Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City team up for new combo ticket deal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Visitors to Chattanooga will soon be able to enjoy two of the city’s most popular attractions with one ticket. Starting August 20,2025 the Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City Gardens will offer a new Tennessee Aquarium + Rock City Combo Ticket. The tickets will only be available online, and for a limited time. The single-day pass gives guests…

Standing room only crowd of mostly first responders show up for property tax hearing

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A standing room only crowd came to the Chattanooga City Council Tuesday afternoon to give their views on a proposed property tax hike. The Chattanooga City Council was filled with first responders who hope a pay raise is coming soon. This would be achieved through a property tax rate, as many of them say that short…

Questions still being raised about infrastructure a week following deadly Chattanooga floods

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Questions are still being raised a week to the day devastating flooding killed four people in Hamilton County. Much of the damage caused by the flooding occurred in Brainerd and East Ridge, especially near the construction along Interstate 24. We spoke with residents and the Calvary Christian School last week who are located just off that highway,…

Nine Tennessee fire departments receive $10,000 grants

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Nine volunteer fire departments across Tennessee are each receiving $10,000 grants through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). News 12 traveled to Pikeville to speak with members of the Rigsby Volunteer Fire Department, one of the recipients, about how they plan to use the money….

Outdoor Writers Bring Spotlight to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is rolling out the welcome mat for more than 250 outdoor writers, photographers, and media professionals as the city hosts the 2025 Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference.  The Scenic City will serve as a launchpad for adventure, with attendees experiencing world-class rock climbing, hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities just minutes from downtown. The conference…

New Vision for North River School

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Schools, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and the Hamilton County Mayor’s Office, has unveiled plans for North River Elementary School, a new facility that will serve the DuPont, Alpine Crest, and Rivermont communities. The $48 million project is scheduled to open in fall 2027, located on the site of the North…

Jeffery Simmons Downplays Shove of Titans QB Cam Ward at Practice

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons defended shoving the Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward at the end of practice Monday and accused outsiders of blowing up tempers flaring at a hot training camp practice. The No. 1 overall draft pick, wearing a red non-contact jersey, was celebrating a touchdown throw in a red-zone drill when he put…

Blood Assurance Urges Community to Donate Amid Shortages

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-  Blood Assurance is calling on the community to help address an urgent need for blood donations. The nonprofit blood center says donations have dropped in recent weeks, creating challenges for patients who rely on a steady supply. Blood is needed every day for trauma victims, cancer patients, and surgical patients. Officials stress that one donation can save…

Chattanooga Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team Earns State Accreditation

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team has officially received state accreditation. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan presented the certificate Tuesday morning at the Chattanooga Police and Fire Training Center. The 26-member team has spent years preparing for this recognition, training extensively and putting their skills into practice during recent emergencies. Just days ago, they…

Man sentenced for starving disabled son

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A father has been sentenced for starving his son to death. Three years ago, 69-year old John Hoover reported his son had stopped eating. He said his son had a mental disability and that he and his wife had had to move in to care for him. The son was hospitalized and died several months…

Boogie down for a great cause with Love’s Arm Outreach

Chrissie Holland with Love’s Arm Outreach joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to raise awareness about the newest community fundraising event on September 12.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Go back in time and party in style while supporting a great cause with the “I Will Survive: Benefit for Trafficking Survivors” put on by Love’s Arm Outreach. The event will be on…

Local tenant calls out housing authority over overgrown lawn

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One Chattanooga woman says her government housing complex has let her down. Denise Morris, who is visually impaired, says she has been waiting for months for crews to cut her grass. She tells us the tall, overgrown lawn isn’t just frustrating—it’s become dangerous. For Morris, even stepping outside her home is a challenge. She says the…

Senator Watson breaks down new “Right to Try 2.0” law

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson (R–District 11) is drawing attention to a new state law he authored, the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act (SB 282), also known as Right to Try 2.0. The legislation expands access to individualized treatments for Tennesseans facing terminal or debilitating illnesses once all FDA-approved options have been exhausted. Under…

Roberts sentenced to 90 years in prison for 2023 murder of Christopher Wright

Nearly 50 family and friends of Chris Wright attending the sentencing hearing of his murderer, Darryl Roberts, all wearing a red button in memory. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The man convicted of second degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of a Baylor alum in downtown Chattanooga learned his sentence Monday. Nearly 50 family and friends showed up to Hamilton County…

Judge Presses Ahead in Liner Case

  CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Bradley County murder suspect Charlton “Craig” Liner was back in court Monday as questions continue over his legal representation. Liner is charged with first-degree murder in the January shooting death of his ex-wife, Karen Liner.  Prosecutors also say he later tried to hire a fellow inmate to kill his former mother-in-law while in jail, leading…

Bradley County Commission Approves $75K Fire Hall

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Bradley County Commission has officially weighed in on a debated project at the Minnis Road fire station. Earlier this month, the county’s Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend against funding the proposal, citing tight budgets and limited resources.  That recommendation went before the full commission today, where members ultimately voted 12–1 to back the Finance…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Tyner Academy Early Learning Center

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Tyner’s new Early Learning Center officially opened with the new school year. It provides affordable childcare for faculty and staff and a career pathway for students looking to get into the childcare field. That’s a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “It is a childcare facility for our faculty and staff here at the…

Ribbon cutting held for new Tyner Academy building

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Hamilton County’s newest school has officially been christened. The ribbon cutting for the brand new Tyner Middle-High Academy was held Monday morning. The Tyner Pride marching band along with the school’s cheerleaders and dance team celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new Tyner Middle-High Academy building. Monday’s ceremony was held four years to the day a group…

Grundy County authorities searching for suspect linked to suspicious fires

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Grundy County authorities are asking for the public’s help after putting out two suspicious fires. The first incident occurred on August 17, 2025 at 7:39 p.m. The Palmer Fire Department (PFD) responded to a structure fire involving a fifth wheel camper. Upon arrival, crews found the camper fully engulfed in flames. PFD extinguished the fire…