First Responder Hero Award: Battalion Chief Eric Bowen

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether they serve as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, or police officers, the award honors the unwavering dedication these first responders show every day to keep the community safe. When danger strikes, they are the first to answer the…

Then and Now: The Old Brainerd Mission Cemetery

Long before Eastgate was the focal point of Brainerd Road, this area of Tennessee and much of Northwest Georgia was a part of the Cherokee Nation. A group of missionaries commissioned by a board in Massachusetts was sent to the area now called Brainerd to minister to the local Cherokee population. The Brainerd Mission was located where Eastgate currently sits….

Annual CPD Report Shows Violent Crime Declines

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Police Department says violent crime continued to decline in 2025, according to the department’s newly released annual report. The report shows homicides dropped nearly fifty percent compared to the previous year, while non-fatal shootings and crimes against persons also decreased across the city. During an interview with News 12, Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers…

Playset Fundraiser Helps Young Cancer Fighter

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Virginia nonprofit is working to bring a bit of relief to a local family as their young son continues his fight against leukemia. The Roc Solid Foundation is raising money to build a backyard playset for Sebastian, a 3-year-old who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in August 2025 and is currently receiving treatment at…

Erlanger adding major expansion to East campus

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A major expansion is coming soon to Erlanger East on Gunbarrel Road. The multimillion-dollar project will add new facilities and beds. Tyler Winks Executive VP, CEO Erlanger Health tells us, “This is the most significant investment that Erlanger has made in East Hamilton County since the hospital was built and it’s a response to the…

Volunteers Needed for Cemetery Flag Placement

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — As Memorial Day approaches, local groups are preparing to honor our nation’s fallen. Retired Navy Captain Mickey McCamish put out a call this week requesting volunteers. They will be placing American flags at gravesites in the National Cemetery in Chattanooga. They will begin bright and early on Saturday, May 23rd. Captain McCamish tells us, “We…

Reaction to Tennessee redistricting, explusions

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  We are hearing reaction to the recent expulsion of some Tennessee House Democrats from committees. That decision was made by Republican Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton in response to various disruptions during last week’s special session in Nashville regarding redistricting. We caught up with Representative Greg Martin at Thursday’s Chattanooga Republican Women’s meeting, who said that…

HCEMS launches whole blood program to bring lifesaving transfusions directly to trauma scenes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) At the Blood Assurance Warehouse in Chattanooga, community leaders and emergency officials unveiled a new program they say could change the future of trauma care in Hamilton County. The initiative places whole blood directly into the hands of Hamilton County EMS crews, allowing paramedics to begin transfusions in the field for critically injured patients before they ever…

Lookouts Rally to Beat Pensacola 8-7

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind 7-2, the Chattanooga Lookouts rallied to beat the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 8-7 on Wednesday afternoon at Erlanger Park. Chattanooga scored four runs in the bottom of the 8th with Carlos Jorge slugging a three run homer to provide the winning margin. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Chattanooga Pizza Week Returns with Specialty Slices

Chattanooga TN (WDEF)-Chattanooga is serving up slices and specials all week long as Chattanooga Pizza Week returns for another year. Restaurants across the Scenic City are joining in on the celebration, offering creative specialty pizzas and unique menu items for hungry customers to try. News 12 stopped by Chattanooga Pizza Company where crews are preparing for what they expect to be…

TSEC Brings State and National Championships to Chattanooga

Chattanooga TN (WDEF)Championship sports are taking over Chattanooga this May as The Sports & Events Corporation, also known as TSEC, brings five major state and national events to the area. From middle school athletes to college competitors, teams from across Tennessee and beyond are traveling to Chattanooga to compete for championship titles at venues across the city. At Warner Park, families…

Two injured in lithium battery explosion at Cleveland plant

Track 29 Photography UPDATE: The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) says at 11:55 a.m. officials were dispatched to E 3rd Street for a patient that was suffering from injuries related to an industrial accident that occurred in Bradley County. The patient was transported from Bradley County to Erlanger via ambulance, according to CFD. They say it was initially believed that the…

East Side Schoolyard Project Completed

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community leaders gathered Tuesday morning at East Side Elementary School for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the East Side Community Schoolyard. The project marks the completion of an over year and a half effort led by Trust for Public Land in partnership with Hamilton County Schools, Hamilton Parks and Recreation, Impact Parks, and the…

Swimming portion of Ironman set to return to Chattanooga this weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Athletes are set to return to the Tennessee River this weekend. The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is set to be held this Sunday in Chattanooga. The first leg of the race is a one point four mile swim in the Tennessee River from the north shore to Ross’s Landing. Unfortunately, previous editions of the race have had their…