Avondale celebrates one full year without a homicide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Avondale neighborhood in East Chattanooga has historically dealt with violence. However, a milestone has been reached today that community leaders say is a sign things are changing for that area. It has been a full year since there was a recorded homicide in the Avondale neighborhood. This is defined by Chattanooga Police’s Zone 3, which is…

Inaugural Frazier Festival celebrates the completion of Frazier Avenue

Geno Wallace with the Northshore Merchants Collective joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the first ever Frazier Festival. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Lots of changes are happening in Chattanooga’s Northshore which gives the community a reason to celebrate! With the Walnut Street Bridge being closed for renovations but Frazier Avenue being updated to accommodate pedestrians better, the Northshore…

14th Annual Valley Fest this weekend

Dunlap native and ‘Outlaw Gospel’ Artist Cody McCarver joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as the small town in Sequatchie County gets ready to celebrate the 14th annual Valley Fest. DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) – The annual Valley Fest returns to Dunlap, Tenn. for its 14th year with plenty of musical acts, vendors, and food! The free event will have free entertainment…

Thursday Throwback: Dr. Shock

Earlier this week, we told you about the passing of Hosea Pierce, Jr. But he was better known to kids around our area as EPB’s Doctor Shock. For years, he taught local school children how to be safe around electricity. So for our Thursday Throwback, we take you back a few years to one of his last classes. Categories: From…

Chattanooga Hosts 76th Armed Forces Parade

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is getting ready to roll out the red, white, and blue as the city prepares to host the 2025 Armed Forces Parade and Luncheon this Friday.  Now in its 76th year, Chattanooga’s Armed Forces Parade is the longest continuously running event of its kind in the nation.  The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at…

Reel Rivals Return to Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The world’s top bass anglers have cast off in Chattanooga as Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 gets underway.  From May 1st through the 4th, 66 elite pros are competing across two iconic Tennessee River fisheries: Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake.​ The first two days feature qualifying rounds on Chickamauga, known for its trophy…

Multi-agency pursuit ends in crash and arrest in Hamilton County

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies ended Thursday morning with a crash and foot pursuit just before the I-75 and Highway 153 interchange. The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department initiated the pursuit around 9:00 a.m. on May 1, 2025, involving a black Dodge Durango. As the chase crossed into Hamilton County, Hamilton County deputies joined…

Rick Davis told to not talk to opposing attorneys in initial court appearance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Rick Davis made his first court appearance Thursday morning on just one of many charges against him. Davis was arrested in January and charged with passing worthless checks. This was before his Gold and Diamonds business on Brainerd Road was raided last month. Authorities allege he failed to return a family hairloom after finding out it was…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Clockout

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  It’s an earned-wage access model that is growing in our area.  Tonight, we are learning how hourly employees can get faster access to their paychecks.  Clock-out is this week’s Driving our Economy Forward. Vladimir Dumitrean, Co-Founder, “Clock up provides cash when you need it, if you’ve already earned it without having to wait for payday. So, imagine…

76th Annual Armed Forces Parade on Friday

Retired Navy Captain Mickey McCamish joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as they get ready to celebrate 76 years of the Armed Forces Day Parade in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The longest running parade in the United States returns for its 76th year on Friday. The parade kicks off Friday morning at 10:30 from 9th and Market Street and MLK…

House Tour Uncovers Animal Cruelty

LAFAYETTE, GA (WDEF) – A disturbing discovery during a house tour leads to serious animal cruelty charges in Walker County. 5 people are now facing over 80 counts after authorities found dozens of animals living and dying in vile conditions.  It started as a typical day for a couple house hunting on Highway 151 in Walker County.  But when they…

New Store Sparks Economic Growth

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – A major retailer is breathing new life into the Northgate Mall area in Hixson, bringing with it a big boost to the local economy. The former Sears building has already been demolished, clearing the way for a new BJ’s Wholesale Club.  The 99,000 square foot store is expected to create more than one hundred jobs, offering…

Sales tax referendum floated as response to school budget shortfall

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission heard an earful from concerned parents concerning this year’s school budget on Wednesday morning. This is as Hamilton County Schools are looking to make millions of dollars of cuts due to lower than expected local revenue. This followed the cancellation of a joint meeting on Monday between the Commission and School Board and…

Challenge coins to be given to veterans who complete Veterans Treatment Court program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The new Hamilton County Veterans Treatment Court says they have come up with a way to honor graduates of their program via a donation. That court is designed to rehabilitate veterans charged with non-violent offenses and get back on their feet, similar to Mental Health Court. Wednesday, retired Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and current judges Boyd…

Tennessee’s Battle Against Deadly Fentanyl

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee continues to battle a deadly wave in the opioid epidemic, driven largely by the rise of fentanyl. Often lurking in counterfeit pills and street drugs, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid so potent that just a speck can cause a fatal overdose.  In response, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has launched…

Stroke Awareness Saves Precious Time

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Stroke is one of the most serious medical emergencies in the United States, striking without warning and often leaving a lifetime of impact.  It’s the fifth leading cause of death and the number one cause of long-term adult disability. But the good news is, stroke is treatable and, in many cases, preventable. The key is recognizing…

Josh Heupel Excited to Have New QB Joey Aguilar in the Fold on Rocky Top

Big Orange caravan tour kicked off its ‘spring-swing’ through the Volunteer state on Tuesday. First stop. Memphis. Meet and greet with Vols fans has to be far more relaxing for head coach Josh Heupel than dealing with the portal and NIL. Tennessee of course saw quarterback Nico Iamaleava transfer to UCLA this month. And then the Vols got Bruins quarterback…