Record Gun Deaths Reported

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee recorded its highest number of firearm deaths in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The total includes deaths from both homicides and suicides, with firearms now among the leading causes of death for children and teenagers in the state.  In 2023, there were 96 youth fatalities…

City Council members voice concerns, but move ahead on Northgate TIF proposal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The proposal to turn Northgate Mall into a special tax district continues to stir debate.  Northgate Mall’s owner, CBL Properties, says that their sewer system needs to be replaced. It has been in place since the mall opened in the late 1960s, as it was built before the city of Chattanooga annexed the Hixson area. This is…

Tennessee Riverpark to close for six months

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A popular walking bridge along the Tennessee Riverpark is set to close next week in order for it to be replaced. Hamilton County Parks Director Matt Folz explained the project’s necessity. The walking bridge that is between the Boathouse Restaurant and UTC’s football practice field is set to be closed for six months. Folz says that a…

Social media star hits dance floor in support of The Kidney Foundation

News 12 This Morning Exclusive

News 12 This Morning: Shayna Webb (@webbchatts) and Genna Henshaw (Chattanooga Kidney Foundation) join News 12’s Amelia Greer to spread awareness about the annual fundraising campaign, ‘Dare to Dance’ on October 25 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Local celebrities are teaming up to raise money for a great cause. The Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga has…

Faith based film under production in Murray County

MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — If you happened to see a SWAT team in Murray County this week, don’t be alarmed, it was all part of a movie shoot. A new feature film titled “Set Free” is in production, and News 12 got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the action. The project is led by Brandon Cannon, director of Soul…

Operation Outreach hosts 2025 Veterans Appreciation Banquet

ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) — Don’t forget to mark your calendars, because Operation Outreach is inviting the community to honor those who’ve served our nation. The organization will host the 2025 Veterans Appreciation Banquet on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. inside the Walker County Civic Center, located at 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring, Georgia. This year’s…

Governor Lee speaks on explosion, government shutdown during Cleveland visit

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- While attending the grand opening of the new SK Food Plant in Cleveland, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke on the tragic explosion that killed 16 in Hickman and Humphreys Counties in Middle Tennessee. The Sheriffs of those counties announced the names of the victims killed at Accurate Energetic Systems in Bucksnort Monday. That building was leveled Friday…

What’s Right With Our Schools: CGLA Activity Building

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Great things are happening at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. They recently cut the ribbon on their new Student Activity Center. Let’s take a look inside in this week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.”   Dr. Elaine Swafford is the CEO for Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Montessori Elementary at Highland Park She says, “Dr. Elaine Swafford: Today, we…

Wall of the Fallen Ceremony honors lives lost

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hundreds gathered in Chattanooga to honor those who lost their lives serving in the towing and recovery industry. The annual Wall of the Fallen ceremony, hosted by the International Towing and Recovery Museum, serves as one of the industry’s most meaningful traditions. Families from across the country came together to reflect, remember, and share stories about…

Humphreys County Explosion Under Investigation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On October 10, 2025, a massive explosion occurred at the Accurate Energetic Systems facility in McEwen, Tennessee.  The blast was so intense that it was felt miles away, completely destroying the building.  Authorities have confirmed that at least 16 individuals inside the facility are presumed dead at this time. Sheriff Chris Davis described the scene as…

Car accident on Highway 27 just before I-24 West

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This afternoon, News 12 witnessed the aftermath of a car accident on Highway 27, just before the I-24 West, Nashville and Birmingham exit. When going by, we saw that a car was flipped upside down, and the Chattanooga Police Department and Chattanooga Fire Rescue were at the scene. CPD says that have not been notified of…

Injured hiker rescued on Signal Mountain

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) – At 10:51am this morning, the Signal Mountain Fire Department was dispatched to an injured hiker on the Cumberland Trail at Signal Point. According to the office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, responders responded and coordinated a rescue effort that took a little less than three hours and included the use of 3 low-angle rope…

Halloween Fun Returns to Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo is bringing the Halloween spirit back with two festive events this October, one for families and one just for adults. Families can enjoy seven nights of Boo in the Zoo, running October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31 from 4 to 8 p.m.  The family-friendly tradition includes trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo,…

Happy National Walk in a Park Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Happy National Walk in the Park Day. Community leaders, including members of the Parks and Outdoors Advisory Committee and the Trust for Public Land, came together to celebrate the importance of accessible parks by hosting a walking tour through the new Eastside Elementary Community Schoolyard Project. The event was held on October 10th to honor National…

Parkridge highlights mental health support

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a time to pause, reflect, and remind us that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. Parkridge Health System is using this day to highlight the importance of open conversations and provide the Chattanooga community with essential mental health resources. The annual observance is more than just…

QB Showdown Highlights Region Matchup Between Calhoun and NW Whitfield

Should be quite the quarterback battle on Friday when Calhoun visits Northwest Whitfield. The Yellow Jackets feature a dual-threat quarterback in Trace Hawkins, while the Bruins counter with dual-threat quarterback Gavin Nuckolls. Never easy on the defenses when you have two talented quarterbacks going at it. Brian Armstrong has the story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Centerstone is denied again at Hamilton County School Board

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County School Board voted to remove Centerstone mental health services from their schools months ago. Nothing has replaced it since they took it away. Tensions were high again as the Centerstone MOU was back on the board’s agenda October 9th. Board member Ben Connor of district six said, “We have been failing kids for two…

Boyd Buchanan Wins Shootout Over Silverdale 49-28

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Boyd Buchanan and Silverdale combined for nearly 1,000 yards of offense on Thursday with the Bucs prevailing 49-28. Boyd enjoyed a 28-21 advantage at halftime , and they got a 99-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter to extend the lead to 35-21. With the victory, the Bucs maintain their lead in the region standings with a 5-0 region…

First Responder Hero Award: Sgt. Mark Bender

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it is our turn to put them…

Fresh Smell Doesn’t Mean Clean

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As cold and flu season returns, air quality in the workplace is becoming a major concern for employees. A new survey shows 71% of workers avoid shared spaces when the air smells bad or feels stuffy.  Many also believe that if a space smells fresh, it must be germ-free, but that’s not always true. Experts like…