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Featured, Local News

Chattanooga Chamber’s Hixson Council Tackles Key Issues

WDEF News,

HIXSON (WDEF) –The Hixson Council of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce welcomed Coty Wamp at its monthly networking luncheon on Thursday. Wamp addressed one of Chattanooga’s growing concerns—homelessness—speaking to local business and community leaders about the challenges surrounding the issue. During her remarks, she connected homelessness to broader public safety concerns, including nuisance crimes and repeat offenders. Wamp emphasized that…

MGN
Featured, Local News

Mail Glitch Disrupts Donations to Union Gospel Mission

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) –A recent post office glitch briefly cost the Union Gospel Mission thousands of dollars in donations during one of its most critical fundraising periods. According to officials, nearly 90 P.O. boxes at a downtown Chattanooga facility were shut down due to a system error. One of those boxes belonged to the Mission, which relies heavily on mailed contributions…

Behind The Curtain: The Scuttlebutt Reef
Behind The Curtain, Featured, Local News

Behind the Curtain: The Scuttlebutt Reef

Khristine Arnold,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium has a brand new exhibit and News 12’s Amelia Greer goes ‘Behind the Curtain’ to discover if the underwater rumors are true! The new Scuttlebutt Reef opened in early March and it showcases some unique creatures, like the Mantis Shrimp that can pack quite a punch in their little claws, or the Frog…

This Morning Rock City
Featured, Local News

An adventure is blooming at Rock City

Khristine Arnold,

Pepper Raper joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as Rock City welcomes in spring. The area attraction gets even more enchanting as flowers bloom in nature. Learn about their latest activity ‘Gnomes and Gardens’ with a special quest! LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) – Spring is nearly here and Rock City’s gardens are blooming with enchanting flowers, bringing the beauty of nature…

Supporting Parents Through Unexpected Pregnancies
Featured, Local News, Serving Our Community

Supporting Parents Through Unexpected Pregnancies

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local nonprofit is working to support individuals facing unexpected pregnancies.  Choices Chattanooga provides free medical services, education, and resources aimed at helping parents feel informed and supported.  The organization also partners with community groups to extend that support beyond its doors. At its core, Choices aims to be more than just a medical resource. “We…

Version Of Plan Hamilton Passes Amid Disapproval From Residents
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Commission approves new unincorporated Hamilton County planning commission

Nick Hill,

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future of unincorporated Hamilton County will be decided in a different manner going forward. Hamilton County Commissioners voted 7 to 4 to create a separate planning commission to focus on those specific cases. Introduced last week, the Commission will terminate its interlocal agreement with the Regional Planning Agency in lieu of creating a separate planning…

Deadly Nightclub Shooting Trial Continues
Featured, Local News

Deadly Nightclub Shooting Trial Continues

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The night of January 31, 2021, began like any other outside the Night Owl nightclub in Chattanooga.  But the evening ended in tragedy when 28-year-old Kenneth Trammell Jr. was shot and killed. More than five years later, the case is finally in court. 32-year-old Melvin Evans faces first-degree murder charges in connection with Trammell’s death.  On…

Road Closed
Chattanooga, Local News

Ross’s Landing to Close starting in November

Russell Stroud,

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Ross’s Landing along the south shore of the TN River is going to be getting a major Makeover. Emily Mack, President and CEO of the River City Company tells us. ” “So our riverfront parks which are part of the 21st-century waterfront project will be getting a big refresh and so we will start construction…

Screenshot 2026 03 18 113615
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Election Commission votes against Highlander’s ballot name challenge against Christian-Lowe

Nick Hill,

Donna Christian-Lowe (left) and Hamilton County Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander (right) at a Hamilton County Election Commission over Highlander’s challenge of Christian-Lowe name choice on the ballot. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Did a candidate for a seat on the Hamilton County Commission attempt to gain an advantage on the ballot? That was the question in front of the Hamilton County Election…

Officials Warn Of Increased Risks On St. Patrick’s Day
Featured, Local News

Officials warn of increased risks on St. Patrick’s Day

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, officials say it is known as the third biggest drinking day of the year. News 12 spoke with the company Reframe about how to stay safe during the holiday. Vedant Pradeep, CEO of Reframe, explained, “Having a clear plan. Just telling yourself whether it is two drinks, one drink,…

Local Shelters Urge Families Not To Gift Bunnies For Easter
Featured, Local News

Local shelters urge families not to gift bunnies for Easter

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As families prepare for Easter, local shelters are asking the community not to gift bunnies as holiday presents. We spoke with the Humane Educational Society, which says many families get a bunny without realizing the level of care and attention they need to truly thrive. Many rabbits given as gifts around the holiday end up in…
Featured, Local News

Bill that would require schools to report number of undocumented students enrolled passes Tennessee House

Nick Hill,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- You may remember a proposed bill last year in Tennessee that would have allowed schools to not enroll undocumented students. It was pulled last year, but now is back on the table. House Bill 793 would require school districts to provide that demographic information to the Tennessee Department of Education. Previously, the bill, which had been introduced…

Gun Violence Economic Toll In Tennessee
Featured, Local News

Study says Tennessee gun violence costs state billions

Nick Hill,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- New data about gun violence in Tennessee paints a high economic toll across the state. The non-profit Voices for a Safer Tennessee say that firearm violence cost Tennessee over $3.6 billion in 2023, the last year data is currently available for. In Hamilton County, that impact was roughly $183 million dollars, while the rest of Southeastern Tennessee…

Golden Apple Award
Education, Featured, Golden Apple Award, Golden Apple Award 2025-2026, Local News, Walker County

Golden Apple Award: Kara Ledford Saddle Ridge Elementary

Andrew Harrison,

ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – The best kindergarten classrooms have an almost magical feel to them, Kara Ledford’s students at Saddle Ridge have seen their room morph into a scene from Swiss Family Robinson complete with a beach and a tree house. Ms. Ledford’s attention to detail and boundless enthusiasm earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Miss Ledford  is…

Carrying History Home With Fans
Featured, Local News

Carrying History Home With The Community

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Lookouts celebrated a milestone today, moving their historic home plate from AT&T Field to their future stadium at Erlanger Park in a ceremonial community relay. Fans, local businesses, and community partners joined the walk along Chestnut Street, participating in a special event connecting the team’s past to its future.  The relay drew dozens of…

Tennessee Department Of Safety Issues Warning About Scam Texts
Featured, Local News

Tennessee Department of Safety issues warning about scam texts

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is warning drivers about fraudulent text messages claiming recipients have an unpaid traffic ticket and threatening to suspend their driving privileges. Officials say the messages are part of a growing scam designed to trick people into providing personal information or sending money. News 12 spoke with Russell Shoup…

Gary Kuehn Discusses Teacher Raises And Education Goals While Seeking Reelection
Featured, Local News

Gary Kuehn discusses teacher raises and education goals while seeking reelection

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club welcomed longtime school board member Gary Kuehn as the guest speaker at its weekly meeting. Kuehn has served Hamilton County Schools for more than 40 years. For the past 36 years, he has represented District 9 on the Hamilton County School Board. Now, Kuehn is seeking reelection in the upcoming…

Rare March Snow Falls In Tennessee Valley
Featured, Local News

Rare March snow falls in Tennessee Valley

Nick Hill,

Snow falling Monday in Marion County. SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- Much of the Tennessee Valley saw rare mid-March snow on Monday. The snow occurred just hours after a severe line of thunderstorms had passed through the area. While roads in valley locations primarily stayed clear with temperatures over freezing, some mountainous communities reported snow sticking on the roads causing slick…
Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UT Vols

Vols Open Spring Football Practice

Rick Nyman,

(utsports.com)  The sixth spring of the Josh Heupel era of Tennessee football has arrived, and the Volunteers kicked things off with their first workout in helmets and shorts on Monday morning inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center. Monday was the first of 15 practices for Tennessee, which culminates with the free-admission Orange & White Game on April 11 in Neyland Stadium. The Vols…

Tips To Stop Water Waste
Featured, Local News

Tips to Stop Water Waste

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Each March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fix a Leak Week reminds homeowners that small leaks in plumbing can waste a surprising amount of water.  Household leaks can waste thousands of gallons a year, adding up to higher bills and unnecessary strain on local water systems. About one in ten homes has a leak that can…