CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Great things are happening at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. They recently cut the ribbon on their new Student Activity Center. Let’s take a look inside in this week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Dr. Elaine Swafford is the CEO for Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Montessori Elementary at Highland Park She says, “Dr. Elaine Swafford: Today, we…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hundreds gathered in Chattanooga to honor those who lost their lives serving in the towing and recovery industry. The annual Wall of the Fallen ceremony, hosted by the International Towing and Recovery Museum, serves as one of the industry’s most meaningful traditions. Families from across the country came together to reflect, remember, and share stories about…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On October 10, 2025, a massive explosion occurred at the Accurate Energetic Systems facility in McEwen, Tennessee. The blast was so intense that it was felt miles away, completely destroying the building. Authorities have confirmed that at least 16 individuals inside the facility are presumed dead at this time. Sheriff Chris Davis described the scene as…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This afternoon, News 12 witnessed the aftermath of a car accident on Highway 27, just before the I-24 West, Nashville and Birmingham exit. When going by, we saw that a car was flipped upside down, and the Chattanooga Police Department and Chattanooga Fire Rescue were at the scene. CPD says that have not been notified of…
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) – At 10:51am this morning, the Signal Mountain Fire Department was dispatched to an injured hiker on the Cumberland Trail at Signal Point. According to the office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, responders responded and coordinated a rescue effort that took a little less than three hours and included the use of 3 low-angle rope…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo is bringing the Halloween spirit back with two festive events this October, one for families and one just for adults. Families can enjoy seven nights of Boo in the Zoo, running October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. The family-friendly tradition includes trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Happy National Walk in the Park Day. Community leaders, including members of the Parks and Outdoors Advisory Committee and the Trust for Public Land, came together to celebrate the importance of accessible parks by hosting a walking tour through the new Eastside Elementary Community Schoolyard Project. The event was held on October 10th to honor National…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a time to pause, reflect, and remind us that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. Parkridge Health System is using this day to highlight the importance of open conversations and provide the Chattanooga community with essential mental health resources. The annual observance is more than just…
Should be quite the quarterback battle on Friday when Calhoun visits Northwest Whitfield. The Yellow Jackets feature a dual-threat quarterback in Trace Hawkins, while the Bruins counter with dual-threat quarterback Gavin Nuckolls. Never easy on the defenses when you have two talented quarterbacks going at it. Brian Armstrong has the story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County School Board voted to remove Centerstone mental health services from their schools months ago. Nothing has replaced it since they took it away. Tensions were high again as the Centerstone MOU was back on the board’s agenda October 9th. Board member Ben Connor of district six said, “We have been failing kids for two…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp revealed his plan to preserve McDonald Farm last week. Matt Folz is the Director of Hamilton County Parks. He said, “I would love to see us save all of it. For me, I would hate to lose this trail but I would hate to lose the farm more.” Hamilton county’s plan…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Boyd Buchanan and Silverdale combined for nearly 1,000 yards of offense on Thursday with the Bucs prevailing 49-28. Boyd enjoyed a 28-21 advantage at halftime , and they got a 99-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter to extend the lead to 35-21. With the victory, the Bucs maintain their lead in the region standings with a 5-0 region…
The GHSA voted 66-to-1 this week to shake up how Georgia playoff teams are selected and seeded starting next year. Brian Armstrong has the details. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it is our turn to put them…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As cold and flu season returns, air quality in the workplace is becoming a major concern for employees. A new survey shows 71% of workers avoid shared spaces when the air smells bad or feels stuffy. Many also believe that if a space smells fresh, it must be germ-free, but that’s not always true. Experts like…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students at Boyd-Buchanan school catapulted their learning to new heights during the 20th Annual Physics Trebuchet and Catapult Competition on Thursday, October 9th. The event challenged students to design, build, and test large-scale trebuchets and catapults capable of launching softballs more than 100 yards across the stadium field. Teams spent months preparing their machines as part…
The inside of Erlanger Park on October 9, 2025, six months before its expected completion. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Once the remnants of Chattanooga’s industrial past, Erlanger Park is quickly coming out of the ground. The new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts is aiming to become one of the city’s premier event destinations. Developers say it is on time and under…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Technology has given rise to new waves of diabolical criminals, from crypto scams that target people with disposable income, to online scams that target people looking for a bargain, it all adds up to billions of dollars stolen from hardworking Americans every year. So, what’s a savvy shopper to do? We get some timely advice from…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Bradley Central volleyball team claimed their district tournament title on Wednesday at East Hamilton High School. The Bears beat Soddy Daisy 3-0 to sew up the championship. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga native Olivia Reeves won Olympic gold in weightlifting at the Summer games in 2024. Now she’s busy breaking world records. At the senior world championships Wednesday in Norway, Reeves set three world records for the snatch, clean and jerk, and total weight. In the clean and jerk, Reeves did 155 kilograms, which is 341-pounds she threw over her head….
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Baylor-McCallie game featured some star power with Peyton Manning and Tony Vitello in the stands. But the biggest star was on the field. Baylor running back David Gabriel-Georges. He rushed for over 280-yards with three touchdown runs, which were all 50-yards or longer. He fueled the Red Raiders to a 38-35 victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
UPDATE: Turning Point USA has been approved as a registered student organization at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) as of Thursday morning. After completing a review, the UTC Dean of Student’s Office approved the chapter. “While the Student Government Association may voice opinions, recognition of student organizations is determined by the UTC Dean of Students and Chancellor. Turning…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community leaders and residents came together Wednesday for the “One Community, One Mission” Violence Summit at Brainerd Crossroads. Hosted by Mayor Kelly’s office, the event brought together organizations dedicated to reducing gun violence, including 423 Chainbreakers, a group of mentors and violence interrupters using firsthand experience to mediate conflicts and prevent shootings. 423 Chainbreakers Program Manager…
WASHINGTON (WDEF)- A Volkswagen employee and union leader testified on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning. Steve Cochran says he has worked at VW for 14 years and is on the UAW’s bargaining committee. However, he voiced his displeasure with how that process has gone to a group of Senators, arguing that V-W has broken the law. Cochran said, “Your average worker…