Summer winds down with a special play by the Good Soil Theatre Co.

Rachel Ridenour and Maggie Possinger join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the latest production with Good Soil Theatre Co. in McDonald, TN. MCDONALD, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local acting troupe Good Soil Theatre Co., located in Cleveland, debuts their summer camp themed performance “The Grown-Ups” this weekend. “The Grown-Ups” features a small cast of five performers to create an intimate and…

World’s Longest Yard Sale Returns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The world’s longest yard sale once again rolled through the Scenic City this past weekend. The 127 Yard Sale, stretching nearly 700 miles from Addison, Michigan, to Gadsden, Alabama, brought thousands of shoppers to the Chattanooga area for four days of bargain hunting. Vendors lined U.S. 127 and the Lookout Mountain Parkway, selling everything from vintage…

Two suspects charged in disturbing case involving children and dozens of animals

MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Grundy County authorities are asking for the community’s help after a disturbing case involving children and dozens of animals. Dozens of animals were found living in poor conditions, and investigators recently confirmed that children were also residing on the property. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office has been working on the animal cruelty case, which has…

Proposed asphalt plant stirs controversy in Soddy-Daisy

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- There is a significant amount of opposition to a proposed asphalt mixing plant in Soddy-Daisy. This plant would be located on Thrasher Pike near its Highway 27 interchange. Numerous residents, organizations such as Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful and North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, and the Ivy Academy all say they have various concerns about the property. Those concerns range…

Audi looking at Chattanooga for new factory

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  An industry report out of Germany says that building a second auto plant in Chattanooga is gaining ground at Audi. The luxury brand is owned by Volkswagen. One of their options for avoiding President Trump’s tariffs is building a twin plant next to Volkswagen’s here. They could use V-W’s infrastructure and supplier network which would reduce…

Hamilton County deputy awarded medal for performing life-saving action

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett awarded one of his deputies for performing life-saving actions out in the field. On March 16, 2025, patrol deputy Cody Widdows responded to Water Wheel Lane on reports of an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, deputy Widdows found the individual and immediately began performing CPR. HCSO said thanks to deputy Widdows…

Man arrested in Jackson County after authorities uncover drugs during traffic stop

JACKSON COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  A man was arrested in Jackson County after authorities uncovered drugs during a traffic stop. The stop occurred on August 5, 2025, on Steam Plant Road. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy conducted a search of the driver’s car and person. JCSO says the deputy found five ounces of methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia….

New Tech helps those with Vision Impairment

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Somewhere around seven million Americans deal with low vision including one million that are blind. This week on Tech Byte we invited Cheryl Saucier from LVI America to show us how they’re using new tech and even some AI to help with vision impairment. “Low Vision International is one of the first companies in the world to…

Bargain Hunters Hit Signal Mountain for World’s Longest Yard Sale

Signal Mountain, TN (WDEF) —  It’s a bargain hunter’s dream—and it’s officially underway. The World’s Longest Yard Sale kicked off Thursday morning, stretching an impressive 690 miles from Gadsden, Alabama, all the way to Michigan. Along the route lies Taft Highway in Signal Mountain, a hotspot for treasure seekers looking for furniture, antiques, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind knick-knacks. Vendor Jack,…

TennCare Expands Coverage for Obesity Medications

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is applauding TennCare for expanding coverage to include FDA-approved weight-management medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.  This decision comes at a critical time, as nearly 4 in 10 Tennessee adults live with obesity, putting them at increased risk for over 200 medical conditions, from type 2 diabetes to heart disease. “GLP-1 medications…

Hope for Mothers, Help for Babies

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Foundation House Ministries, a Cleveland-based nonprofit, is sounding the alarm after receiving a record number of calls about babies born addicted to drugs.  Executive Director Suzanne Burns says the number of addiction-related calls in 2025 has already surpassed those from all of last year. “These babies are being born into crisis,” said Burns. “We’re hearing from…

32 dogs rescued from suspected abuse in Catoosa County

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  32 dogs were rescued from a home in Catoosa County after investigators found signs of animal cruelty. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Division and Catoosa County officials led the investigation. They first visited the property on August 1, 2025 and found around 20 dogs living outside in filthy conditions. Upon further investigation,…

Rock City updates look, highlights gnomes in new branding

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) —  Rock City has launched a new look that puts its gnome characters front and center for the first time. The rebrand includes a new logo, color scheme, and typeface. Officials say the changes are meant to give Rock City its own identity, separate from its parent company, now called Rock City Enterprises. For the past…

Tennessee line workers bring electricity to remote villages in Guatemala

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A crew of 15 Tennessee electric line workers helped bring power to a pair of remote villages in Guatemala. The team included Nick Gipson and Daniel Walker from the Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC). They spent 16 days building two power lines. That’s 38 poles plus wiring across rugged terrain. Their efforts brought electric power to…

Extreme water sports comes to Chattanooga

Travis Sims and Shelby Cundiff talk about the South’s largest extreme sports festival, The Chattanooga River Games. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The largest extreme sports festival is coming to Chattanooga at Ross’s Landing on August 15-17, The Chattanooga River Games. Watch as people from around the world compete in extreme water sports, including watching Redbull’s team, the Redbull Creepers, scale…

Red Wolves with a stoppage time winner

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (Red Wolves) -The Chattanooga Red Wolves clinched a dramatic stoppage-time winner Wednesday, continuing their reputation for late-game heroics in USL League One. The Red Wolves broke the deadlock against Forward Madison FC with a rapid counterattack in the dying moments. n, Chattanooga’s Zahir Vazquez found himself unmarked in the box after a defensive lapse, slotting home past the…

Helton says he is working on Plan Hamilton compromise

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial plan to guide growth in unincorporated Hamilton County could soon be back up for consideration. Plan Hamilton has been a years-long effort on how growth for unincorporated Hamilton County should be guided. Back in June, a version of that plan was tabled by Hamilton County Commissioners over various concerns including how much developers would…

Davis appointed as new Deputy Chief of Corrections

New Deputy Chief of Corrections Tim Davis (Courtesy: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has named a new leader over jail operations. He has named Tim Davis as the new Deputy Chief of Corrections for the Sheriff’s Office. Chief Davis most recently served as Assistant Sheriff in Santa Clara County, California, where he managed…

Students Start New School Year

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Class is officially back in session for Hamilton County students, with schools reopening today, August 6, 2025.  District leaders say more than 45,000 students are returning to classrooms this fall. To prepare families, Hamilton County Schools launched its annual “First Day Ready” campaign, offering back-to-school supply lists, bus route information, nutrition guidance, and access to summer…

Human Trafficking Hidden in Plain Sight

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Human trafficking is a devastating and hidden crime affecting millions globally.  With an estimated 27.6 million victims, traffickers operate silently, blending into everyday life.  Victims may be found in homes, workplaces, or public places, often unseen.  Recognizing signs, such as restricted freedom, fearfulness, or unusual behavior, is crucial.  Communities can make a difference by staying alert…

Destination Ocoee: Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner

  Click to view other businesses at Destination: Ocoee. OCOEE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Its a restaurant that reflects the history and culture of the community in Polk County, Tennessee.  The menu is inspired by favorites and has traditional flavors.  The Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner is located on Highway 64 where the owners take pride in naming many of the…