CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- After a controversial path to being passed, Tennessee’s new school choice program has gone live. At noon central Thursday, The Tennessee Department of Education launched the application link for the Education Freedom Scholarship. Over 33,000 Tennessee families according to Governor Lee’s office have applied for the program. Gov. Lee said, “Education has the power to change the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — As athletes gear up for this year’s IRONMAN Chattanooga, one name on the roster carries more than just racing credentials; it carries a story of survival. Todd Crandell, the founder of Racing to Recovery, shared with News 12 his incredible journey from addiction to IRONMAN. Crandell spent 13 years battling heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and nearly every…
It was another great school year for Food City and News 12! We handed out 30 baskets of Golden Apples to deserving teachers throughout the Tennessee Valley. Nominations poured in from students and parents. Dr. Demetrius Leonard of Ridgeland High School is our Golden Apple Teacher of the Year! He received a plaque and a $500 Food City gift card….
As we get you ready for the first IBMA festival and conference here in Chattanooga this fall, let’s look back at some of our bluegrass history in this area. The music has a long history in our rural communities. For our Thursday Throwback, we take you back to 1985, to the Old Time Jamboree. The IBMA festival is a four…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The federal government has been operating a department of government efficiency or doge. That has trickled down into other governments including our own county government. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp was inspired by DOGE to bring efficiency to the county. Mayor Wamp said, “At the beginning of the year we created, in earnest, what we called…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A familiar face in Chattanooga’s jewelry scene is at the center of a legal firestorm. Rick Davis, longtime owner of Rick Davis Gold & Diamonds on Brainerd Road, is facing mounting legal troubles. A Hamilton County grand jury indicted Davis on six counts of theft, with allegations that he obtained property valued between $10,000 and $60,000…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday evening outside an apartment complex on Hickory Street. Officers responded around 3:45 p.m. on May 14, 2025, to 1210 N Hickory Street after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Jamel Sutton suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. He was taken to a…
“Spirits in the Wild” is returning to the Chattanooga Zoo Saturday, May 17 for a special after-hours event for adults 21+. Jake Cash, Will Ternes, and ‘Thor’ the tortoise join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the popular event over the weekend. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The popular adults only event, “Spirits in the Wild,” returns this weekend at the…
Powder Springs, GA-(WDEF-TV) Northwest Whitfield was trying to bring home their second soccer state title on Wednesday, but the Bruins couldn’t find the back of the net against Johnson. Northwest Whitfield lost a heartbreaker by a final of 1-0 in the 3A championship game. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Red Wolves finished up three games in eight days with a 3-1 win over FC Naples. The early afternoon match was tied at one at halftime, and then the Red Wolves added a goal in the second half and extra time to net the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A boat went up in flames on the Tennessee River Wednesday evening, prompting a multi-unit response from Chattanooga Fire. Around 5:08 p.m. on May 14, 2025 Hamilton County 911 received several calls about a boat on fire near the Chickamauga Marina Boat Ramp. Fire crews responded to 2900 Kings Point Road, where they found heavy smoke…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — There is a new charge tonight against Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of killing his wife, Karen. News 12 obtained newly filed documents that point to a disturbing murder-for-hire plot authorities say Liner planned while behind bars. Craig Liner is already charged with the murder of his wife. Now, investigators say he tried to have someone else…
RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Public Works Appreciation Week kicks off soon, and one local elementary student is helping celebrate in style. The City of Red Bank Public Works Department partnered with Alpine Crest Elementary for a special T-shirt design contest. Fourth and fifth graders were invited to create artwork highlighting the department’s vital role in the community. Fifth-grade student…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Starting tomorrow, families across Tennessee can apply for the state’s first-ever universal school choice program — the Education Freedom Scholarships. For the 2025–26 school year, 20,000 scholarships will be available through this new initiative, marking a major step in Tennessee’s broader education reform efforts. The program is designed to give families more control over their children’s…
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Students at Ivy Academy have earned national recognition by receiving the Charter Champion Award for Community Impact Project of the Year, thanks to their groundbreaking innovation — solar-powered backpacks. These student-designed backpacks are equipped with solar panels that can charge electronic devices like phones and tablets. While the invention itself is impressive, the mission behind…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s a business that provides freight and logistics services to other businesses, ensuring transportation. Taken from the words “shipping” and “happy”, Shappi brings American products to Latin America using a network of travelers. We have details on the app in this week’s Driving Our Economy Forward. “What Shappi does is connecting people from Latin America to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County attorney saga appears to have reached a conclusion. The Commission has finally approved a transition plan. After a long and controversial process, Janie Parks Varnell has received approval to become the new Hamilton County Attorney to replace longtime attorney Rheubin Taylor. After several months in a special advisor role, Varnell was approved by the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A mass roads improvement project announced Tuesday was approved on Wednesday by the Hamilton County Commission. These improvements aim to improve congestion in the Apison, Ooltewah, Middle Valley, Hixson, and Signal Mountain areas. These include a road extension to Hilltop Drive, two new roundabouts, and several roads to be widened. These projects are being funded by $5.8…
Dr. Tom Devlin with CHI Memorial joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to spread awareness and prevention during National Stroke Awareness Month. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Dr. Tom Devlin with CHI Memorial shared a few tips to recognize when someone is having a stroke. Chattanooga has the highest incidence of stroke in the U.S….
Chickamauga, GA-(WDEF-TV) Game one of the state semifinal playoff series between Gordon Lee and Vidalia was delayed roughly four hours because of rain and a wet field. When the contest finally got underway, the Trojans offense went in a drought. They couldn’t muster any runs in losing game one to the Indians 2-0. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Tunnel Hill, GA (WDEF-TV) NW Whitfield captured their only state championship in 2018. Now the Bruins have a shot at another state crown, as they battle Johnson in the 3A championship game on Wednesday in Atlanta. NW Whitfield will be facing a Knights team that is playing in the championship game for the sixth time in the last seven years….
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Siskin Children’s Institute is expanding its continuum of care with the launch of a new Pediatric Physical Therapy Program, now available at its Chattanooga location. The program is designed to support children from infancy through adolescence, helping them build strength, improve mobility, and gain independence in a fun, encouraging environment. It offers tailored therapy for children…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A controversial plan to bring a micro-home community to the area near Garner Road is now on hold — at least for the time being. Developer Michael Kenner withdrew his rezoning request during Monday’s planning commission meeting, following pushback from several community members. “Michael Kenner, 114 Side Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee. I wish to withdraw the case,” he…
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – This afternoon, city and state leaders gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Dalton Municipal Airport. The event marked the start of construction on three new airplane hangars, funded by a Georgia Department of Transportation grant and local matching funds. Plans include a ten-bay hangar, a sixty-by-sixty-foot hangar, and a larger one hundred and twenty-by-eighty-foot hangar,…