Staying Informed on Vaccination Updates

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With preventable diseases still posing a threat, health experts are emphasizing the need for widespread immunization. Vaccines have long been one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases, yet vaccination rates in some areas remain below recommended levels.  This has led to concerns among health officials about the resurgence of illnesses that were once…

Golden Apple Award: Bobby McCulley, Jasper Middle School

JASPER, TN (WDEF) – Bobby McCulley consistently models professionalism and leadership for his students at Jasper Middle. Combine that with always being supportive and giving gentle advice, and you’ve got a recipe for tonight’s Golden Apple Award.   “We are very blessed and thankful to have Mr McCully.  He molds young fifth grade minds every day.  And gives his all…

Stay prepared during cold weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The cold weather is already here, and the snow is coming soon. Multiple agencies are out preparing for the snow, you should too. Roads are the first concern during a snow storm. Patrick Sheehan is the Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. He says, “Our friends at the Tennessee Department of Transportation have been out…

Cleveland Middle School unveils new mural

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Cleveland Middle School unveiled a new mural Tuesday morning. This mural is in the main hall of the school and will be visible to all students and faculty. The mural highlights the different upbringings we all have, as well as our heritage. Cleveland Middle School principal, Nat Akiona, says this mural shows Cleveland’s diversity. “They have…

Morning electrical fire damages east Chattanooga home

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Residents in East Chattanooga woke up to an electrical fire inside their home Tuesday morning. Crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to the 2000 block of North Chamberlain Avenue at 9:11 a.m. February 18, 2025. Residents of the home stated they woke up, smelled something burned, and discovered their house on fire. Upon arrival,…

East Lake Academy boys’ basketball team talks about their recent accomplishments

East Lake Academy, district boys’ basketball champions, join News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about their latest accomplishment for their school. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The East Lake Academy Boys’ Basketball Team became district champions this year and made their way to the regional semi-finals in Knoxville, a major accomplishment for them and their school. Winning the championship was a…

Montague Park lights up for the SeaLights Festival

Jay Heavilon joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the dazzling, bright lantern displays coming to Sculpture Fields in Montague Park. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For the first time in Chattanooga, The SeaLight Festival is filling Montague Park full of colorful, handmade silk Chinese lantern displays. After several years of declaring New York home, The SeaLight Festival is now…

Healthy Notre Dame Team Has Been Hard to Handle

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Notre Dame girls basketball team captured their district tournament title over the weekend. Now they’re eyeing two bigger titles in the coming weeks. A region championship, and who knows, maybe a state championship. Said head coach Jason Hill:”So from day one this has been a special group.” But Notre Dame wasn’t healthy day one. Three key players were…

Protesters Show Out to Miller Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Democracy in Action took center stage in Chattanooga today, as community members gathered at Miller Park to protest various issues and the future of democracy in the United States. With local elections on the horizon, voter participation and civic responsibility were at the heart of tonight’s discussions.  At the center of every election is voter participation,…

Walnut Street Bridge renovation set to begin

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s iconic Walnut Street Bridge is set to undergo a major reconstruction, with work officially beginning in just one month. While pre-construction preparations start today, pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge during this phase. The plan to reconstruct the Walnut Street Bridge was first introduced in 2024, and now, in 2025, it is officially…

Happy Presidents’ Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Today is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the leaders who have shaped the nation. Originally established to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, the holiday has evolved into a time to recognize all U.S. presidents and their contributions to the country. For many, the long weekend is a chance to travel, spend time outdoors, or simply…

$38 million bond sought by Californian developer for 200 unit low-income housing complex

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new low-income apartment complex could soon be built right off of Signal Mountain Boulevard. The proposed complex would provide two hundred new units to seniors over the age of 62, also for older adults with disabilities on a 38 million dollar bond from the city. It would be located at 819 Runyan Drive, which is currently…

New development planned for former East Ridge Food City shopping center

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF)-  An old shopping center could soon become a hub in East Ridge. Urban Story Ventures, who is behind several other projects in Chattanooga including The Bend on the Westside, is planning to rebuild the former Food City shopping center along Ringgold Road known as the Osborne Shopping Center. It’s nicknamed “The First Shopping Center in Tennessee”….

What’s Right With Our Schools, Loftis Middle School Outdoor Learning Space

LAKESITE, TN (WDEF) – Students at Loftis Middle School know that the great outdoors are a great place to learn. They are committed to developing a multi-purpose outdoor learning space. That’s a great example of what’s right with our schools. Neal Hanley is an 8th Grade Teacher at Loftis Middle School He explains, “We’ve had this area, I mean this…

Stay weather aware for all types of storms

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Flooding, Severe Thunderstorms, Winter Storms, and Tornados all impact our area. But how can you stay weather aware? Staying ready and informed of the upcoming weather is the best way to stay safe. How do you stay prepared in flooding? Eric Ashburn is the Deputy director of Emergency Management with Walker County. He says, “Our…

Pet of the Week: Chicken Biscuit

Chicken Biscuit is pending adoption! Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Chicken Biscuit! Chicken Biscuit is 1 and a half years old, weighing 64 pounds. The Humane Educational Society says she came to them with puppies who have been adopted already. They say Chicken Biscuit is a very sweet and playful pup who is searching for her forever home….

One person dead in fatal Ashland Terrace crash, police say

UPDATE (2/19/2025):  Chattanooga police have confirmed one person died in a fatal accident on Ashland Terrace Monday afternoon. Officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 700 block of Ashland Terrace for a crash report. Upon arrival, officers found a three-vehicle crash involving a 2015 Jeep Rubicon, 2021 Nissan Armada, and 2013 Honda Civic. According to CPD, officers…

Union Gospel Mission aiming to raise $75K for their 75 years of service

Rev. Jon Rector with Union Gospel Mission joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about their first banquet to celebrate their 75th anniversary. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 75th anniversary of Union Gospel Mission continuous support to Chattanooga is coming up and they’re hosting their first banquet in celebration. In honor of their 75th anniversary, Union Gospel Mission’s aims to…