ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – Following recent reports of kratom-related hospitalizations in Walker County, health experts are warning parents about the dangers this unregulated substance poses to adolescents. Kratom is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that can act as both a stimulant and a sedative, depending on the dose. While it’s not federally scheduled…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Friends, family, and city leaders gathered at the John A. Patten Community Center Thursday to honor Jim Long, the center’s longtime manager, who officially retired after more than 45 years of service to the Chattanooga community. The City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development hosted the ceremony, which drew city, county, and state representatives. Speakers praised Long’s…
Espero Chattanooga under construction. (Courtesy: AIM Center, INC.) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A recent report from UTC shows that housing prices in the Chattanooga area have risen by 88 percent since 2019. With this in mind, several organizations are looking to put a dent in the affordable housing problem. Leaders say projects such as Espero Chattanooga on Main Street will be…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A summer concert series may be coming to Chester Frost Park. The proposal went in front of the Hamilton County Commission. The series would be called “Lakesite Live”, and it would be a free concert for park visitors. It would be funded by a grant from the Riverview Foundation, and allow a chance for local students…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The city of Chattanooga’s Code Enforcement wing will be doing what they call an “enforcement blitz” in District 1. That district includes the Lookout Valley, Mountain Creek Road and Dayton Boulevard areas. They’ll be looking for overgrown yards, trash buildup, and rundown houses. The city says the sweep will begin on November 3rd. Anyone found in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The United Auto Workers Union voted Wednesday night in favor of a strike authorization for workers at the Volkswagen Chattanooga plant. More than two-thirds of union members voted in favor of the authorization. This vote does not guarantee that a strike will happen, but it does prime union members for a strike if one is called….
Director of Citywide Services Ricky Colston joins News 12’s Amelia Greer ahead of the beginning of leaf collection for the season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Leaves are falling which means its time for many of us to start raking our yards. Chattanooga Public Works is helping you keep your lawn clean by collecting leaves from properties starting on Monday, November…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Signal Mountain came up short in their bid to advance to their state soccer championship game on Wednesday evening. After a scoreless first half, Tullahoma got three goals in the second half to go up 3-0. The Wildcats advanced with a 3-1 final over Signal Mountain. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Baylor girls soccer team advanced to the state championship game on Wednesday. The Lady Raiders beat CPA 2-1 in overtime. Ayanna Hamler scored the winning goal in extra time. Baylor plays for the state crown on Thursday night at 7pm at Finley Stadium against Knox Webb. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – NFL Hall of Famer and former UTC Moc Terrell Owens spent the morning at Hixson Middle School, sharing stories from his time in Chattanooga and the NFL while encouraging students to believe in themselves and stay focused on their goals. Owens spoke to a packed gym before taking questions from students during a brief Q&A session. …
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Andre Grier now knows his sentence after being convicted of first degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton. The jury from Anderson County had one big decision to make on Wednesday. They had to decide whether or not Andre Grier, the man they had just previously convicted 24 hours previously of first degree murder in…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Several residents continue to voice concerns over a potential land deed restriction swap at Enterprise South Nature Park and McDonald Farm. The plan would preserve 1,300 acres at the Sale Creek property in exchange for opening up over 500 acres of underutilized land at Enterprise South Nature Park for potential industrial development. Hamilton County Mayor Weston…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County may be making a downtown parking garage free after hours and on the weekend. This garage is located between the county courthouse and courts building between Cherry and Walnut Streets. The Hamilton County owned parking garage next to the Hamilton County Courthouse. The county owns the garage, and is often filled during business hours. Hamilton…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The White Oak Bicycle Co-op is marking a record-breaking year in 2025 as it continues working toward its goal of giving away 1,000 bicycles by the end of the year. The Chattanooga-based nonprofit recently reached a milestone of more than 800 bikes distributed. That’s the most in its history. The Co-op collects donated bicycles and parts,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance says it’s facing another critical shortage, this time, the supply of platelets is running dangerously low. Officials say platelet levels were already low, but the need has now become increasingly urgent. In an effort to encourage the community to donate, the team dressed up as their favorite characters and hosted its fall Bloodnooga blood…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) CSAS lost to University School Jackson in the opening round of the state tournament by a final of 1-0 at Chattanooga Christian. The Patriots could not muster a shot on goal. The Bucs broke the ice with a goal in the 22nd minute of the second half. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) South Pittsburg’s JaMychal Buckner already has a state championship, two All-State selections, and by the time you hear that, he’s probably scored another touchdown. Brian Armstrong caught up with Buckner to talk about his recent success on the field. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) – David Tindell and Ryan Otting serve as co-teachers at Barnhardt Academy. Their coaching background helps them motivate students. They encourage perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. All that earned this talented duo this week’s Golden Apple Award. Barret Blankenship is the Principal at Barnhardt Academy. He says, “Coach Tindell and Coach Otting are phenomenal teachers. they…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians honored Dr. Edna Varner at the 2025 Trefoil Society Luncheon in Chattanooga, celebrating her lifelong dedication to education, leadership, and community service. Held at the Waterhouse Pavilion, the annual event recognizes a distinguished woman in each region who exemplifies the spirit and values of Girl Scouting. A Chattanooga native, Dr….
Board Certified Allergist Dr. Marc Cromie joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to remind parents and guardians about the potential dangers of Halloween candy. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Halloween is just around the corner which means plenty of great sweet treats for the kids, but also risks of candy sending them into anaphylactic shock. The Chattanooga Allergy Clinic reminds families to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – To close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a candlelight service will honor survivors and memorialize victims who lost their lives to domestic violence. The Family Justice Center says the event will shine a light on strength, survival, and remembrance in Chattanooga. Regina McDevitt, Executive Director of the Chattanooga Family Justice Center, said, “It is important to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police have made two additional arrests in connection to two homicides that happened nearly five years ago. According to authorities, Willie Wooten Jr. and Anthony George were both taken into custody and booked into the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. This case stems from a pair of homicides that occurred on December 1, 2020….
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Both sides have rested in the Andre Grier murder trial. Grier is charged with first degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton. There were over three hours of closing arguments from the prosecution and defense. Their decision will determine the fate of Grier, who if convicted, could face the death penalty. Prosecutor Amy Werich said,…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Walker Valley students recently got to look into their possible futures at STEM Career Day. Employers from throughout our region were on hand to show kids who they are and what they do. And that’s a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” David Gluckner is the Principal at Walker Valley STEM Academy. He…