FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) — Learning begins in the very earliest days of childhood. Diana Buchanan sees proof of that every day in her Pre-K 3 class at Joyland Christian Academy. She equips her students with the skills they’ll need to become the best they can be. That’s what earned Ms. Buchanan this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She’s always coming to…
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) — Two rescued kestrels are getting a second chance at life thanks to the efforts of local wildlife organizations. Earlier this summer, the Chattanooga Zoo took in two injured birds: a young male that had fallen from its nest and a female suffering from an infection. After months of rehabilitation at HappiNest Raptor Rescue, both birds were…
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Families are invited to Chattanooga’s riverfront this weekend for a day of fun, music, and community support. The Fun Fair Festival returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chattanooga Green. The free event offers activities for all ages, including train rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and live performances from Chattanooga’s own R&B trio, CitiLimitz….
FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) — Federal and local authorities are investigating a bank robbery that occurred in Fort Payne Tuesday morning. At 9:20 a.m., September 9, 2025, a white male dressed in blue jeans, a long sleeve button down shirt, and a black ball cap walked into the PNC Bank armed with a handgun. According to the Fort Payne Police…
SUMMERVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) — Two brothers from Rome, Georgia, were convicted and sentenced on major drug charges in separate cases. Trevion Williams was arrested in March of 2020 after a routine traffic stop in Chattooga County. A Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over the vehicle for defective tail and tag lights. While approaching the car, the deputy detected the smell…
Katie Glaze with the Green Gardinia joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the store recently relocated and is striking up some great deals at a larger building. Find anything from antiques to vintage furniture just off I-75! ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) – Treasure troves full of wonder has relocated to Rossville, Ga. to provide more space for beautiful antiques! The Green…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spooky season is right around the corner, and the Chattanooga Zoo is inviting families to celebrate with Boo at the Zoo. Boo at the Zoo is an annual family-friendly event hosted by the Chattanooga Zoo for the entire community. Children will have the chance to dress up in their favorite costumes and meet beloved Disney characters….
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Pikeville is facing serious trouble with state environmental officials after new water quality tests revealed contamination in the Sequatchie River. News 12 took a drive down to show what has been going on. In the video, viewers can see part of the Sequatchie River. At first glance it may look like a calm…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Monday was the climax for a controversial growth plan in Hamilton County. Plan Hamilton has been a lightning rod of debate over how the county’s future should look. Last month, the Hamilton County Commission voted to approve a version of Plan Hamilton proposed by Commissioner Lee Helton 6 to 5. He said this was after a compromise…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, careers in the trades are looking more attractive than ever. The American Welding Society Foundation recently awarded Cleveland High School with a grant of nearly $50,000. That money will support the continued growth and success of the school’s Welding Technology program. That’s a sturdy example of “What’s Right With Our Schools”….
Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Zeke! Zeke is 12-years-old but still feels and acts like a young buck! He’s got a toothy grin, great ears, and affectionate personality. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says he’s well mannered and quite in his foster home. Zeke loves to relax, but also enjoys sniffing around, taking walks, and to play. If…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An ex-Chattanooga cop charged with the murder of a woman in November 2023 was back in court Monday morning. Lawrence Goodine is charged with first degree murder among other charges in the death of Kara Akins. Evidence shown at Goodine’s preliminary hearing showed a man identified as Goodine dragging Akins into a home as she begged him…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has announced a record set for fall enrollment. UTC reported an official enrollment of 12,060 students. The university says this is the largest in school history. The number includes 10,396 undergraduate students and a record 1,664 graduate students. The previous record was 11,775 in the fall of 2024. “UTC’s…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – This past month, you may have noticed us spending a lot of time with our friends at the McMinn Regional Humane Society. At the McMinn Regional Humane Society, time is of the essence. Within the past few weeks, the society has had to issue two SOS lists to make room for more dogs. These lists…
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A few weeks ago, it was announced that nine volunteer fire departments in Tennessee were awarded a $10,000 grant. One of the recipients is in our viewing area. Congratulations to the Rigsby Volunteer Fire Department. While celebrating the good news, News 12 spoke with the chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council to learn why these…
Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Friday night, September 5, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were working security at the Red Bank High vs. Tyner High football game. According to the HCSO, during the game several fights broke out. More deputies and officers from nearby agencies had to step in to help. One juvenile was arrested and charged…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With school now back in full swing and families settling into new routines, the Family Justice Center in Chattanooga is reminding the community that abuse comes in many forms and is not always visible. News 12 spoke with the executive director about the help and resources available for anyone in an abusive situation. Regina McDevitt, M.Ed.,…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today marked the first day the Small Business Administration set up a local disaster assistance center inside the East Ridge Library. News 12 visited the center to learn how the SBA is helping residents, businesses, and even nonprofit organizations recover from the recent flooding across our area. Yabsira Adera, SBA Public Affairs Specialist, explained, “So…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Americans are showing resilience in their financial outlook, according to a new study from Edward Jones and Cerulli Associates. The research reveals that most feel they are on track toward a financially fulfilling life, even as inflation and market uncertainty remain top concerns. The study points out that optimism often comes from having a plan. Jesse…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Downtown Chattanooga welcomed a brand-new community tradition today as Station Street hosted the inaugural September Fest. The all-day festival brought together food, music, local businesses, and families for a celebration in the heart of the Southside district. Running from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., SeptemberFest filled the historic street beside the Chattanooga Choo-Choo with more than…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – At the McMinn Regional Humane Society in Athens, Tennessee, there are many furry friends looking for their forever homes. What makes eight of them especially urgent is that they are on the SOS list. The SOS list is created because the shelter must keep animals moving through as new ones continue to arrive. Unfortunately, that…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team played their first ever match inside McKenzie Arena on Friday. The Mocs entertained Ohio at noon in the Chattanooga Classic. The Bobcats won the match 3-1. Alabama, Cincinnati, and Jacksonville State are also taking part of the Chattanooga Classic at McKenzie. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UTC Mocs
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- The long saga of Plan Hamilton could come to its conclusion in a few days. However, those who feel the current version doesn’t represent them are campaigning to get it struck down. Walden resident Kristi McKnight said, “Traffic is.. Condensed. It’s difficult to turn in, difficult to pull out, and the speeds!” These complaints from residents…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Tyner Ram Train has morphed into the Tyner Ram bus. With no home stadium, the Rams are always on the road. Since their new football stadium is not finished yet, Tyner has played every game on the road since the start of the 2023 season. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News