Blood Assurances calls for donations during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”

Brooke Katz with Blood Assurance joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the community to donate blood during a critical time this summer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance needs donations all year, but the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” calls for even more trauma care and a higher need for donors. To encourage donations, Blood Assurance is hosting “Battle…

NCAA Billion Dollar Settlement Impacting Mocs Athletics

(gomoc.com) Chattanooga Mocs Vice Chancellor for Athletics Mark Wharton released the following statement in regards to the House v. NCAA settlement:  The House v. NCAA case was settled in U.S. District Court on June 6, 2025. This charts a new course in collegiate athletics in the institution’s ability to directly compensate student-athletes for the use of their name, image and…

First Responder Hero Award: Janet Tomaszewski

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responder Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it’s our turn to put them first….

Developer says Foundry District around Erlanger Park is on target

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An update was provided Thursday on Erlanger Park and its surrounding development in the South Broad District. The development around the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts has received criticism over whether its spurring surrounding development. The main developer, Jim Irwin, answered questions on how the developments around the stadium that will support Erlanger Park are coming…

Arias-Cristobal speaks on experience in immigration custody

WASHINGTON (WDEF)- A Dalton teenager who could face deportation took part in a Senate judiciary hearing in Washington D.C. Ximena Arias-Cristobal was arrested last month in an arrest that Dalton Police said should not have happened. They said that an officer had mistakenly pulled over the wrong truck. Because she was brought to the United States illegally at the age…

Sawubona Mobile Library Hits the Road, Connecting Families to Books and Resources

The City of Chattanooga officially launched the Sawubona Mobile Library—a first-of-its-kind, triple-impact mobile hub designed to serve as a library, a safe space, and a family resource center. The vision came from Jaleesa Brumfield, the city’s Director of Early Learning, who wanted to remove barriers and bring books, learning, and support directly to families. “Today is the official ribbon cutting…

Edwin Arroyo 3 Run Homer Powers Lookouts Past Biloxi 6-5

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind 4-1, the Chattanooga Lookouts rallied for a 6-5 win over Biloxi on Wednesday night at AT&T Field. Chattanooga exploded for five runs in the sixth inning with Edwin Arroyo delivering the big blow with a 3 run homer. That made the score 6-4 Lookouts. Biloxi got one run in the seventh, as Chattanooga hung on for…

Commission, school board clash in called budget meeting

Hamilton County Chairman Jeff Eversole standing with school board chairman Joe Smith during an interview following a call budget meeting. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last month, the Hamilton County School Board passed a $577 million dollar budget amid controversy. This was due to a $18 million budget shortfall which led to cuts. A tense school budget season culminated in a tense…

Red Bank Marks 70 Years Soon

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Red Bank is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Saturday, June 21st, and preparations are already underway for this major milestone.   The event will spotlight the people, organizations, and services that make the city a great place to live and work.    Community members are encouraged to bring old stories, photos, or news…

Massive Cleanup at Chickamauga Lake

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Volunteers rolled up their sleeves this weekend to make a big impact on the Tennessee River, hauling out thousands of pounds of trash during a major cleanup effort on Chickamauga Lake.  This past Saturday, more than 20 volunteers joined forces with “Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful” for the 5th annual Chickamauga Lake Cleanup, sponsored by iSustain. …

New certified tax rate presented to Hamilton County Commission

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Commissioners questioned Hamilton County Property Assessor Marty Haynes on the new certified tax rate. Haynes announced last week that this rate is one dollar and 51 cents per 100 dollars of assessed value. He says this is the lowest countywide rate since World War II. This is after a nearly 60 percent average hike in…

Commission to vote on Hamilton County Attorney restructuring 

  HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Attorney’s Office is likely to have a new structure next month. This is as incoming attorney Janie Parks Varnell is taking over for the longtime county attorney, Rheubin Taylor. A resolution was put forward outlining formally what positions will be in the office. Many of them had not been formally in writing…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Dynamo Studios

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  It’s a media organization built to encourage the next generation of visual and musical artists.  They’re giving local youth the opportunity to succeed in the music industry.  Take a look at this week’s Driving Our Economy Forward. “We provide resources to more so underserved youth that aren’t able to get a hold of different types of…

Two arrested in Walker County after animal welfare check

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two people were arrested after authorities found several emaciated animals following a welfare check. Walker County Animal Control received a complaint about multiple horses that appeared to be malnourished. When they arrived on the property, an investigation was launched into this complaint. According to Walker County, several animals on the property were emaciated and weren’t…

Murray County drug sting ends in two arrests

MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Authorities in Murray County have arrested two individuals for drug related activity. On June 10, 2025, the Murray County Sheriff’s Office’s (MCSO) Narcotics Division conducted an investigation that led to the seizure of the following: 35 grams of methamphetamine 6 lbs of marijuana, 86 grams of psilocybin a firearm $5,238 cash Both Eric Hefner and…

$200,000 grant to help Henagar repair tornado-damaged roads

  HENGAR, Al. (WDEF) —  Henagar will soon begin repairs on several city streets after receiving a $200,000 grant from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. The funds came from a Community Development Block Grant Urgent Need award, aimed at helping communities recover from natural disasters. The money will go toward fixing roads damaged by two tornadoes that struck DeKalb County on…

The Pigeon comes to the Creative Discovery Museum!

Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum returns to the News 12 studio to fill in on all the exciting events and exhibits this summer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This season’s traveling exhibit has arrived at the Creative Discovery Museum which celebrates the work and art from children’s book author Mo Willems. “The Pigeon Comes to Chattanooga Mo Willems Exhibit”…

Penguin chicks and dragons on the horizon at Tennessee Aquarium

Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the host of events and attractions this month. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Penguins chicks are on the horizon and dragons are flying into the IMAX theater at the Tennessee Aquarium. It’s peak penguin nesting season and the Tennessee Aquarium has their eye on four potential penguin parents….

Long Time Notre Dame Soccer Coach Jim Schermerhorn Retires

(press release) After twenty-three successful years wearing the green and gold, Jim Schermerhorn has announced his retirement from coaching Boys and Girls Soccer at Notre Dame High School.  Succeeding Schermerhorn as head coach will be Tyler Roberston, a 2014 graduate from Notre Dame. “To the Notre Dame community, family; this has been a hard decision for me, but I will be retiring…

Chattanooga Lookouts With 10-9 Walk-Off Win Over Biloxi

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Lookouts celebrated a 10-9 walk-off win over Biloxi on Tuesday night at AT&T Field. Lookouts trailed 9-8 going to the bottom of the ninth. Hector Rodriguez singled home the tying run, while Dominic Pitelli got a sac fly to score Sal Stewart with the winning run. The two clubs combined for 25 hits. Categories: Sports – Local…