Honoring the Fallen Five: Healing the mind after tragedy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As we reflect on today’s ceremony honoring the Fallen Five, it serves as a powerful reminder that trauma affects not only our physical safety but also our mental well-being. We spoke with a local expert about the lasting emotional effects of the July 16, 2015, terrorist attack and the resources available to those still healing. Dr….

Retired Naval Commander recalls moments of 2015 Chattanooga terrorist attack that killed five

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Ten years ago Wednesday, horror struck Chattanooga as a terrorist killed five service members. These were four U-S Marines; Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Lance Corporal Skip Wells, and Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, along with Naval Second Class Officer Randall Smith. Tributes lay at the site of where Chattanooga’s worst nightmare began on July 16,…

Bohannon confirmed as new Hamilton County health director

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County officially has a new health director.Beka Bohannon has been confirmed to the position by the Hamilton County Commission. Bohannon is Mayor Weston Wamp’s pick to replace Sabrina Novak, who was fired last November from that role. There were questions raised by Commissioner David Sharpe on if the Commission could appoint Bohannon to the role, saying…

Ten Years Remembering Fallen Five

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On the banks of the Tennessee River, beneath a bright summer sky, the city of Chattanooga gathered Wednesday morning to mark a solemn milestone, ten years since the July 16, 2015, terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five U.S. service members. Hosted by the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, the “Ten Year Remembrance Tribute to the…

Terry Knowles selected as new chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has selected Terry Knowles to be the next chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD). Since 2022, Knowles has served as CFD’s assistant chief of special operations. Mayor Tim Kelly’s Office says Knowles began his career with CFD as a firefighter in 2005. Throughout the years, he’s served as a Lieutenant, Captain,…

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….