CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Tennessee lawmaker has introduced legislation related to the death penalty for the rape of a child. Republican State Representative Greg Martin of Hixson filed House Bill 1454 in the Tennessee General Assembly. The bill would expand the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors may seek the death penalty for the rape of a child. House Bill…
Tom Griscom and Linda Moss Mines join News 12’s Chip Chapman following the announcement of a new interactive history experience in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This year is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America’s independence and across the nation, people are preparing a year of celebrating history. In Chattanooga, county historian Linda Moss Mines and trailblazing…
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Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind by 13 points in the third quarter, LFO rallied to edge rival Ringgold 57-56. With the score tied at 56 with 25-seconds left, Quintaris Tanner-Garrett hit one of two free throws to help lift his Warriors team to the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports, LFO, Ringgold
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – The director of the Walker County Animal Shelter says euthanasia lists are created when the shelter reaches critical capacity. She explains that many animals have already been placed. “We’re super grateful that a lot of the animals have already left,” the director shared. “We do still have a handful on the list, and our deadline…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Trump administration has begun sending wage garnishment notices to borrowers who have defaulted on their federal student loans. The first wave of roughly one thousand letters has already been sent, with more notices expected in the coming weeks. Many borrowers may not realize the garnishment process has started or understand what steps to take once…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Families across Tennessee have access to a wide range of K–12 education options, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning programs, homeschooling, and micro schooling. In the greater Chattanooga area, 84 schools and nonprofit organizations are hosting events such as open houses, parent information nights, and community forums to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County is forecast to experience a stretch of cold weather this week, with overnight lows dropping below freezing in several areas. These temperatures can pose challenges for homes, pets, and vulnerable plants, making preparation important. Residents are encouraged to take steps to stay safe and minimize potential damage. Bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter,…
RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Ramona Delay cares about all her Ringgold Middle School students past and present. Her dedication extends far beyond school hours. Her tireless dedication earned Mrs. Delay this week’s Golden Apple Award. Principal Shelley Pritchard explains, “Missionary DeLay has the biggest heart. She loves her children unconditionally and she is always there. She wants to teach them, but…
OOLETWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- Development in Ooltewah, especially along Snow Hill Road, has been a long topic of debate. A new proposal is sparking similar, but also new concerns. The topic of debate was whether or not over 37 acres near Fairview Baptist Church should be rezoned to allow over 100 new homes to be built. The conflict continued between addressing…
WALKER COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Back in December, the Walker County Animal Shelter brought in 51 animals. Out of the 30 dogs the shelter took in, they’ve been able to place all but a handful, however, the ones left are set to be euthanized at the end of the day, tomorrow, at 6pm. News 12’s Lillian Yi spoke with the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Protests across Iran have taken a deadly turn, drawing global attention as citizens openly voice opposition to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Iranian government. Warning: Some of the footage circulating from Iran may be disturbing to some viewers. The Iranian government has reportedly killed hundreds of protesters amid ongoing demonstrations. The unrest comes in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In Hamilton County, local organizers are preparing a series of events along the Tennessee Riverfront to celebrate this milestone and honor the contributions of all Americans. Linda Moss Mines, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Historian and chair of the local…
DALTON, GA (WDEF) – A new, non-profit performing arts organization is up and running in Dalton. 11th Hour Theater and Creative Studio is a great place for kids to cultivate a healthy interest in performing. Let’s hit the stage for week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “It’s almost like there are two aspects that are co-mingling. We have the 11th…
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – The Dalton Spring Home Show wrapped up this weekend at the Dalton Convention Center. Attendees spent three days exploring exclusive show-only deals, watching live demonstrations of the latest home products, and gathering creative ideas and practical tips to upgrade their homes. Visitors also entered giveaways and connected with top local contractors, designers, and remodelers, making it…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 58th Annual World of Wheels custom auto show took place January 9–11, 2026 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, bringing one of the Southeast’s largest indoor automotive showcases to downtown Chattanooga. The event featured hundreds of vehicles, from meticulously restored hot rods, antique and classic cars, to race cars, custom imports, and motorcycles, all displayed in creative…
Jeff Pennypacker joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as the teaching kitchen celebrates a milestone birthday in Chattanooga! He reminds the public of several classes they can take for beginners to more experienced chefs. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Learn how to impress your guests or your own stomach with cooking lessons from The Sweet & Savory Classroom! The Sweet & Savory…
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local Venezuelan family says hope is slowly returning after years of dictatorship, while emphasizing that leaving their homeland was not a choice but a matter of survival. Their journey to the United States spans decades and generations. David Mora arrived in 1992 as a child. His aunt, Betty Mora Rondon, and cousin, Anibeth Perez Mora,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Knoxville couple says when life suddenly changed, love became their constant. After a leukemia diagnosis kept them inside CHI Memorial Hospital, they made a decision that felt impossible to wait on. An officiant announced Robert and Tonesia Landis as husband and wife as family, friends, and staff erupted in cheers inside a hospital room in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann stopped by Chattanooga today to highlight a major win for the region. Among the many provisions included in the 2026 Energy and Water Bill, the federal government has approved full funding for the Chickamauga Lock Project, a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade along the Tennessee River. Fleischmann says the bill delivers significant investments across multiple…
Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Dalton girls basketball team was too strong for Cass on Friday night. The Catamounts racked up an impressive 71-20 victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Cass, Dalton, high school sports
Fort Oglethorpe, GA-(WDEF-TV) LFO continued their stellar season on Friday night, positing a big 85-59 win over North Murray. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports, LFO, North Murray
Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) After beating Tyner by 20 on Monday in the Best of Preps tournament, Red Bank had to go to overtime to beat the Rams on Friday night. The Lions prevailed by a final of 58-55. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports, Red Bank, Tyner
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Bradley Central forward Kimora Fields continues to blaze a trail for the Bearettes. Thursday night, she broke a record held by super-star Rhyne Howard, who the school has named a street after. At the rate Fields is going, Bradley Central may re-name the school after her. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Bradley Central,…