CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With the Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, boaters are gearing up for fun on the water. But Tennessee officials say safety has to come first. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is once again taking part in Operation Dry Water. This is an annual nationwide crackdown on boating under the influence. From July 4th…
DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — A DeKalb County man is facing assault charges after allegedly assaulting a woman, leading to her being hospitalized. On Monday, June 30, 2025, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) was dispatched to a residence near the Powell community. Upon arrival, deputies were met with an ambulance that was transporting a female to the hospital. According…
UPDATE: We spoke with several rescuers who say that this was among the worst scenes that they have ever seen. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Audray Luck, who runs the pet rescue Luck’s Rescue. “The rooms were so packed full of the dogs, the dogs couldn’t even turn around. There were so many animals in those rooms and…
DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — A former DeKalb County school system employee has been arrested on various felony charges in Georgia. Michael Lance Brown has been accused of manufacturing, uploading, and sending child pornography via the internet. According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, Brown was utilizing a hidden video recorder to obtain images. Brown was arrested on Tuesday, July…
Jake Cash and Will Ternes with the Chattanooga Zoo are back with a shelled friend to promote their latest summer event at Warner Park. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Enjoy great summer BBQ and some local brews with your favorite zoo animals for the Chattanooga Zoo’s “Q’n Brew” event! On July 12 from 6-9 P.M., guests can enjoy lots of BBQ…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the Fourth of July approaches, many families are prepping for fireworks, barbecues, and quality time outdoors. But while we enjoy the celebrations, the loud booms that light up the sky can cause panic and confusion for our furry friends. Local shelters and animal experts are sharing key precautions to help keep pets safe and calm—both…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined several city leaders to mark the official donation of land on Missionary Ridge, a move that celebrates the permanent protection of Civil War battlefield terrain and other significant natural landscapes. The agreement officially transfers ownership of five parcels of land, located across Districts 5 and 9, to the City of Chattanooga….
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Officer Francisco Flattes, killed in the line of duty on Monday (Courtesy: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office) MURPHY, N.C. (WDEF)- Tragedy struck Cherokee County, North Carolina on Monday. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Officer Francisco Flattes. Flattes was killed in the line of duty on Monday, while transporting an inmate to a medical appointment. Now a memorial stands in his…
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Greg Moore took over Hamilton heights and will be looking to restore the program to its once incredible history. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Project Access and Volunteers in Medicine Chattanooga are partnering again for a popular fundraising event this September. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Project Access and Volunteers in Medicine are collaborating together for the annual “Golf for Good” fundraiser. Volunteers in Medicine is a non-profit and a medical clinic where volunteer physicians, nurses, and a medical team dedicate their time to take…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just in time for the holiday weekend, the Tennessee Aquarium is celebrating an adorable addition to its Penguins’ Rock colony: a tiny Gentoo Penguin chick named Sherbert — at least for now. Sherbert hatched on May 29 to first-time parents Carla and Bigfoot. At birth, he weighed just three ounces — about the size of a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 75 percent of American adults plan to take a road trip this summer, and with the Fourth of July weekend approaching, tire safety is top of mind. Hot pavement, long hours behind the wheel, and worn-out tires can be a dangerous mix. Experts recommend checking your tire pressure regularly, especially during heat waves, since…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Since the pandemic, we’ve seen our fair share of gas price swings, but now, just in time for the holiday, the cost at the pump is bringing back some major pre-2020 nostalgia. Here in Chattanooga, drivers are seeing an average of $2.61 a gallon. That’s nearly 15 cents lower than just a week ago, and over…
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Walker County couple is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities found several dogs deceased and neglected. Deputies with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) noticed an open door at a local business at 2234 McFarland Avenue. When checking on the property, deputies found a small room with several dogs inside. According to Walker County,…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Museum Center at 5Points turned up the energy for local students. Last week, rising fifth through seventh graders dove into hands-on learning at a two-day STEAM camp focused on the science of energy. Their curiosity and creativity are sparking bright ideas, showing us exactly What’s Right With Our Schools. News 12’s Robert Hanley stopped by…
WASHINGTON (WDEF)- There will be an open seat for next year’s North Carolina Senate Election. Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced that he is retiring. This is after he announced his opposition to President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”. Senator Tillis ranted on the Senate Floor that the bill in his view is a mistake for the GOP. He said, “Now, Republicans…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) special agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Cleveland. On Sunday June 29, 2025, at 11:23 p.m., a Cleveland police officer attempted to serve a warrant on a woman at a gas station in the 4100 block of APD 40. The woman, later identified as Samantha Burd, was a passenger…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – From sizzling skillets to secret ingredients, Sunday’s Chattanooga Market turned into a live-action kitchen stadium. Before most shoppers arrived, five local chefs rolled up their sleeves and got to work setting up cooking stations and scouting the Market for the freshest local ingredients. This year’s FiveStar Food Fight gave competitors a surprise protein right before start…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Families hitting the road for the Fourth of July are opting for car trips over flights, but that doesn’t mean they’re skimping on fun. With rising prices, more travelers are looking for ways to stretch their vacation dollars. Experts say a little planning can go a long way, especially when traveling with kids, grandparents, or even…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – From savory skewers to sweet desserts, the Filipino Street Food Fest brought more than just food—it brought a taste of home to the heart of Chattanooga. Hosted by the Filipino-American Association of Greater Chattanooga, the event invited locals to explore traditional Filipino street food, enjoy live music, and immerse themselves in culture. “We call this…
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) – He’s fuzzy, he’s feisty—and he’s heading off on a new adventure. Pilatus, one of the Chattanooga Zoo’s beloved red pandas, is saying goodbye to his birthplace as he moves to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. The move is part of an important mission: ensuring the survival of his species through a carefully planned breeding program. “We Love You,…
CHICKAMAUGA Ga, (WDEF) – Red, white, and blue filled the streets of downtown Chickamauga as families, friends, and neighbors gathered for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Flags waved, children laughed, and the sense of unity was strong in this heartfelt tribute to freedom. A group of young ladies huddled together, smiling and cheering into the evening. “HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Athens City Fire Department is celebrating a new addition—not to their team, but to their mission: a Safe Haven Baby Box, now officially installed and blessed. The department hosted a special blessing ceremony to unveil the box, which offers a life-saving option for parents in crisis. This device allows individuals to safely and anonymously surrender…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo is saying goodbye to Pilatus, the red panda, as he prepares to move to a zoo in Connecticut. The one-year-old is part of a national breeding program and will be paired with a female red panda, Ponya, in hopes of helping their endangered species. Pilatus was the first red panda cub born at…