RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – This evening, in a News 12 exclusive, we are hearing from two local K9 teams who have been selected to assist with search and recovery efforts in Texas following the devastating floods. News 12 spoke with deputies from both the Rhea County and Bradley County Sheriff’s Offices to learn what this deployment means to them….
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A former Chattanooga gang member charged with first degree murder in a 2016 murder was back in court Monday. Andre Grier could receive the death penalty if convicted of the murder of Bianca Horton. Horton was set to testify in a different murder trial connected to Grier’s gang, the Athens Park Bloods, after her baby daughter Zoe…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) — TDOT has awarded $22,000 to Cleveland High School’s Aviation Program. The money will go be used to prepare future pilots, engineers and aerospace professionals. That’s a high aiming example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “It’s rare to have an aviation program in high school so we have them across the state of Tennessee and Cleveland…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — New artificial turf was approved for the fields at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, but not without controversy. The $3 million project was approved by the East Ridge City Council. It’ll replace the soccer and four baseball slash softball fields at the complex with the turf. Officials say the artificial turf should mitigate weather delays…
Kate Skonberg with HCS joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview their 8th annual Back to School Bash for students and families. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The first day of school is just a week or two away and Hamilton County Schools is making sure our students are excited with their 8th annual Back to School Bash. Families can visit the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As families gear up for a new school year, many are turning to technology to help keep things running smoothly at home and in the classroom. This week, Apple team members shared tips to help parents make the most of their devices, especially when it comes to managing their children’s screen time, staying organized, and protecting…
ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) – Lake Winnepesaukah just earned a national honor. On Sunday, July 27th, the National Amusement Park Historical Association presented the Chattanooga-area amusement park with a commemorative plaque recognizing 100 years of family ownership and community fun. The award was part of NAPHA’s annual ParkHop tour, which celebrates historic amusement parks around the country. Since opening in 1925,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The initiative brings schools, families, and volunteers together to create safe and welcoming spaces just in time for the new school year. At Calvin Donaldson Elementary, volunteers are rolling up their sleeves and transforming the back of the school into a refreshed outdoor learning space. Cora Fisher, Principal of Calvin Donaldson Elementary School, says the project…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Pack the Bus was in full swing this weekend, where volunteers came together to collect school supplies for local students in need. The goal is to support teachers and families by making sure classrooms are fully stocked, especially during Tennessee’s tax-free weekend. Shoppers were encouraged to drop off items such as notebooks, pencils, and paper…
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) – A splash of fun and a chance to find a forever friend brought smiles to the Signal Mountain Town Pool this weekend. Some furry friends are now looking for loving homes after a rough start in life. Mutts on the Mountain Foster brought a group of playful puppies to the pool, hoping to connect them…
LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) – A special celebration took place in Walker County today as community members gathered to honor the past and inspire the future. A new museum is now open, showcasing African American history and heritage in the heart of the community. News 12 was at the Walker County African American Museum Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, where people came…
When you have a squad whose starting quarterback is named Tuff, you gotta figure that toughness will echo through the team. That’s the case at Meigs County. They return starting quarterback Tuff Ricker, who led the Tigers to a 9-4 record last season. Brian Armstrong gives Meigs County the 30-in-30 spotlight. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports –…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- 35 years ago this weekend, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disabilities. The All-Access Fair on Friday at Coolidge Park highlighted multiple local resources available to local disabled residents. It was organized the Chattanooga Mayor’s Council of Disability For Lyndi Locke, the secretary of that…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Those who frequent the Glenwood Community Center will have a new resource to check their health.The American Health Association has placed a Heart Hub inside of that center in collaboration with the Office of Community Health and the Journey Health Foundation. It is the second such hub inside of a Chattanooga public center, joining one that was…
Chattanooga, TN – This week is one of my favorite episodes because it involves viewer mail. I think I can speak for all the journalists we have here and say that we love to hear your feedback and know that you’re watching the things we are creating for you. Our friend Sam wrote in and had used an app called…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – July 27 is National Chicken Finger Day and Raising Cane’s has a special deal to celebrate. Anyone who comes to Raising Cane’s on Sunday, July 27, and order a Caniac combo, customers will receive one extra chicken finger! No coupon needed and no extra charge. The Caniac comb features several chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, buttery Texas…
One of the goals for head coach Brian Callahan this season is to improve the team’s sack total. They had just 32 last year, which was near the bottom of the NFL. Who knows if the Titans pass rush will be better, but we know it will be bigger. They’ve acquired heavier linebackers like Jihad Ward, who is listed at…
Ooltewah named a new head coach last spring in Matt Moody. Moody was instrumental in turning McMinn Central around. Now he’ll try to energize an Owls program that has only four wins in the last three years. Brian Armstrong shines the 30-in-30 spotlight on Ooltewah. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) — Anyone who is lucky enough to grow older knows that aging presents its own set of challenges. Neighbors could find a host of resources to help make the most of their golden years at the 2025 Senior Health and Lifestyle Expo! Scores of vendors were on hand at the Brainerd B-X Thursday (7/24/25) afternoon. There…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Wellpoint Tennessee, in collaboration with the YMCA Mobile Market, hosted Wellness with Wellpoint Thursday morning in Chattanooga, an event designed to support healthy lifestyles and improve food access for local families. Held from 10 a.m. to noon, the community event provided free produce, healthy snacks, and recipe cards to attendees, while also connecting eligible SNAP recipients…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As families prepare for back-to-school season, eye doctors are reminding parents not to overlook their child’s vision. Experts say comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist should be part of every child’s annual routine, especially as screen use continues to rise in and out of classrooms. Studies show that vision screenings done in schools or pediatric offices…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A man once the center of a controversy at East Ridge High School was also back in court Thursday morning. Tauris Sledge is facing a charge of domestic assault after a fight with his girlfriend back in May according to an affidavit. In that affidavit, the girlfriend accused Sledge of hitting her several times after asking him…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A man accused of killing his father made another appearance in criminal court Thursday morning. 26 year old Caleb Disterdick has been charged and indicted on two charges of First Degree Murder and Abuse of a Corpse. This was in relation to a murder on December 19, 2024 on Greenslake Road in East Ridge. East Ridge…
MGN WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Pilgrim’s is planning to building a $400 million multi-phase prepared foods facility in Walker County, Governor Brian Kemp says. This new facility will be built at the Walker County Business Park in LaFayette, providing more than 630 new jobs at full capacity. “Georgia’s No. 1 industry of agriculture continues to drive growth with companies…