Love Without Reason to host Father-Daughter dance

Susan Matthews with ‘Love Without Reason’ joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the organization gets ready to celebrate their 5th annual Father Daughter Dance ahead of Valentine’s Day. This masquerade ball raises funds for victims of human trafficking across the world. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Love Without Reason prevents human trafficking by performing free craniofacial surgeries, and they are hosting…

Bradley Central Downs East Hamilton 55-43

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) After leading by four at halftime, Bradley Central went on to beat East Hamilton 55-43 on Wednesday night at Jim Smiddy Arena. Jayden Haywood led the Hurricanes with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor. Jermiah Brownlow topped the Bears scoring attack with 16 points as well. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Bradley Central, East…

Calhoun Edges Heritage 77-73

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind early, Calhoun rallied to beat Heritage 77-73. Trace Hawkins hit two big free throws with 11 seconds left to help seal the Yellow Jackets victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Calhoun, heritage, High School Basketball

Former Hamilton County Teacher Sentenced for Abuse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Hamilton County teacher, Duane Sanders, was sentenced today for multiple counts of sexual abuse of children following a lengthy investigation. Sanders was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, involving several young victims.  Investigators identified approximately 12 children who disclosed abuse, and forensic interviews were conducted with roughly 23 children, though only…

Romance under the falls at Ruby Falls!

Jaclyn Lewis with Ruby Falls joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the historic area attraction gets ready for Valentine’s Day. ‘Romance at Ruby’ gives couples a chance to celebrate the holiday with special lantern tours! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s the “quiet” season at many tourist attractions, which makes it a perfect time to experience less crowds and enjoy more…

Radon Risks: What Homeowners Need to Know

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF)- Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, could be putting families at risk inside their own homes. Health officials say long-term exposure to radon can cause serious health problems. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. “Since it’s a carcinogen, radon causes the highest number of lung cancer deaths after smoking,” said Ryan…

Tennessee Aquarium offers indoor option during cold weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As temperatures remain extremely low, many children across the area are still out of school. For parents looking for ways to keep their families engaged, the Tennessee Aquarium is offering a warm, educational option indoors. Aquarium officials say being climate controlled makes the facility a popular destination during extreme cold. Alison Pryor, media coordinator for the…

PawPaw’s Ministry helps unhoused community during extreme cold

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Our friends from PawPaw’s Ministry were spotted in Chattanooga today, handing out blankets, hot beverages, and coats to members of the unhoused community. With temperatures remaining well below freezing, the group says their goal is to make sure people have the resources they need to survive the harsh conditions. Founder Mike Rice, also known as PawPaw,…

Baylor Returns to Winning Ways This Season

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After back-to-back losing seasons, the Baylor girls basketball team has found their winning touch again. The Lady Raiders are 14-7 on the season. Brian Armstrong explains how Baylor turned it around this year. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Baylor School, High School Basketball, sports news

Airport Sets New Passenger Record

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Airport broke its all-time passenger record in 2025, serving 632,384 travelers, a 14 percent increase from the year before.  Airport President and CEO April Cameron says the growth reflects more residents choosing to fly out of Chattanooga. Cameron says passengers consistently point to convenience, low-cost parking, fast TSA security lines, and strong customer service…

Electric Crews Answer Extra Call

SEQUACHEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – After completing power restorations in their own service area Sunday evening, crews from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative answered a request for help from other electric cooperatives across Middle Tennessee. Recent winter weather caused damage throughout parts of Middle Tennessee, where freezing rain and ice weighed down trees and power lines.  Falling limbs and downed lines…

Golden Apple Award: Myra Cook, Oakwood Christian Academy

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) – Myra Cook is an institution at Oakwood Christian Academy. She’s been there for more than 25 years. As a music teacher, she inspired countless kids to find their talents and take the stage. That earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She has been at OCA for 27 years this year. And she’s taught kindergarten through…

Signal Mountain recovering from ice storm

A power pole that snapped in half following this weekend’s ice storm on Sawyer Road. SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- Many of our mountainous communities saw up to a half inch of ice accumulation over the weekend. Signal Mountain was among them which saw damage and widespread power outages due to the storm. Even with the sunshine returning on Monday, the…

Whataburger Expands Across Tennessee

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Whataburger, a fast-food chain founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950, continues expanding its footprint across Tennessee with the opening of a new location in East Ridge.  The Texas-based company has steadily grown outside its home state over the last several years and now operates more than 20 locations across Tennessee as part of its…

New Tax Rules for Tipped Workers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tax season has arrived, and new federal tax changes could impact how many Americans file their 2025 tax returns, particularly people who earn tips or overtime pay. Recent updates to the tax code include new deductions connected to tips and overtime earnings.  These changes could affect how income is reported and calculated, making this filing season…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Tennessee Aquarium STREAM Center

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The STREAM learning Center opened at the Tennessee Aquarium late last year. The Aquarium’s classrooms, educator offices and programming are all housed in the 4,500 square foot building. It’s a wonderful resource for students near and far, as we see in tonight’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “The STREAM learning center supported by UNUM, um is…

Locally Filmed Film Premieres at the Colonnade in Ringgold

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – A new movie filmed locally in the Northwest Georgia was shown over the weekend at the Colonnade Theater in Ringgold, Georgia. The director says the film follows four college students who are assigned a research paper focused on urban legends. To complete their project, the students visit a reportedly haunted house, only to discover it is…

EPB remains hopeful power will be restored by morning

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Earlier this morning, News 12 spoke with EPB about power outages reported over the weekend due to ongoing weather conditions. EPB provided an update on the number of customers affected across the Tennessee Valley. EPB spokesperson J. Ed Marston said crews were already on the ground working to restore service as quickly as possible. “We have…

Signal Mountain Police community members to stay indoors and avoid roadways

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 spoke with Signal Mountain Police earlier today regarding current weather conditions on the mountain. Officers are asking community members to stay indoors and avoid roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary. Detective Sergeant David Holloway said crews have been working tirelessly to clear roads, respond to downed power lines, and restore power throughout the area….

Hard Freeze Raises Black Ice Risk

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After nearly 48 hours of rain, falling temperatures could create hazardous driving conditions across Hamilton County overnight and into the morning commute.  Forecasts show temperatures dropping from around 24 degrees near midnight to as low as 18 degrees by early Monday morning. TDOT says when wet roads are followed by a hard freeze, black ice can…