Destination Ocoee: Cherokee Rafting

  Click to view other businesses at Destination: Ocoee. OCOEE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Cherokee Rafting started in 1978.  It’s a family friendly whitewater rafting company based in Polk County, Tennessee.  The business prides itself in taking you down a very important part of local history.  The Ocoee River is located inside the Cherokee National Forest.  It’s a place where the…

Catoosa County couple arrested on aggravated animal cruelty charges

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Catoosa County couple has been arrested and is being charged with multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty. On Monday, July 14, 2025, a concerned citizen contacted Catoosa County officers about several cats in poor condition outside a residence on Saunders Road. Upon arrival, officers found several the cats in what they described as “deplorable”…

Hamilton County commits $2 million to new McConnell Elementary gym

  HAMLTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  McConnell Elementary is getting closer to having a new gym facility. Hamilton County has committed $2 million toward building a new multi-purpose gym. The Hamilton County Mayor’s Office says McConnell Elementary has operated without a dedicated space for indoor physical education, assemblies, performances, and schoolwide gatherings. “This is more than a building—it’s a long…

TDOT says 24/75 split construction still delayed as new Apison Pike bridge opens

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- State transportation officials say that the timeline for some local construction projects has been delayed. This as one Hamilton County community celebrates new infrastructure. The Collegedale and Apison areas have reached a new milestone as a new bridge connecting State Route 317 from the Southern Adventist University area to the rest of Collegedale, has been completed. This,…

Fallen Five to be honored in annual remembrance ceremony Wednesday

News 12 This Morning Exclusive Interview with Mickey McCamish

News 12 This Morning: Retired U.S. Navy Captain Mickey McCamish joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to invite the public to pay their respects to the Fallen Five on the 10th anniversary of the fatal attack in Chattanooga.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Five brave servicemen were killed in a domestic terror attack on July 16, 2015. Now, the Chattanooga community continues…

Ten Years Later: Chattanooga Honors the Fallen Five

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Ten years after a domestic terrorist attack shook the heart of Chattanooga, the community is coming together to remember the five servicemen who lost their lives on July 16, 2015. The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (CAVC) will host a “Ten Year Remembrance Tribute to the Fallen Five” this Wednesday, July 16, at 11:00 a.m. at the…

Lookout Mountain Incline Reopens

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After months of waiting, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is officially back open.  The Incline is one of Chattanooga’s most visited attractions, offering a scenic climb to the top of Lookout Mountain.  During its seven-month closure, teams worked to improve safety and maintain the century-old track structure.  We asked Charles Frazier Cartas CEO what makes the…

Funding Strain on Roads

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee’s roads are under pressure. As more drivers switch to hybrid and electric vehicles, gas tax revenue, the state’s main source for road funding, is slowly drying up. At today’s Hamilton County Pachyderm Club meeting, State Representative and Transportation Committee Chair Dan Howell addressed these challenges. Here is what Howell told the Club and News 12:…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Team Mentoring

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Just because school is out, learning doesn’t have to take a vacation.  Students from the Chattanooga area are getting lessons in leadership at Book T. Washington State Park.  The third annual Team Mentoring camp is a Summertime example of, What’s Right With Our Schools. “Team mentoring Inc. was designed to provide our youth between the ages,…

Pet of the Week: Moon Beam

Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Moon Beam! Moon Beam is a sweet and affectionate 4-year-old pup. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says she’s got soulful eyes that are full of love and loyalty. Moon Beam does great with other dogs. She loves to play but also knows how to relax. Moon Beam is smart and eager to please….

Deputies rescue driver after crash and suspected overdose

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Saturday, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy Greg Buck observed a vehicle leave the roadway at 3298 Wilcox Boulevard and crash through a fence and enter a nearby retention pond. Deputy Buck immediately called for assistance. When arriving, additional Deputies quickly worked to extract the driver from the vehicle. According to HCSO, the…

Golden Gloves Showdown Hits East Ridge

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is hosting some of the nation’s most promising young boxing talent this weekend. The 2025 National Junior & Youth Golden Gloves Championship kicked off Sunday morning at Camp Jordan Arena, with top athletes from across the country competing.  We spoke with local pro Roger “The Hitman” Hilley, who turned pro in 2016 after medaling…

Thrills Return to Camp Jordan

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s summer just got a lot more thrilling. The 2025 Thrillville carnival has rolled into Camp Jordan, bringing high-flying rides, classic fair treats, and non-stop family fun.  Experience over 30 thrilling rides, from heart-pounding coasters to family-friendly attractions.   Enjoy classic carnival favorites like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and games for all ages. Unlimited ride wristbands…

Annual Peach Festival draws a crowd

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s sweet, it’s sunny, and it’s all about the peaches. The annual Peach Festival brought out both locals and visitors this weekend, filling the air with the scent of fresh fruit and the sounds of summer fun. From juicy Georgia peaches to live music and family-friendly activities, this seasonal favorite proves time and time again that…

Community rallies around young survivor Khloie

COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – A community came together today to support a young girl who’s been through the unimaginable—but continues to show the heart of a true fighter. Earlier this year, Khloie survived a near-fatal car accident—an event that changed her life forever. Now, friends, family, and neighbors are rallying around her to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible van and…

Protesters rallied in Dalton against the Big Beautiful Bill

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) – In Dalton, protesters gathered once again in front of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s office, this time to voice opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill. Demonstrators held signs, chanted, and called for change, expressing frustration and concern over the legislation. The event’s organizer, Armida Vicente, said she believes the bill doesn’t just target undocumented immigrants and asylum…