UTC sets new enrollment record with over 12,000 students

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has announced a record set for fall enrollment. UTC reported an official enrollment of 12,060 students. The university says this is the largest in school history. The number includes 10,396 undergraduate students and a record 1,664 graduate students. The previous record was 11,775 in the fall of 2024. “UTC’s…

How the community can help prevent SOS Lists at MRHS

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – This past month, you may have noticed us spending a lot of time with our friends at the McMinn Regional Humane Society. At the McMinn Regional Humane Society, time is of the essence. Within the past few weeks, the society has had to issue two SOS lists to make room for more dogs. These lists…

NVFC congratulates winners on the $10,000 grants

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A few weeks ago, it was announced that nine volunteer fire departments in Tennessee were awarded a $10,000 grant. One of the recipients is in our viewing area. Congratulations to the Rigsby Volunteer Fire Department. While celebrating the good news, News 12 spoke with the chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council to learn why these…

Teen arrested at Red Bank vs. Tyner game

Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Friday night, September 5, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were working security at the Red Bank High vs. Tyner High football game. According to the HCSO, during the game several fights broke out. More deputies and officers from nearby agencies had to step in to help. One juvenile was arrested and charged…

Family Justice Center reminds the community about its resources

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With school now back in full swing and families settling into new routines, the Family Justice Center in Chattanooga is reminding the community that abuse comes in many forms and is not always visible. News 12 spoke with the executive director about the help and resources available for anyone in an abusive situation. Regina McDevitt, M.Ed.,…

SBA sets up disaster assistance center inside East Ridge Library

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today marked the first day the Small Business Administration set up a local disaster assistance center inside the East Ridge Library. News 12 visited the center to learn how the SBA is helping residents, businesses, and even nonprofit organizations recover from the recent flooding across our area. Yabsira Adera, SBA Public Affairs Specialist, explained, “So…

Americans Stay Optimistic About Finances

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Americans are showing resilience in their financial outlook, according to a new study from Edward Jones and Cerulli Associates.  The research reveals that most feel they are on track toward a financially fulfilling life, even as inflation and market uncertainty remain top concerns. The study points out that optimism often comes from having a plan.  Jesse…

September Fest Debuts on Station Street

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Downtown Chattanooga welcomed a brand-new community tradition today as Station Street hosted the inaugural September Fest.  The all-day festival brought together food, music, local businesses, and families for a celebration in the heart of the Southside district. Running from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., SeptemberFest filled the historic street beside the Chattanooga Choo-Choo with more than…

Eight furry friends have until Wednesday to find their family

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – At the McMinn Regional Humane Society in Athens, Tennessee, there are many furry friends looking for their forever homes. What makes eight of them especially urgent is that they are on the SOS list. The SOS list is created because the shelter must keep animals moving through as new ones continue to arrive. Unfortunately, that…

Mocs Volleyball Falls to Ohio 3-1 to Open Chattanooga Classic

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team played their first ever match inside McKenzie Arena on Friday. The Mocs entertained Ohio at noon in the Chattanooga Classic. The Bobcats won the match 3-1. Alabama, Cincinnati, and Jacksonville State are also taking part of the Chattanooga Classic at McKenzie. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UTC Mocs

Signal Mountain urging RPA to vote against current version of Plan Hamilton

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- The long saga of Plan Hamilton could come to its conclusion in a few days. However, those who feel the current version doesn’t represent them are campaigning to get it struck down. Walden resident Kristi McKnight said, “Traffic is.. Condensed. It’s difficult to turn in, difficult to pull out, and the speeds!” These complaints from residents…

Blue Cross announces job cuts amid rising health care costs

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — One of Chattanooga’s largest employers is cutting and eliminating more positions. Blue Cross broke the news this morning to its employees. Company-wide it breaks down like this: 95 employees will be cut. 28 open jobs won’t be filled. Most Blue Cross employees work in Chattanooga, but it’s unclear how many of these cuts will be for…

SBA opens disaster loan program after devastating floods

  HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Folks affected by the devastating flash floods last month will soon be able to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans. These will be distributed through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for loans of up to 2 million dollars. Residents can apply for up to five…

Kappa Sigma fraternity no longer active at UTC after investigation

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The fraternity at the center of a hazing investigation at UTC is no longer active. Two pledges at the Kappa Sigma fraternity set themselves on fire. UTC suspended all Greek Life on campus while they reviewed their role on campus. That suspension ended this week. The university says the Kappa Sigma suspension was done by…

Veryan Rotational Atherectomy System

This week on Tech Byte, we visit the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga with my friend, Doctor Chris LeSar. We’re going to look at Veryan Medical’s newest Veryan Rotational Atherectomy System, and what it does. According to Dr. LeSar, atherectomy is the removal of a blockage from inside an artery. Instead of opening the body to get to the blockage, medical…

The Chattanooga community shall overcome with an invitation for the “Community Sing”

Vincent Oakes and Sawyer Kennedy join News 12’s Amelia Greer as the Chattanooga Boys Choir gets ready to host a special community event next Tuesday, Sept. 9. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Sing your heart out with the Chattanooga Boys Choir “Community Sing” event! The choir typically hosts kids from over 40 different schools in the area, ages 8-18. Now, they’re…

Phishing Scams on the Rise

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Phishing scams remain one of the most common, and costly, cybercrimes facing consumers and businesses today.  According to the Better Business Bureau, more than 23,000 phishing reports have been filed since 2021, with cases more than doubling in 2023.  Victims are often targeted through emails, text messages, and even fraudulent phone calls designed to steal personal…

This Season Will be Last for Fairmount Orchard

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fairmount Farms has been a Signal Mountain Staple for over 100 years, but this season will be its last. Fruit stand operator Jennifer Tamble told us, “So this property has been an orchard since about 1928. It was one of many orchards that operated across Signal Mountain in the last hundred years. So in the…

Noontunes Returns with Lunchtime Concerts

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Lunchtime in downtown is about to get a lot more lively.  The popular Noontunes concert series is back for another season, bringing live music to Miller Plaza every Wednesday in September from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, beginning September 4th. Hosted in partnership with the City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors and the Office of…

Downtown Chattanooga Gears Up for World-Class Bluegrass

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Get ready, Chattanooga—the banjos and fiddles are about to take over downtown. At Finley Stadium Thursday morning, the City Center Council welcomed organizers of the IBMA World of Bluegrass® festival, spotlighting a week of music that’s set to put the Scenic City center stage. The five-day event kicks off September 16th, bringing world-class performers, industry leaders, and…