Detective gets officer of the year award for work on child sex abuse cases

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Detective Karigan Scoggins receiving the Officer of the Year Award. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Hamilton County Sheriff’s detective received an honor Thursday for her work on some of the most sensitive cases we see. Detective Karigan Scoggins of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office received the Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award from the Scenic City…

Behind the Curtain: CFD Wildland Fire Team

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Summer is nearly here which means a high likelihood of wildfires due to drought conditions. But never fear, the Chattanooga Fire Department is geared up and ready for the dry season with their Wildland Fire Team. News 12’s Amelia Greer got to visit the Chattanooga Fire Department to take a look behind the curtain on the…

Marion Co Beats Summertown 13-7

Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Marion County softball rallied to beat Summertown 13-7 at Spring Fling on Wednesday. The Warriors trailed at one point 6-1, but just like the weather, Marion Co stormed back. Brynna Thomasson had a grand slam in the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in May

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Maternal mental health remains a growing concern as communities continue recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Health professionals say while many mothers experience exhaustion, stress, and emotional changes after childbirth, postpartum mental health conditions can become severe if left untreated. Conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and other maternal mental health disorders can affect mothers…

Church Partnership Supports Unhoused Community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -Volunteers at Silverdale Baptist Church partnered with The Chatt Foundation to serve lunch, clothing, and hygiene supplies to members of the unhoused community during a community outreach effort. The effort is part of a decade-long partnership centered on serving people experiencing homelessness through meals and additional support services. Baron King, CEO of The Chatt Foundation, says that…

Walker County celebrates grand opening of Adventure Acres

ROSSVILLE, Ga.Walker County is celebrating a major milestone with the official grand opening of Adventure Acres, the county’s first signature park. The new family-focused destination features a treehouse-themed playground, a free splash pad, a walking trail, a pavilion, and other outdoor amenities designed for visitors of all ages. County leaders say Adventure Acres was created to give families a unique…

Chattanooga faith leaders gather for unity forum at Bessie Smith Cultural Center

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)  People from across the Chattanooga area came together today at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center for a forum focused on faith, dialogue, and unity within the community. Organizers say the event brought together individuals from different religious backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives for open conversation aimed at strengthening relationships across the region. The goal of the gathering was…

Bear In Tree Draws Crowd

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – A black bear spotted high in a tree drew attention in Cleveland Wednesday morning as residents stopped to watch the unusual scene unfold. Cleveland Police and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency crews responded to the area as the bear remained in the tree for an extended period and bystanders gathered at a safe distance. Early onlookers Stephanie…

SNAP Cuts Impact Food Access

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Congressional District Health Dashboard has released updated data showing SNAP participation by congressional districts across the United States. The dashboard now allows users to track SNAP enrollment trends over time, including quarterly changes, alongside other health and economic indicators. The tool is designed to give a clearer view of how participation in the Supplemental Nutrition…

School board candidates debate issues in Hixson as they vie to replace Joe Smith

From left to right: Sandy Pricer (I), Dr. Ruth Walker (D), and Ashley Dillon (R), the three candidate for Hamilton County District 3 School Board. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Longtime Hamilton County school board chairman Joe Smith announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection in his district. Three candidates are looking to replace him, and whoever does so…

Fans to get opportunity to see Spain train in open practice session before World Cup

The website where fans can apply to see Spain’s training session. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the American World Cup just three weeks away, Chattanooga soccer fans may soon be able to get to see some of the world’s best players up close. The Spanish national football team will be hosting a community training session at The Baylor School on June…

State of Hamilton County Focuses On Growth

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – State and County leaders highlighted major progress and long-term investments during this year’s State of the County address at UTC’s Wolford Center, focusing on education, economic growth, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and outdoor recreation. One of the biggest successes centered on career and technical education. Hamilton County Schools has raised its “Ready Graduate” rate from 39.5%…

Pleas for safer driving heightened after pair of fatal motorcycle crashes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s motorcycle community is continuing to mourn the loss of two bikers in the past week. Lucas Weaver says he was friends with both Riley Hairsine and Dathan Thomas, who were killed in separate crashes in Hixson in the past week on their motorcycles. Hairsine’s crash was on Tuesday on Highway 153, and Thomas’s crash was on…

New Plans Transform Pavilion Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community leaders are moving forward with a new vision for Pavilion Park, announcing the BlueCross Healthy Place project near Finley Stadium during a public event. The project will focus on creating a more connected gathering space around First Horizon Pavilion, adding new recreation areas and shaded spaces designed to encourage year-round activity. Leaders say the effort…

Down Payment Help Program Launch

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Buying a home has become increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers as housing prices and upfront costs continue rising nationwide.  Now, leaders in Chattanooga say a new partnership aims to make homeownership more accessible for working families. The city has officially launched a new Down Payment Assistance Program in partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. …

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa Reads Program

CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – Getting young people to love reading is a team effort in Catoosa County. Last year, the School District teamed up with Citizens for Literacy and the Public Library to create Catoosa Reads. That’s a page-turning example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Today we have Catoosa Reads which started last year as a collaborative of…

Veteran Singer Advocates Mental Health

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month continue, Benjamin Hightower is using his platform to speak openly about mental health and life after military service. Hightower, an Air Force veteran and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, gained national attention following his breakout performance on America’s Got Talent. Now, he says he wants to help reduce the stigma…

Triathlon Tradition Draws Big Crowds

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The IRONMAN 70.3 returned over the weekend, bringing athletes to a course built around a downstream Tennessee River swim, rolling regional roads, and a downtown run lined with spectators. The event’s local history began in 2014, when the first full IRONMAN race was held following a 2013 announcement that the city would join the global endurance…

Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga: Athletes reflect on their Ironman journey

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Chattanooga celebrated another year of the Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga, athletes from across the country crossed the finish line with stories of perseverance, discipline, and determination. Charlie Baker and Andrew McBurney could be heard shouting, “Ironman 2026!” For many competitors, months of training and sacrifice led to Sunday’s race. “I worked too hard for this. I’m…

Cohutta Mayor resigns following weeks of controversy

COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Town of Cohutta is seeing another major leadership change. The Town of Cohutta’s Attorney, Bryan Rayburn, confirmed that Ron Shinnick has resigned from his position as mayor. Over the last several weeks, News 12 has covered allegations surrounding the former mayor’s wife, Pam Shinnick, continuing to work as Town Clerk after town meeting minutes indicated…