CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Earlier this year, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp named attorney Janie Parks Varnell as his pick to replace long term attorney Rheubin Taylor. After taking office in 2022, Mayor Wamp announced he wanted to replace Taylor, which led to a legal dispute. A judge ruled in that case Taylor had to be allowed to serve out his…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — As Memorial Day approaches, a powerful and solemn tradition returns to the Chattanooga National Cemetery—one that honors the lives of those who served. The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (CAVC) will once again lead the effort to place nearly 50,000 American flags on the graves of fallen service members. This year’s flag placement will take place on…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last week in response to criticism over the Hamilton County School budget’s $16 million dollar shortfall, two commissioners floated the idea of a referendum to raise the county’s sales tax. Wednesday, Commissioner David Sharpe commented on the feedback he’s received in the past week on that proposal. That, if county voters passed it, would raise taxes by…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — They bring your brand alive with packaging. We look at how Southern Champion Tray has been Driving Our Economy Forward with printing and production. “Southern Champion was founded in 1927 right here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We’re third generation, privately held, grown to about a thousand employees around the Chattanooga area. We’ve also got plants in Ohio…
Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer ahead of the premiere of a new feature film at IMAX called “Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D.” CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium is bringing an immersive and educational documentary that will take you on a journey with one of the world’s largest animals, elephants. On May…
Mackenzie Steele with CDM joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the local attraction gets ready to host a special anniversary event this weekend. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Creative Discovery Museum is celebrating their 30th anniversary and they’re inviting everyone for their birthday block party called the Day of Play! On May 10, Chestnut Street between W 3rd St. and…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) East Hamilton defeated Ooltewah 7-0 on Tuesday evening at Frost Stadium in their district softball tournament. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Luke Rosellini scored 5 goals for Notre Dame on Wednesday, as the Irish defeated Lakeway Christian 7-0 in the semifinals of their region tournament. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The JA Henry Community YMCA is serving up something new, and it’s not just about fitness. Starting today, their brand-new Teaching Kitchen is launching a series of cooking classes designed to help families eat healthier and cook with confidence. Open to all skill levels, each hands-on session covers simple, nutritious meals that are easy to make…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One local high school is being recognized for going above and beyond in preparing students for civic responsibility. Lookout Valley High School is now among a select group of Tennessee schools to receive the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award, a statewide honor recognizing schools that register 100 percent of eligible students to vote. The Tennessee Secretary…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A major expansion is coming to Hamilton County’s Veterans Service Office, Mayor Weston Wamp announced today. A third Veteran Service Officer will be added, giving the VSO its largest team in the history of Hamilton County. They are exploring the possibility of opening another satellite location in the future. Right now, they have offices in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Three bronze plaques were stolen from a Chattanooga national military park Sunday. At 12:01 p.m., May 4, 2025, two white males removed three bronze plaques from the Sherman Reservation on Missionary Ridge. The plaques are valued at $18,000. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the males were driving a late 90s – early 2000s model…
Scott Chase with KZ106 joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as he gets ready to host an inaugural golfing event. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local radio legend Scott Chase with KZ106 is holding an inaugural golf tournament in support of the Forgotten Child Fund. The Scott Chase Scramble will be on May 19 at The Ooltewah Club. One of the grand…
Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF-TV) Red Bank beat Soddy Daisy 2-1 to claim their district tournament title on Monday. Sean Brune had an RBI single in the top of the first, and then the Lions added another run on an error in the top of the fourth. That’s all the offense they needed to claim the championship. Categories: Sports – Local Sports…
South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) S outh pittsburg pitcher Kaylee Kilgore signed with Chatt State on Monday. She’s likely the most prolific pitcher in Pirates history. Kilgore is the school’s all-time strikeouts leader with 755, and she holds the record for most K’s in a season with 283. Kilgore currently has 205 strikeouts this season, which is tops in the state for…
Long-time softball coach Norma Nelson notched another milestone win on Monday. She collected her 900th career victory as East Hamilton beat Howard 10-6 in their district tournament. Nelson has been a high school softball coach for nearly 40-years between East Ham, Gordon Lee, and Ooltewah. She won the state crown with the Lady Owls in 2008. Categories: Sports – Local…
Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) The best season in Ringgold soccer history came to a close on Monday afternoon. The Tigers lost to Shaw 2-0 in the second round of the state playoffs. The game was moved to Monday after inclement weather on Friday. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – An elite group of young changemakers was honored this weekend at the largest Carson Scholars Fund celebration in the organization’s history. More than 1,500 students across the nation—each demonstrating outstanding academic performance and a commitment to serving others—were recognized as 2025 Carson Scholars. Each scholar receives a $1,000 college scholarship, an Olympic-sized medal, and a certificate…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) is investigating a drive by shooting that occurred at a local hospital. At 4:35 p.m., May 5, 2025, ERPD responded to 941 Spring Creek Road (Park Ridge East Hospital) on reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers began securing the scene. According to ERPD, three unknown suspects arrived in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga gang member charged with killing a mother in 2016 to prevent her from testifying in a murder trial was back in court Monday. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Andre Grier, who is charged with first degree murder in the death of Bianca Horton. Horton was set to testify against Cortez Sims, who…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Chattanooga teacher has pleaded guilty to federal charges after investigators say he tried to exploit two students, ages twelve and fourteen. Federal prosecutors say the former East Lake Academy and Chattanooga Prep teacher used his position of trust to target two young students with inappropriate messages. The investigation began in February 2023, when a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new change order could raise the cost of restoring Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge by more than $630,000. If approved, that would bring the total renovation price tag to roughly $35.3 million. The increase comes after contractors discovered more deterioration than expected in the bridge’s support strands—damage that wasn’t visible until crews began work earlier this…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local council meeting this week brought renewed attention to the future of children’s health and education in Hamilton County. Presenters introduced two key programs—each aiming to build a stronger, healthier generation. From the dentist’s chair to the classroom, these community-led initiatives are betting big on long-term change. Dr. Andy Thomas with the Hamilton County Health…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga police are investigating a homicide that occurred on I-24 eastbound near the Westside Drive exit. At 2:57 a.m., May 4, 2025, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 18100 block of I-24 on reports of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a 22-year-old male inside a vehicle with life-threatening injuries. EMS…
