CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As back-to-school season begins, families are adjusting their spending habits, especially when it comes to clothing. According to the 2025 Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, parents expect to spend around $417 per student this year, a drop from $472 in 2024. When shopping, about half of families make clothing decisions together. Parents are prioritizing comfort, while…
Chattanooga, TN(WDEF)- Inside the Gerald McCormick Conference Center, a strong display of unity and support unfolded as leaders from across Tennessee came together for an important cause. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, joined by state and local officials, awarded 36 grants totaling more than \$1 million. The funding will go directly to volunteer fire departments and rescue squads across…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Preparatory School kicked off the new school year with a powerful tradition known as the Chattanooga 300 Walk. Students walked into the building this morning to the sound of applause and cheers, as parents and staff lined the sidewalks in a show of support. Chris Sands, Parent of Chatt Prep Student, told News 12 that…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After a 17-year-old was shot while attempting to complete an online transaction arranged through a social media marketplace, the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) are reminding the public to prioritize safety when meeting with strangers. According to CPD, the teen arranged to meet someone to buy or sell an item, something officers say is becoming increasingly common…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A dangerous scene played out on Riverside Drive in Chattanooga around 7:45 p.m. Monday night. Joseph Estes A police officer saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and tried to make a traffic stop. According to investigators, the driver sideswiped the patrol car, then drove straight across Riverside Drive and hit a pole….
UPDATE (8/5/2025): Authorities in Whitfield County have made an arrest in regard to the armed robbery Tuesday morning. Whitfield County Armed Robbery Suspect / Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) arrested Kenneth Jones Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Tuesday morning, Jones stole approximately $3,000. He was arrested within two hours of the incident. Whitfield County Sheriff Darren…
JACKSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — The manhunt for the suspect accused of killing four people and abandoning an infant across the state is now over. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced around 10:30 a.m. on social media that Austin Drummond is in custody. Drummond is suspected in a quadruple homicide in Lake County and is also allegedly connected to the…
Baylor has been to the state title game three years in-a-row. And the Red Raiders show no signs of slowing down this season, as they return several talented players, including some big time college prospects. Brian Armstrong gives Baylor the 30-in-30 spotlight. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
South Pittsburg lost in the Class A state championship game last season, but the Pirates return several talented players, including running back Jamychal Buckner. He scored a whopping 30 touchdowns last year. Talent plus experience should equal another good season for the proud Pirates program. South Pitt has our 30-in-30 spotlight. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports –…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new Medicare initiative is now providing fully covered caregiving support for individuals living with dementia, including right here in Chattanooga through Right at Home. Medicare has officially launched a groundbreaking support system called the GUIDE Program, short for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It’s designed to support both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Health officials say they’re concerned about the rise of a disease affecting pregnant mothers and their babies. Hamilton County health officer Dr. Stephen Miller spoke on the rise of congenital syphilis during Monday’s Regional Health Council meeting. Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant mother who contracts syphilis passes it along to their baby. A graph showing the…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chef Wesley True of Inman Social in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been crowned the 2025 King of American Seafood after winning the prestigious Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the annual competition brought together top chefs from across the U.S. True wowed the judges with his dish: fried…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the new school year begins, leaders from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) offered expert insight into how schools can better protect students and staff. The nonprofit organization says every campus should start with basic safety measures: lock and monitor all exterior doors, ensure students can’t bypass weapon detectors, and conduct behavioral threat…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A man who has been convicted twice of a 20-21 murder outside of a Brainerd night club is attempting to seek a third trial. Kristijian Mrkonjic was convicted last year of first degree murder in the shooting death of Eric Grant. (From: Tennessee Department of Corrections) The shooting occurred outside of the Sky Zoo Bar on June…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) — The Volkswagen Academy made history this Summer. They graduated their first ever class of Automotive Systems Technology students, alongside their sixth cohort of manufacturing specialists. What they learned is a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Sam Dean is the Technical Training Supervisor at Volkswagen Academy. He explains, ” The very first automotive Sister’s…
UPDATE (8/4/2025): Buzzi Unicem released a statement about the commercial fire Monday afternoon. Buzzi said smoke was reported coming from the solid tire fuel storage building. Proper plant personnel were notified, and local fire agencies were also contacted. “I want to thank all of the emergency responders and our plant personnel for their quick action in getting the fire…
Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Falafel! Falafel has a big smile, happy wiggles, and a smushy face. She can be shy at first, but after she gets comfortable, she’ll become your loyal best friend. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says Falafel is still gaining confidence in new situations, and will need a patient adopter and a quiet home…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fire crews with the Mowbray Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) put out an oven fire Monday morning. On August 4, 2025, at 8:52 a.m., crews responded to the 900 block of Sandstone Terrace on reports of an oven fire. Upon arrival, crews found light smoke showing from the residence. After MVFD confirmed no one was still…
ATHENS, Ga. (WDEF)- A former Tennessee football coach has officially thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s Georgia Senate Race. Derek Dooley filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend declaring his candidacy. He is running for the Republican nomination. Representative Mike Collins has already thrown his hat into the ring to go up against…
A special pop-up consignment sale on Broad Street this week will get you and your family ready to be fashionable during the colder months! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In need of some affordable and sustainable back-to-school clothing or wanting to update your wardrobe? The pop-up consignment sale, Statemint, is setting up shop this week at Restoration Southside! Find thousands of…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s public television stations are facing a significant financial setback. WTCI PBS says a major loss in federal support could impact both local programming and station operations. Leaders at the station say they are now turning to the community for help. Programs like PBS Kids, which use educator-developed curriculum built into every episode, help…
Dalton, GA (WDEF) – Flash flooding swamped parts of Whitfield County late Saturday night into Sunday, August 3rd, after heavy rains dropped up to six inches in just a few hours. The most severe impacts were seen in low-lying areas, including Cleveland Highway, Willowdale Road, and Coronet Drive, where roadways quickly became impassable. Emergency crews responded to multiple reports of…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.(WDEF) — With the start of the school year just days away, Wellpoint Tennessee brought the community together for a “Back to School Bash” to help local students head back to class with confidence. Held in partnership with the Chattanooga Boys and Girls Club, the event provided 250–300 backpacks filled with school supplies, free health screenings, and access to…
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 40 dogs are now safe after a major animal rescue effort in Athens, Tennessee. Officers say the dogs were found living in deplorable conditions, inside and outside of a home on Halley Street. On Friday, police responded to the residence for an animal welfare check. What they discovered turned out to be a serious…