Real ID Rules Take Flight

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Starting today, if you plan to fly, your regular driver’s license may not be enough.  A long-delayed federal requirement is now in effect. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005 in response to 9/11, is finally being enforced.  As of today, travelers must have a Real ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. …

From Exhaustion to Restful Nights

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga resident Nathan Uglow has battled sleep issues since his teenage years. Friends and family told him he snored loudly, and he often felt exhausted, falling asleep at stoplights or whenever he sat down. In his 20s, Uglow was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. He tried several treatments, including a CPAP machine, oral appliances, and…

Volunteers Needed for Flag Placement at Chattanooga National Cemetery Ahead of Memorial Day

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…

Commissioner clarifies stance on sales tax referendum proposal

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…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Southern Champion Tray

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…

“Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D” stomping into the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX

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…

Come and enjoy a Day of Play at the Creative Discovery Museum

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…

YMCA Launches Teaching Kitchen Series

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…

Students Earn Award for Full Voting Registration

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…

Wamp announces third Veteran Service Officer to be added in Hamilton County

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…

3 bronze plaques stolen from Chattanooga national military park

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…

Inaugural Scott Chase Scramble on May 19

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…

Red Bank Beats Soddy Daisy 2-1 For District Title

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…

2025 Carson Scholars honored in celebration of excellence

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 police investigate reported targeted incident at local hospital

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…

Kenya White Signs Plea Agreement

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…