CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Foundation House Ministries, a Cleveland-based nonprofit, is sounding the alarm after receiving a record number of calls about babies born addicted to drugs. Executive Director Suzanne Burns says the number of addiction-related calls in 2025 has already surpassed those from all of last year. “These babies are being born into crisis,” said Burns. “We’re hearing from…
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — 32 dogs were rescued from a home in Catoosa County after investigators found signs of animal cruelty. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Division and Catoosa County officials led the investigation. They first visited the property on August 1, 2025 and found around 20 dogs living outside in filthy conditions. Upon further investigation,…
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) — Rock City has launched a new look that puts its gnome characters front and center for the first time. The rebrand includes a new logo, color scheme, and typeface. Officials say the changes are meant to give Rock City its own identity, separate from its parent company, now called Rock City Enterprises. For the past…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A crew of 15 Tennessee electric line workers helped bring power to a pair of remote villages in Guatemala. The team included Nick Gipson and Daniel Walker from the Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC). They spent 16 days building two power lines. That’s 38 poles plus wiring across rugged terrain. Their efforts brought electric power to…
Travis Sims and Shelby Cundiff talk about the South’s largest extreme sports festival, The Chattanooga River Games. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The largest extreme sports festival is coming to Chattanooga at Ross’s Landing on August 15-17, The Chattanooga River Games. Watch as people from around the world compete in extreme water sports, including watching Redbull’s team, the Redbull Creepers, scale…
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- McCallie has been dominate on the football field winning 5 of the last 6 state title, and now the offense is looking to shine. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (Red Wolves) -The Chattanooga Red Wolves clinched a dramatic stoppage-time winner Wednesday, continuing their reputation for late-game heroics in USL League One. The Red Wolves broke the deadlock against Forward Madison FC with a rapid counterattack in the dying moments. n, Chattanooga’s Zahir Vazquez found himself unmarked in the box after a defensive lapse, slotting home past the…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial plan to guide growth in unincorporated Hamilton County could soon be back up for consideration. Plan Hamilton has been a years-long effort on how growth for unincorporated Hamilton County should be guided. Back in June, a version of that plan was tabled by Hamilton County Commissioners over various concerns including how much developers would…
New Deputy Chief of Corrections Tim Davis (Courtesy: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has named a new leader over jail operations. He has named Tim Davis as the new Deputy Chief of Corrections for the Sheriff’s Office. Chief Davis most recently served as Assistant Sheriff in Santa Clara County, California, where he managed…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Class is officially back in session for Hamilton County students, with schools reopening today, August 6, 2025. District leaders say more than 45,000 students are returning to classrooms this fall. To prepare families, Hamilton County Schools launched its annual “First Day Ready” campaign, offering back-to-school supply lists, bus route information, nutrition guidance, and access to summer…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Human trafficking is a devastating and hidden crime affecting millions globally. With an estimated 27.6 million victims, traffickers operate silently, blending into everyday life. Victims may be found in homes, workplaces, or public places, often unseen. Recognizing signs, such as restricted freedom, fearfulness, or unusual behavior, is crucial. Communities can make a difference by staying alert…
Click to view other businesses at Destination: Ocoee. OCOEE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Its a restaurant that reflects the history and culture of the community in Polk County, Tennessee. The menu is inspired by favorites and has traditional flavors. The Ocoee Dam Deli and Diner is located on Highway 64 where the owners take pride in naming many of the…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s official, Senator Marsha Blackburn is entering the race for governor of Tennessee. Senator Blackburn launched her campaign Wednesday, saying: “In his first six months, President Trump has made historic strides in Making America Great Again, but as he sends power back to the states, he’s going to need strong conservative governors who can bring that…
Jake Cash and Cole Abbott join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview a special event at the zoo this weekend. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Pirates, parrots, and princesses… oh my! Guests will get to enjoy a day at the Chattanooga Zoo with pirates and princesses from Magic Lamp Entertainment exploring Warner Parker. And of course, the pirates have their best…
(utsports.com) The Volunteers were back on the practice field Tuesday morning as they continue to build toward their 2025 season opener against Syracuse at the end of the month. Fifth-year offensive line coach Glen Elarbee took to the podium following Tuesday’s practice to talk about Tennessee’s revamped unit up front. Despite having to replace four starters from last year’s group, there is…
Jasper, TN-(WDEF-TV) Marion Co entertained Hixson in a scrimmage on Tuesday evening. Warriors are the reigning 2A state champions, and they looked the part on their home turf, as they beat Hixson 48-12. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga Christian made the playoffs last year, but they still finished with a 5-6 record. The Chargers do return their starting quarterback, and they’ve got a schedule that might be the envy of everyone in the area. CC S has the 30-in-30 spotlight. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – City leaders from across Tennessee came together in Chattanooga for the Tennessee Municipal League Conference, a three-day event focused on collaboration, innovation, and celebrating the success stories of cities throughout the state. Mayor Julian McTizic Sr. of Bolivar kicked off the final day with applause and appreciation. “It has been a wonderful past three days,” McTizic…
Mayor Kelly’s Chief of Staff Kevin Roig giving a presentation to the Chattanooga City Council on Tuesday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga City Council once again had a tense discussion surrounding property tax rates. This is due to a desire to raise the pay of first responders in the city. Two dueling property tax rates seem to be at the…
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….