Benton Elementary receives poor inspection report

BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- Concerns are rising in Polk County following a negative health inspection report of Benton Elementary School. According to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health, Benton Elementary scored a 68 on an inspection that was conducted last week. This report described 16 different issues. The report describes the following issues: “Observations & Corrective Actions 4: Muliple…

June Scobee Rodgers Keeps Challenger Memory Alive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –The 28th of January marks 40 years since the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster that claimed the lives of seven astronaut crew members. It was supposed to be a routine mission. The crew was to release a commercial satellite into orbit and observe Haley’s Comet as it passed by. It was the first mission to have a civilian…

TechByte: Artemis Missions Take Humanity Back to the Moon

Humanity is returning to the moon before the end of this decade. On this week’s TechByte, we take a look at the roadmap to earth’s natural satellite. NASA is committed to returning humans to the moon before the close of this decade. The last person to set foot on the moon was Gene Cernan all the way back in 1972….

Wofford Stuffs UTC 81-55

(gomocs.com) – The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team struggled mightily on both ends of the floor during an 81-55 home loss to Wofford during Southern Conference action on Thursday evening inside McKenzie Arena. Chattanooga has now dropped three-straight games and falls to 9-13 overall and finishes the first half of SoCon play at 3-6. Wofford earned its fourth-straight win and…

Calhoun Enjoying Another Successful Season

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) Calhoun beat Heritage on Wednesday to remain unbeaten in region play. Despite that perfect region mark and a 15-2 overall record, Calhoun head basketball coach Vince Layson still feels a little salty. Brian Armstrong explains why. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Calhoun, heritage, High School Basketball

Group of residents oppose Hamilton County Sheriff partnership with ICE

A group of protestors in East Ridge opposed to recent actions of ICE. (Photo by: Astral Shoots) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Since last March, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has voluntarily worked with ICE on immigration enforcement. This has continued, even as ICE has received increased criticisms for violent incidents across the country including last weekend’s shooting death of protestor Alex…

BJ’s Wholesale Club Opening Preview

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – BJ’s Wholesale Club is preparing to open a new location at 401 Northgate Mall Drive, marking the company’s sixth store in Tennessee. The warehouse club will officially begin business, January 30th.  Ahead of the opening, the company held an employee event at the store on Thursday. The location includes an on-site BJ’s Gas station, offering everyday…

Love Without Reason to host Father-Daughter dance

Susan Matthews with ‘Love Without Reason’ joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the organization gets ready to celebrate their 5th annual Father Daughter Dance ahead of Valentine’s Day. This masquerade ball raises funds for victims of human trafficking across the world. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Love Without Reason prevents human trafficking by performing free craniofacial surgeries, and they are hosting…

Bradley Central Downs East Hamilton 55-43

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) After leading by four at halftime, Bradley Central went on to beat East Hamilton 55-43 on Wednesday night at Jim Smiddy Arena. Jayden Haywood led the Hurricanes with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor. Jermiah Brownlow topped the Bears scoring attack with 16 points as well. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Bradley Central, East…

Calhoun Edges Heritage 77-73

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind early, Calhoun rallied to beat Heritage 77-73. Trace Hawkins hit two big free throws with 11 seconds left to help seal the Yellow Jackets victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Calhoun, heritage, High School Basketball

Former Hamilton County Teacher Sentenced for Abuse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Hamilton County teacher, Duane Sanders, was sentenced today for multiple counts of sexual abuse of children following a lengthy investigation. Sanders was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, involving several young victims.  Investigators identified approximately 12 children who disclosed abuse, and forensic interviews were conducted with roughly 23 children, though only…

Romance under the falls at Ruby Falls!

Jaclyn Lewis with Ruby Falls joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the historic area attraction gets ready for Valentine’s Day. ‘Romance at Ruby’ gives couples a chance to celebrate the holiday with special lantern tours! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s the “quiet” season at many tourist attractions, which makes it a perfect time to experience less crowds and enjoy more…

Radon Risks: What Homeowners Need to Know

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF)- Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, could be putting families at risk inside their own homes. Health officials say long-term exposure to radon can cause serious health problems. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. “Since it’s a carcinogen, radon causes the highest number of lung cancer deaths after smoking,” said Ryan…

Tennessee Aquarium offers indoor option during cold weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As temperatures remain extremely low, many children across the area are still out of school. For parents looking for ways to keep their families engaged, the Tennessee Aquarium is offering a warm, educational option indoors. Aquarium officials say being climate controlled makes the facility a popular destination during extreme cold. Alison Pryor, media coordinator for the…

PawPaw’s Ministry helps unhoused community during extreme cold

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Our friends from PawPaw’s Ministry were spotted in Chattanooga today, handing out blankets, hot beverages, and coats to members of the unhoused community. With temperatures remaining well below freezing, the group says their goal is to make sure people have the resources they need to survive the harsh conditions. Founder Mike Rice, also known as PawPaw,…

Baylor Returns to Winning Ways This Season

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After back-to-back losing seasons, the Baylor girls basketball team has found their winning touch again. The Lady Raiders are 14-7 on the season. Brian Armstrong explains how Baylor turned it around this year. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Baylor School, High School Basketball, sports news

Airport Sets New Passenger Record

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Airport broke its all-time passenger record in 2025, serving 632,384 travelers, a 14 percent increase from the year before.  Airport President and CEO April Cameron says the growth reflects more residents choosing to fly out of Chattanooga. Cameron says passengers consistently point to convenience, low-cost parking, fast TSA security lines, and strong customer service…

Electric Crews Answer Extra Call

SEQUACHEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – After completing power restorations in their own service area Sunday evening, crews from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative answered a request for help from other electric cooperatives across Middle Tennessee. Recent winter weather caused damage throughout parts of Middle Tennessee, where freezing rain and ice weighed down trees and power lines.  Falling limbs and downed lines…

Golden Apple Award: Myra Cook, Oakwood Christian Academy

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) – Myra Cook is an institution at Oakwood Christian Academy. She’s been there for more than 25 years. As a music teacher, she inspired countless kids to find their talents and take the stage. That earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She has been at OCA for 27 years this year. And she’s taught kindergarten through…