UTC Students Face Lockdown Scare

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga endured a frightening afternoon after receiving an emergency alert of a possible active shooter on campus.  The message, sent at 12:42 p.m., warned of a threat inside the University Center or the campus library and urged students to “Run, Hide, Fight.” Many students immediately locked doors and sheltered…

James Dobson, founder of conservative Christian group Focus on the Family, dies at 89

Dr. James Dobson, a child psychologist who founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family and was a politically influential campaigner against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, died on Thursday. He was 89. His death was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Dobson started a radio show counseling Christians on how to be good parents and founded Focus on…

Hamilton County commissioners float meeting time change

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could the Hamilton County Commission’s meeting time change? During Wednesday’s meeting centered on the controversial Plan Hamilton vote, several residents voiced how inconvenient the 9:30 a.m. meeting time of the County Commission has been throughout this process. They argue it freezes out many citizens from attending and participating in this political process due to being at work,…

‘Dream’ nightclub sanctioned for third time in 2025 by Beer Board

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga nightclub has been sanctioned for the third time this year by the Chattanooga Beer Board.The Dream on Glass Street has had a series of issues dating back to December 2024. A shooting had occurred inside the club then injuring one person. Afterwards, a shootout occurred outside of the club in January that was caught on…

Spots are filling up for “Golf for Good!”

Kevin Lusk with Project Access and Joel Henderson with Volunteers in Medicine join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview a special fundraiser between the two organizations. ‘Golf for Good’ offers patients and physicians alike the opportunity to enjoy time on the golf course — all for a good cause. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Project Access and Volunteers in Medicine are collaborating…

‘Memphis’ kicks off Chattanooga Theatre Center’s 102nd season

Executive Director Rodney VanValkenburg and Musical Theatre Director Michael Howard join News 12’s Chip Chapman to preview their newest musical next month titled ‘Memphis.’ CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Theatre Center’s 102nd season is right around the corner with the play Memphis kicking off in September on their main stage. Memphis is musical about a white DJ with a…

Vols QB Joey Aguilar Thought He Was Headed to be a Fireman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Joey Aguilar is half of college football’s wildest flip-flops. When Nico Iamaleava departed Tennessee in April for UCLA, the quarterback left the Bruins to join the Volunteers. Now Aguilar has Iamaleava’s old starting job. “Coming out here and being the starting quarterback for this program is nothing but excitement, and that’s all I can say,” Aguilar said Wednesday. “I’m…

Version of Plan Hamilton passes amid disapproval from residents

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial plan to guide future growth in unincorporated Hamilton County took the next step Wednesday. The contention over Plan Hamilton came to a head Wednesday morning as residents and developers squared off over what they want the future of Hamilton County to look like. Much of the audience were displeased with the Hamilton County Commission’s decision…

Ooltewah Development Rejected by Commission

  OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) — A development we’ve previously reported in Ooltewah has been rejected by the Hamilton County Commission. The Thrive Brooks Dairy Farm had been previously approved by the Regional Planning Agency. It was to be located off of Amos Lane and Snow Hill Road behind Ooltewah High School. It was voted down after some commissioners said they felt…

Second student charged in connection with gun recovery at East Hamilton High School

UPDATE:  A second juvenile has been charged after a gun was recovered from a car at East Hamilton High School. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced this Thursday afternoon. The HCSO says the second student is being charged with the following: •  Possession of a Weapon on School Property •  Possession of Stolen Property OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A…

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…