race. Republican candidate Christian Hurd announced he will no longer pursue the congressional bid, saying he does not want to run against fellow Republicans without what he believes is a…

Courthouse site letter stirs opposition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The federal government has been searching for a spot to place their new federal courthouse for some time here in Chattanooga. The General Services Administration says they have the spot they want. However, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly made remarks opposing that spot Monday after receiving a letter from General Services Administrator Edward Forst late last week. In…

CFC Agree to Part Ways With Head Coach Chris Nugent

(press release) — Chattanooga Football Club announced today that it and Head Coach Chris Nugent have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. The club extends its sincere gratitude to Nugent for his commitment to Chattanooga FC. Under his guidance, the team achieved its first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance and laid foundational groundwork for the club’s growth. Nugent joined…

Watson to sponsor bill placing limits on property tax hikes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- After many homeowners saw significant increases in their property taxes last year, one bill is looking to curb that trend. Senator Bo Watson says he is introducing Tennessee Senate Bill 2064. This bill would cap local property tax revenue increases at the inflationary rate, with a max rise of six percent over three years. If a local…

Update given on two Chattanooga wastewater projects

The storage tanks off of I-75 in Chattanooga as of February 2, 2026. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We received an update on a pair of wastewater projects in Chattanooga. Mark Heinzer, who oversees the city’s wastewater department, says that the project to upgrade the Moccasin Bend wastewater facility has fallen slightly behind schedule. This project would upgrade both the processing of…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga IT Pathways Hackathon

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Some of the sharpest local minds recently came together for the Chattanooga I-T Pathways Hackathon. It was a chance to shape the future of our region’s tech workforce. Making sure that students learn the skills they need to land good jobs upon graduation is an important example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “So today we are…

Local viewers capture snow across the area

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local viewers shared these snowy snapshots from neighborhoods across the area. From quiet backyards to snow-covered streets, today’s winter weather made for some beautiful scenes. Thank you to everyone who sent in photos and let us take a look through your lens. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: Local News, snow photos, snow pics

Heavy Stones Claim 5th Skillet Curling Title

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Every year, Chattanooga comes together for one of its quirkiest and most beloved traditions… Skillet Curling.  Inspired by the Olympic sport but played with cast iron skillets, the seventh annual tournament wrapped up this past Thursday through Sunday afternoon at the First Horizon Pavilion, drawing teams, fans, and plenty of friendly competition. This year’s championship saw…

Research Shows Ways to Protect Pets

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A recent survey from the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) shows that many pet owners delay professional care, highlighting ways families can help their pets live longer, healthier lives. The research found that 55% of pet owners wait until their pets are sick or in pain before visiting a veterinarian.  In addition, 61% rely on social…

Chattanooga Zoo is offering families a chance to save this month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Zoo officials announced a 15% discount on annual memberships for the entire month of February. The online promotional code MEMBER15 applies to both new memberships and renewals. Memberships give families unlimited access to the Zoo for one full year, making it easier to visit year-round and stay connected with wildlife from around the world. Jake Cash,…

Crowd concerns prompt Chickamauga Mayor removal meeting postponement

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Chickamauga City Council held a special meeting on Friday at 4 p.m. to consider removing Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office. Council members have not publicly stated their concerns regarding the mayor. As residents formed a line outside, many said they simply wanted clarity about what was happening. Chickamauga resident Nina Brown said she…

TDOT reports improving conditions after snowfall

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As conditions developed, crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation moved into position and began monitoring travel routes across eastern Tennessee. Officials say teams were deployed as early as midnight to track changing road conditions and respond where needed. Although Hamilton County experienced only light snowfall, other parts of the region saw heavier impacts. TDOT Communications…

Big Game giveaway

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- There are plenty of places to watch the game, News 12s Brian Armstrong takes us on a trip to one. Tags: Sports, Twin Peaks, Watch party