CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Congress has passed, and President Donald Trump has signed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, a new law aimed at giving children fighting cancer and rare diseases more hope and more options. The law expands research on childhood cancer, strengthens the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of pediatric drug studies, and encourages the development…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The debate over immigration continues here in Chattanooga, especially over the Hamilton County Sheriff Office’s partnership with ICE. The Sheriff’s Office partners with ICE via the 287 (g) immigration enforcement program. This authorizes some deputies to take on immigration related duties normally reserved for ICE agents. City council members such as Ron Elliott and Jenny Hill say…
Summerville, GA(WDEF)-Summerville resident Corey Allen Lanye has been charged with animal cruelty under a city ordinance after allegedly shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog. According to the Smith family, their dog Roman got loose from their property after his shock collar stopped working. Josh Smith, dog owner, described the scene:”At first, I didn’t really realize what was going on. He…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Good Foundations Thrift in Cleveland recently reopened after a week‑long remodel made possible by donated items and volunteer efforts from two groups from First Baptist Church. The thrift is part of Foundation House Ministries, a nonprofit that walks with mothers trapped in crisis lifestyles, including overcoming addiction, homelessness, or economic hardship, as they pursue stability, life…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly is responding to a proposed bill in the Tennessee legislature. Senate Bill 2064, proposed by Senator Bo Watson, would cap how much municipalities can raise property taxes over a multi year time period. Senator Watson told us earlier this week that the intent behind this bill is to protect taxpayers from unexpected tax…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As Valentine’s Day approaches, new national research from AARP reveals a significant digital threat to older Americans. Nearly one in ten adults aged 50 and older have been targeted by an online romantic connection who ultimately asked for money or promoted a cryptocurrency investment. The study finds that these scams are increasingly sophisticated, often originating from…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga Christian guard Jack Fox is one of the top scorers in town, averaging nearly 30-points a game. He’s doing it all while playing for his father, who also had a knack for putting the ball in the basket during his playing days at Notre Dame. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Walker Valley put on a defensive clinic against Bradley Central racking up 19 steals in beating the Bears 66-36. Zach Davis led the Mustangs attack with 5 steals and 18-points. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo has officially announced the winning names for its emperor tamarin twins: Basil and Sage. The two male tamarins were born in October and quickly became favorites among zoo visitors and staff. Shortly after their birth, News 12 received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the newborn primates, with masks required to help protect the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Major Douglas McClure with The Salvation Army in Chattanooga is announcing the organization’s annual Mardi Bra donation drive. This donation event focused on providing undergarments and other essential goods to women experiencing homelessness. The Mardi Bra event will take place Tuesday, February 12. Organizers say the drive is designed to support women in the unhoused community…
The groundbreaking of 702 Manufacturers Road. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For many who work in Chattanooga, finding housing can be a challenge. The city approved a new program last year that looks to put a dent in that issue. That program approved last year was the affordable housing payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT program. This gives developers tax incentives…
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County school board approved an expansion of capacity for a Soddy-Daisy charter school. They are allowing Skillern Elementary at Ivy Academy to expand their capacity by nearly one hundred students, or a 20 percent expansion over the next two school years. Skillern is the elementary wing of Ivy Academy, which is privately run but publicly…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Winter weather and freezing temperatures weren’t enough to delay the highly anticipated 2026 Girl Scout cookie season. Over the weekend, Girl Scouts, troop leaders, and families gathered at the regional distribution point to pick up their massive supplies of cookies, ensuring the community’s favorite treats stay on schedule despite the icy conditions. Volunteers worked through the…
APISON, TN (WDEF) – Each school day Taryn Painter walks into her third-grade classroom at Apison Elementary with energy, patience and a genuine love of teaching. Her students know she believes in them. That makes them work hard and have the confidence to try new things. Ms. Painter’s boundless positivity earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She goes above…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Health leaders gathered this month for the regional health council meeting to review current respiratory illness trends and discuss ways to strengthen vaccination outreach across the area. A major focus of the meeting was influenza, as flu activity remains high in Tennessee and across the country. According to data shared during the meeting, nearly 19 million…
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) — The Chickamauga City Council held a special meeting Friday at 4 p.m. to consider removing Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office. Council members have not publicly stated their concerns regarding the mayor. After the meeting was postponed, Mayor Deck addressed a crowd gathered outside City Civic Center. “I’m a Chickamauga boy,” Deck said. “I believe…
WHITEFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — As candidates line up in hopes of challenging U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat, one local contender says he is stepping out of the congressional race. Republican candidate Christian Hurd announced he will no longer pursue the congressional bid, saying he does not want to run against fellow Republicans without what he believes is a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The federal government has been searching for a spot to place their new federal courthouse for some time here in Chattanooga. The General Services Administration says they have the spot they want. However, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly made remarks opposing that spot Monday after receiving a letter from General Services Administrator Edward Forst late last week. In…
(press release) — Chattanooga Football Club announced today that it and Head Coach Chris Nugent have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. The club extends its sincere gratitude to Nugent for his commitment to Chattanooga FC. Under his guidance, the team achieved its first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance and laid foundational groundwork for the club’s growth. Nugent joined…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- After many homeowners saw significant increases in their property taxes last year, one bill is looking to curb that trend. Senator Bo Watson says he is introducing Tennessee Senate Bill 2064. This bill would cap local property tax revenue increases at the inflationary rate, with a max rise of six percent over three years. If a local…
The storage tanks off of I-75 in Chattanooga as of February 2, 2026. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We received an update on a pair of wastewater projects in Chattanooga. Mark Heinzer, who oversees the city’s wastewater department, says that the project to upgrade the Moccasin Bend wastewater facility has fallen slightly behind schedule. This project would upgrade both the processing of…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Some of the sharpest local minds recently came together for the Chattanooga I-T Pathways Hackathon. It was a chance to shape the future of our region’s tech workforce. Making sure that students learn the skills they need to land good jobs upon graduation is an important example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “So today we are…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local viewers shared these snowy snapshots from neighborhoods across the area. From quiet backyards to snow-covered streets, today’s winter weather made for some beautiful scenes. Thank you to everyone who sent in photos and let us take a look through your lens. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: Local News, snow photos, snow pics
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Every year, Chattanooga comes together for one of its quirkiest and most beloved traditions… Skillet Curling. Inspired by the Olympic sport but played with cast iron skillets, the seventh annual tournament wrapped up this past Thursday through Sunday afternoon at the First Horizon Pavilion, drawing teams, fans, and plenty of friendly competition. This year’s championship saw…