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…
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…
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,…
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….
Ringgold opened the season with a 38-7 win over Dade County. The Tigers were up 38-0 at the half, before easing off the accelerator. Part of that likely had to do with the fact that Ringgold coach Austin Crisp is good friends with Dade county coach Jeff Poston. Brian Armstrong fills us in. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — UTC is warning students about a couple of incidents from the weekend. Both of the incidents involved parties. One was a case of drink spiking at a party off campus. The victim was treated at the emergency room. The other incident involved a frat party. A UTC student reported she had too much to drink and was…
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…
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A driver caught a lucky break after an accident on North Lee Highway Tuesday morning. On August 19, 2025, Bradley County EMS responded to a single-vehicle crash on North Lee Highway. Upon arrival, crews found a loaded dump trailer on its side. Bradley County EMS says the driver was fortunate to walk away with only…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) helped a woman welcome her baby into the world last week. On August 14, 2025, around 1:00 a.m., a mother gave birth to her baby on I-75 while on their way to the hospital. Crews met the two at a gas station on Gunbarrel Road. CFD said Lt. Efiom rendered aid…
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…
Nichelle Patel with The Chocolate Box joins News 12’s Chip Chapman with more creative treats! She brings her popular macaroons and some specialty cakes for the morning team to enjoy. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chocolate Box delivers realistic art pieces in cake form while announcing new menu items. Nichelle Patel was able to go into the kitchen and come…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
