A colorful spring break at the Creative Discovery Museum

Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to get students excited for an exciting spring break. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring break is nearly here for Hamilton County Schools and the Creative Discovery Museum is continuing the learning with a fun filled camp. During the camp, kids will get to explore the museum and interact…

Bill that could allow Tennessee schools to not admit undocumented students advances

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A bill that could impact the ability of undocumented immigrants to be admitted into Tennessee public schools is stirring controversy across the state. Proposed by Senator Bo Watson of Chattanooga, House Bill 793 would allow for schools to deny admission to undocumented students. Each school district would have to decide if they would enforce it. He argues…

Hamilton County Schools facing budget cuts; exceptional education jobs in jeopardy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could there be a cut to exceptional education in Hamilton County? It is possible because of the upcoming budget. Hamilton County Schools will have to make staff cuts after a COVID-era grant expired. That adds up to 30 million dollars. This could lead to teachers being transferred, teaching assistants being laid off and  programs being consolidated.  First…

Golden Apple Award: Susan Glasheen, George R. Stuart Elementary School

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – The best teachers truly care about their students. That certainly describes Susan Glasheen. Her classroom at George R. Stuart Elementary in Cleveland is a very welcoming place. Students love her. Parents love her. That earned Ms. Glasheen this week’s Golden Apple Award. “You know she is a teacher who cares deeply for students.  It comes out…

City’s Homelessness Fuels Safety Concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – While serious crime in Chattanooga has declined, many residents still feel unsafe, a perception tied not just to crime, but to the city’s growing homelessness crisis and lack of affordable housing. A Manhattan Institute report explores why public sentiment doesn’t match reality and what steps can be taken to address both safety concerns and housing insecurity. …

Southwest Airlines to end free checked bags policy for first time in its 54-year history

Southwest Airlines boasts that its passengers’ “bags fly free” — but not for long. Starting May 28 — just in time for the busy summer travel season — only Southwest’s most elite Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers who book their top-tier Business Select fares will receive two free checked bags. Frequent flyer A-List Members, Southwest-branded credit card holders…

Riverfront Nights return to Ross’s Landing this summer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  It’s official, Riverfront Nights is returning to Ross’s Landing this summer. Starting May 31, 2025 through August 30, 2025, patrons can see several free music series on the riverfront. Activities will being at 4:00 p.m., and Riverfront Parkway will be closed between Chestnut Street and Power Alley.  “We’re thrilled to be a part of this amazing…

Boo Carter Pulling Double Duty For the Vols in Spring Practice

Will the Vols Boo Carter become the new Travis Hunter of college football? Hunter of course won the Heisman Trophy playing both ways at Colorado. This spring, Carter is working at receiver for Tennessee after playing defensive back during his freshman season. Said defensive coordinator Tim Banks:”Yeah I think it has been fine. Boo understands he’s a defensive back for…

Day of Hope Brings Support and Resources

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) — Today, the Lifestyle Center of Benton welcomed community members for a ‘Day of Hope’ event, part of a statewide effort to support those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. The event featured interactive stations, overdose prevention training, and resources to promote healing and resilience. Tennessee’s annual Day of Hope, now in its sixth year,…

CNE Homes was created to bridge the housing gap

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, or CNE Homes, is on a mission to make homeownership more attainable for working families by building affordable, move-in-ready modular homes. The dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for many in Chattanooga, with the median home price now at $340,000. However, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise is taking a bold step to…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Skyuka Hall Youth in Government Delegates

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Passing a bill can be an intimidating process for even the most seasoned lawmaker. Students at Skyuka Hall recently got a lesson in legislation at the Tennessee State Capitol. Their Youth in Government Delegates presented and defended their bills in front of more than 500 of their peers. What happened next is an inspiring example of…

Missionary Ridge Development Continues to Face Opposition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A major development proposed for Missionary Ridge faces strong opposition from neighbors who say it’s too dense for the area.  The Doolittle Farms project, which would add more than 1,700 housing units to a forested hill between Tunnel Boulevard and South Chickamauga Creek, was the focus of a rezoning hearing today.  While the developer claims to…

CPD Chief Addresses Pachyderm Club

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This afternoon, Chattanooga’s Chief of Police, John Chambers, addressed the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club to discuss progress and ongoing problems. Chief Chambers has served with the CPD for over 25 years and served as Assistant Police Chief before his unanimous confirmation as Chief of Police in September by the Chattanooga City Council. Chambers was sworn in…

Pet of the Week: Remix

Tune into Prime News at 7 and meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Remix! Remix is a handsome, energetic, playful, friendly, social butterfly. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says Remix is looking for a family with playmates such as dogs, kids, or simply someone to take him on lots of adventures. He’s very sweet, outgoing, affectionate, and available for…

Students may get more recess time in new Tennessee bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Are Tennessee students getting enough recess time? A new bill is arguing they are not. Filed by Representative Scott Cepicky of Culleoka, Tennessee, it would increase the amount of required recess time for Tennessee students. Currently, schools are required to allow for 130 minutes per week with a minimum of 15 minutes per day of recess. This…

TBI & Marion County authorities investigating Big Rock Road death

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Authorities in Marion County are investigating a death on Big Rock Road. The death occurred at a property on Big Rock Road. The deceased individual has been identified as 67-year-old Danny Durham. Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) are working alongside personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in this investigation. According…

Bradley County man arrested on attempted first degree murder

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Bradley County man has been arrested and charged for Attempted First Degree Murder in Hamilton Richard Lee Thomas County. Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) were dispatched to a home on Flagpoint Drive on March 8, 2025. Upon arrival, deputies located the resident and his girlfriend. While speaking to them, the resident told…

The Chattanooga Convention Center the annual RV show

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Convention Center was the destination for road warriors this weekend as the annual RV Convention takes over downtown. From luxury motorhomes to compact campers, there was something for everyone looking to hit the open road. Alongside the rows of campers, vendors were offering gear and gadgets to make life on the road easier. Mike…

Fourth victim dies in Walker County murder-suicide

UPDATE (3/14/2025):  The off-duty Chickamauga Police Officer who has on scene has died. “Officer Charles “Chuck” Dunn took his final walk, surrounded by love, before giving the ultimate gift—life to others through organ donation.”  -Chickamauga Police Department via Facebook UPDATE:  We’re learning more about the murder-suicide in Walker County that killed three and Charles (Chuck) Dunn / Chickamauga Police Department…