Armed Robbery Suspect In Custody
Crime, Featured, Local News, Whitfield County

Whitfield County authorities arrest suspect in connection with armed robbery at Dixie Corner

Rainey Randolph,

UPDATE (8/5/2025):  Authorities in Whitfield County have made an arrest in regard to the armed robbery Tuesday morning. Whitfield County Armed Robbery Suspect / Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) arrested Kenneth Jones Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Tuesday morning, Jones stole approximately $3,000. He was arrested within two hours of the incident. Whitfield County Sheriff Darren…

South Pittsburg Returns Talented Team
Sports - 30 In 30 2025, Sports - Local Sports News

South Pittsburg Returns Talented Team

Rick Nyman,

South Pittsburg lost in the Class A state championship game last season, but the Pirates return several talented players, including running back Jamychal Buckner. He scored a whopping 30 touchdowns last year. Talent plus experience should equal another good season for the proud Pirates program. South Pitt has our 30-in-30 spotlight. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports –…

New Medicare Program Offers Fully Covered Dementia Caregiving In Chattanooga
Featured, Local News

New Medicare Program offers fully covered dementia caregiving in Chattanooga

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new Medicare initiative is now providing fully covered caregiving support for individuals living with dementia, including right here in Chattanooga through Right at Home. Medicare has officially launched a groundbreaking support system called the GUIDE Program, short for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It’s designed to support both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers…

Syphilis
Featured, Local News

Congenital syphilis spiking across Tennessee and nation

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Health officials say they’re concerned about the rise of a disease affecting pregnant mothers and their babies. Hamilton County health officer Dr. Stephen Miller spoke on the rise of congenital syphilis during Monday’s Regional Health Council meeting. Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant mother who contracts syphilis passes it along to their baby. A graph showing the…

Tennessee Chef Crowned Seafood King
Featured, Local News

Tennessee Chef Crowned Seafood King

Robert Hanley,

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chef Wesley True of Inman Social in Cleveland, Tennessee, has been crowned the 2025 King of American Seafood after winning the prestigious Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the annual competition brought together top chefs from across the U.S. True wowed the judges with his dish: fried…

Expert Advice For Safer Schools
Education, Featured, Local News

Expert Advice for Safer Schools

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the new school year begins, leaders from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) offered expert insight into how schools can better protect students and staff. The nonprofit organization says every campus should start with basic safety measures: lock and monitor all exterior doors, ensure students can’t bypass weapon detectors, and conduct behavioral threat…

Whats Right With Our Schools Food City
Chattanooga, Education, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, What's Right With Our Schools

What’s Right With Our Schools: Volkswagen Academy

Andrew Harrison,

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) —  The Volkswagen Academy made history this Summer. They graduated their first ever class of Automotive Systems Technology students, alongside their sixth cohort of manufacturing specialists. What they learned is a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Sam Dean is the Technical Training Supervisor at Volkswagen Academy. He explains, ” The very first automotive Sister’s…

Screenshot 2025 08 04 151528
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Commercial fire breaks out at Buzzi Unicem Signal Mountain Plant

Rainey Randolph,

  UPDATE (8/4/2025):  Buzzi Unicem released a statement about the commercial fire Monday afternoon. Buzzi said smoke was reported coming from the solid tire fuel storage building. Proper plant personnel were notified, and local fire agencies were also contacted. “I want to thank all of the emergency responders and our plant personnel for their quick action in getting the fire…

Falafel
Pet Of The Week

Pet of the Week: Falafel

WDEF News,

Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Falafel! Falafel has a big smile, happy wiggles, and a smushy face. She can be shy at first, but after she gets comfortable, she’ll become your loyal best friend. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says Falafel is still gaining confidence in new situations, and will need a patient adopter and a quiet home…
Featured, Local News

Dooley announces run for Georgia Senate seat

Nick Hill,

  ATHENS, Ga. (WDEF)- A former Tennessee football coach has officially thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s Georgia Senate Race. Derek Dooley filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend declaring his candidacy. He is running for the Republican nomination. Representative Mike Collins has already thrown his hat into the ring to go up against…

This Morning Statemint Chattanooga
Featured, Local News

Shopping made cheaper with Statemint’s Fall/Winter Clothing Sale this week!

Khristine Arnold,

A special pop-up consignment sale on Broad Street this week will get you and your family ready to be fashionable during the colder months! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In need of some affordable and sustainable back-to-school clothing or wanting to update your wardrobe? The pop-up consignment sale, Statemint, is setting up shop this week at Restoration Southside! Find thousands of…

Wtci Pbs Faces Major Funding Cut
Featured, Local News

WTCI PBS faces major funding cut

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s public television stations are facing a significant financial setback. WTCI PBS says a major loss in federal support could impact both local programming and station operations. Leaders at the station say they are now turning to the community for help. Programs like PBS Kids, which use educator-developed curriculum built into every episode, help…

Overnight Storms Trigger Flash Flooding
Featured, Local News

Overnight Storms Trigger Flash Flooding

Robert Hanley,

Dalton, GA (WDEF) – Flash flooding swamped parts of Whitfield County late Saturday night into Sunday, August 3rd, after heavy rains dropped up to six inches in just a few hours.  The most severe impacts were seen in low-lying areas, including Cleveland Highway, Willowdale Road, and Coronet Drive, where roadways quickly became impassable. Emergency crews responded to multiple reports of…

Backpacks, Resources, And Support: Wellpoint Tennessee Hosts ‘back To School Bash’ In Chattanooga

Backpacks, Resources, and Support: Wellpoint Tennessee Hosts ‘Back to School Bash’ in Chattanooga

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.(WDEF) — With the start of the school year just days away, Wellpoint Tennessee brought the community together for a “Back to School Bash” to help local students head back to class with confidence. Held in partnership with the Chattanooga Boys and Girls Club, the event provided 250–300 backpacks filled with school supplies, free health screenings, and access to…

More Than 40 Dogs Rescued From Hoarding Situation
Featured, Local News

More than 40 dogs rescued from hoarding situation

Lillian Yi,

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 40 dogs are now safe after a major animal rescue effort in Athens, Tennessee. Officers say the dogs were found living in deplorable conditions, inside and outside of a home on Halley Street. On Friday, police responded to the residence for an animal welfare check. What they discovered turned out to be a serious…

Penavegas Help Kids Gear Up
Featured, Local News

PenaVegas Help Kids Gear Up

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As students across the country prepare to return to class, many families are facing an uphill battle.  For households dealing with housing instability, food insecurity, or financial hardship, shopping for school supplies isn’t just a seasonal task, it’s a major source of stress. To help meet the need, Carlos and Alexa PenaVega are once again partnering…

Students Begin School Year Early
Featured, Local News

Students Begin School Year Early

Robert Hanley,

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students in Rhea County and McMinn County, Tennessee, returned to school on Friday, August 1st, but only for a half day.  It’s a soft launch to the new academic year, giving kids and families time to adjust. With the return of students, drivers are urged to pay attention to school zones and crossing guards.  Speed limits…

Craigpic
Bradley County, Cleveland, Featured, Local News

Judge tells Liner not to stall over attorney situation in murder case

Nick Hill,

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Bradley County judge is warning a man charged with the murder of his ex-wife against stalling future proceedings. Craig Liner is charged with felony murder in  the January shooting death of Karen Liner at her Cleveland home. Video evidence at a previous hearing showed a man identified as Craig shooting Karen in her driveway. Friday, he…

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Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Teachers kick off year with Professional Learning Conference amid outside uncertainties

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As Hamilton County Schools embark on a new year, teachers from every school descended on downtown Chattanooga Friday morning. Over 5500 employees gathered at the Chattanooga Convention Center to kick off their brand new school year.  It was a raucous atmosphere as each school was recognized in the opening ceremony of the second annual Professional Learning Conference….