CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Preparing for IRONMAN Chattanooga is a year-round commitment for athletes. The event demands discipline, endurance, and attention to both body and mind. One athlete, Todd Crandall, explains how the week leading up to the race is about resting more than pushing: “Race week I do practically nothing other than a couple of very small runs. It’s…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Opioid addiction crisis slammed the southeast over the last few decades, with many communities ravaged by overdoses and deaths. Here in Hamilton County, multiple groups have been working to make sure people suffering from addiction, and their families, get the help that they deserve. The Hamilton County Coalition hosted a Recovery Happens Together event at…
SEWANEE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The University of the South is facing a lawsuit seeking more than $35 million over toxic mold found in student dorms. Current and former students claim toxic black mold in their dorm made them sick and disrupted their education. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Franklin County Circuit Court. It accuses the university…
Ellen Liston with Dollywood joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to highlight some of the exciting attractions at the park this fall. A new ride is also in the works for next spring- like you’ve never seen before! PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Witness the beauty of the great Smokey Mountains during the fall and capture great views at Dollywood! The…
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Rhea Co soccer team won a big district match over Cleveland on Tuesday night 3-0. The Golden Eagles got all three of their goals in the second half. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- On Monday, President Donald Trump made announcements regarding a potential cause of autism. President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy claimed that there is a link between Tylenol and autism. The President said that taking it during pregnancy increases the likelihood of their children developing it. This is a claim that numerous health organizations argue has…
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Seems the Walker Valley offense is pretty simple this year. Roman Eulo left. Roman Eulo right. Roman Eulo up the middle. Brian Armstrong profiles the Mustangs playmaker. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is preparing to welcome the IRONMAN triathlon for its 11th year this weekend, drawing thousands of athletes from across the country and around the world. Race weekend begins Thursday, Sept. 25, with athlete check-in at IRONMAN Village on Ross’s Landing. The full course includes a 2.4-mile swim in the Tennessee River, a 112-mile bike ride…
FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) – Ellie Whitaker has a gift for bringing out the best in her first-grade students at Battlefield Primary School. It starts with building a relationship with each child and learning the how they learn. That kind of dedication earned Ms. Whitaker this week’s Golden Apple Award. Julie Robbins is the Principal, Battlefield Primary School. She says,…
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Soddy Daisy man has been arrested for attempted murder following a shooting Monday night. On September 22, 2025, at 11:10 p.m., officers with the Soddy Daisy Police Department (SDPD) responded to the 11000 block of Davenport Road in regards to a shooting call. Upon arrival, officers located the victim walking towards them with an…
SCOTTSBORO, Al. (WDEF) — The Scottsboro Police Department (SPD) made multiple arrests after a search warrant uncovered drugs. In the early morning hours of September 20, 2025, SPD officers executed a search warrant in the 100 block of South Broad Street. According to the SPD, offices uncovered two different types of controlled substance pills, marijuana, and several items of drug…
Hannah Dalton with the Hamilton County Coalition invites everyone to their Recovery Happens Together event and how the organization can help your recovery journey. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Coalition invites everyone to their Recovery Happens Together event to celebrate everyone’s recovery journeys, service providers, allies, and more! The free event will be held on Wednesday, September 24 from…
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — The Walker County Animal Shelter is temporarily closed after a stray animal tested positive for parvovirus. Staff said a juvenile stray came in less than a week ago and later showed signs of the virus. The shelter will stay closed until October 6, 2025, for deep cleaning and monitoring. While all animals are vaccinated upon…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Some may soon lose their SNAP benefits due to new federal rules. The potential loss of benefits for some is because of the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill back in July. It tightened requirements for SNAP benefits for adults from 18 to 65 without disabilities or children under the age of 14. The new rules…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Monday is the first full day of fall. Even if it hasn’t completely felt like it in recent weeks, we will soon see leaves changing across the Tennessee Valley. It won’t be an immediate change, but climatology experts with the Tennessee Climate Office at East Tennessee State University say beginning in early October, you’ll begin to see…
Meet News 12’s pet of the week, Chester! Chester is a young pittie mix with a big heart. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says he’s as sweet as they come and he’s always ready for the best day of his life. Chester is a pro at having fun, he loves hikes, playtime, tug toys and ball. He also loves to…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Eighth graders at Cleveland Middle School recently got a civics lesson they won’t soon forget. The students marched onto the football field to spell out the first three words to the preamble of the Constitution. That’s a patriotic example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Ed Fickley is the 8th Grade American History Teacher at Cleveland…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Multiple agencies responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 Monday morning. TDOT reported the crash at 10:02 a.m., September 22, 2025. News 12 reached out to the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) for more information regarding the crash. CPD said four vehicles were involved, and four people were transported to the hospital. All four individuals were treated…
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – HTeaO, a Texas-based iced tea franchise, has officially opened its doors in Hixson, bringing a wide selection of premium iced teas, coffee drinks, and fresh cupcakes to the greater Chattanooga area. The new location, owned and operated by Chris and Shelley Jones, features more than 20 handcrafted tea flavors made with 100% natural ingredients and a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of understanding this disease and the challenges men face. Each year, about 300,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and roughly 45,000 have hormone-sensitive forms. Among them is Bob Lane, a survivor who turned his second diagnosis into a mission. Known affectionately as “Elevator…
It’s the battle for the Catoosa Cup as Ringgold takes on LF O. The Tigers have owned this rivalry over the years, but can the Warriors punch back tonight? We go live to Tommy Cash Stadium with Brian Armstrong to preview the match-up. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Motorcyclists from across the country are once again riding to honor Native American history during the 32nd annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride. The ride began Friday morning in Cherokee, North Carolina, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Riders traveled through the Nantahala Gorge and Ocoee River Gorge before stopping at Ross’ Landing…
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Upgrades could soon be coming to a park in Soddy-Daisy. Hamilton County is giving the city of Soddy-Daisy $250,000 towards their efforts to add amenities to Holly Park. It is a small park along Soddy Lake off Hixson Pike which currently has one boat dock. Soddy-Daisy and Hamilton County officials announcing upgrades to Holly Park Friday. City…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Hamilton County veteran who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War is receiving a special honor. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has declared Friday John George Sparks Day in Hamilton County. Sparks was a Specialist Sixth Class in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was taken as a Prisoner of…
