What’s Right With Our Schools: Cleveland City Schools Historic Growth

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Cleveland City Schools is extra proud of their latest TCAP testing results Students across the district reached five-year highs in math, science, English language arts and more. That kind of achievement is a solid example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Cleveland City Schools is doing a great job that, as we look at our T-cap…

Dunlap man arrested after violating sex offender registry restrictions

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Dunlap man was arrested after violating the restrictions of his sex offender registry. On September 13, 2025, a festival was being held at Harris Park. During the festival, a citizen made officers with the Dunlap Police Department (DPD) aware of the presence of a known registered sex offender, Joseph Jeremiah Walley. Officers were able to…

Walker County man receives life for aggravated child molestation

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Walker County man received a life in prison after being convicted of aggravated child molestation. On August 4, 2024, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received a report that Josiah Matthew Backus confessed to sexually abusing children. According to the Lookout Mountain District Attorney’s Office, the WCSO launched an investigation and interviewed the victims….

Young advocate organizes local vigil for Charlie Kirk

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, community members gathered at the Riverfront to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a man who lost his life while sharing what he believed was his absolute truth. Nick Bitzer, the organizer of the vigil, said the news of Kirk’s death left him stunned. “My mom called me that morning to tell me…

Young advocate recalls his personal encounter with Charlie Kirk

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tonight, another vigil was held in Chattanooga to honor the life of Charlie Kirk. The gathering was organized by young conservative Nick Bitzer, who said his goal was to celebrate Kirk’s life and the legacy he leaves behind. As Bitzer spoke, he reflected on a personal encounter with Kirk that left a lasting impression. “I got…

Vendors showcase at Chattanooga River Market

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga River Market was bustling with vendors this weekend along the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza. From homemade crafts to baked goods and unique finds, local entrepreneurs lined the riverfront to share their work with the community. For many, the market is more than just a gathering place, it’s a livelihood. “It’s amazing. I’ve been doing Chattanooga…

Families gather for Chattanooga’s Fun Fair Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Families filled the park this past weekend for the City of Chattanooga’s Early Learning Department Fun Fair Festival. The event featured live music, food trucks, and activities for kids of all ages. Visitors also had the chance to explore community resources and meet leaders from the health department, AmeriCorps, and the Community Health Access and Navigation…

From Goals to Growth: Collegedale Youth Soccer League Kicks Off New Season

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Collegedale Christian Athletic Association kicked off its youth soccer season Sunday morning with a colorful parade of teams, followed by games at the Redoubt Soccer Fields on Bonny Oaks. What began in 2024 as a small effort to create a faith-centered sports option quickly grew beyond expectations. The league hoped for 200 players in its first…

Prayer at the Mill brought community members together honoring Charlie Kirk

CHICKAMAUGA, GA. (WDEF) – Tonight, local community members gathered in a powerful display of remembrance honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, the conservative advocate who was assassinated for sharing his beliefs and values. Erika Kirk, wife of Charlie Kirk, addressed the nation Friday evening through Turning Point’s live feed. “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built…

Sulphur Dell Cup Returns for the Weekend

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) – Fans of vintage base ball will step back in time this weekend as the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball (TAVBB) hosts its annual Sulphur Dell Cup tournament in Fort Oglethorpe.  Games will be played September 13–14 on the polo fields at Barnhardt Circle, a site with ties to the Civil War era and just…

First Responder Hero Award: Lt. Wesley Williams

COHUTTA, Ga. (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…

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Marks 11th Year

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga hosted the 11th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and 3.43 Mile Walk this morning at AT&T Field, located at 201 Power Alley.  The event is part of a series of memorial climbs organized across the United States to recognize the firefighters and first responders who died during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Participants in…

Crabtree Farms Prepares Fall Sale

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga is a nonprofit dedicated to food access, sustainability, and education.  The farm produces more than 7,000 plants on site, with much of the harvest donated to local food banks and nonprofit partners. Its community garden is also open to all residents, providing free tools and teaching opportunities for anyone interested in growing…

Settlement Reached Following Killing of Roger Heard Jr.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — There’s a new development in the lawsuit following the police killing of Roger Heard Jr. The announcement was made at the Chattanooga City council meeting Thursday. Chattanooga City Attorney Phil Noblett said, “We have settled case in the United States district court involving Tiana perry et al. vs officer Batterson and the City. It’s city action…

Raffensperger talks economic growth in Trenton

TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger made a stop in Dade County Friday morning.  He spoke at an Alliance for Dade breakfast event at their historic courthouse in Trenton. He discussed how the state of Georgia is looking to recruit more manufacturers across the state, including rural Northwest Georgia. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger speaking with…

Annual reading of Constitution held on federal courthouse steps

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For the 8th straight year, an annual tradition was held on the steps of the federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga. A reading of the U.S. Constitution was conducted. This is in honor of Constitution Day, which is next Wednesday on September 17th. Students and onlookers gathered for the annual reading of the Constitution on Friday. That is…

Navigate Your Next Hospital Visit with the ErlangerNOW App

This week on Tech Byte, we’ve got a guest from Erlanger, my new friend Adam Schreader! He’s here to tell us about the new ErlangerNOW app that will not only help you with your next appointment, but help you navigate the hospital as well! According to Adam, ErlangerNOW is Erlanger wrapped up in an application for the very first time…

Batter up and swing back to the 1860s with the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball

John Hixson and Ricky Mendoza join News 12’s Amelia Greer as several teams get ready to compete in the Sulphur Dell Cup this weekend in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.  FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – Batter up and time travel to the 1860s with the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball’s competition for the Sulphur Dell Cup. Teams bring history to life…

Walker Valley Enjoyed Record Setting Night in Win Over Rival McMinn Co

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) What a record setting night for Walker Valley last Friday against McMinn County. The Mustangs racked up nearly 700-yards of total offense in winning 54-42. Walker Valley’s absurd out-put came against a rival, they had only beaten one time in the last two decades. Brian Armstrong tracks the ‘Stangs performance. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Chattanoogans react to assassination of Charlie Kirk

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Many across the nation, including here in Chattanooga, are still in shock at the assassination of Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group who primarily reached out to young voters. He was known for his on campus debate series such as “Prove Me…