Georgia legislators unveiled school safety initiative

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF)- Georgia legislators unveiled a series of proposals concerning school safety this week.  Last September, four people were killed at Apalachee High School just to the east of Atlanta. The perpetrator in that shooting was a 14 year old student. Now, state legislators are proposing several initiatives to combat the issue. This includes the creation of a statewide…

Marion County woman arrested on financial exploitation charges

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Marion County woman has been arrested and is being charged with financial exploitation and forgery charges. In July of 2024, detectives with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI) launched and investigation into a referral from the Adult Protect Services. According to TBI, referral was in regards to some irregularities in financial records of some…

Two juveniles arrested in connection to the Soddy Daisy auto burglaries

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two juveniles have been arrested in connection to the auto theft and burglaries in Soddy Daisy over the weekend. On February 2, 2025, at 1:30 a.m., officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 5600 block of Sofias Circle. Upon arrival, officers were made aware of a 2019 Honda CRV that had been…

Waffle House adds 50-cent per egg surcharge amid shortages, rising prices

Waffle House is adding a 50-cent per egg surcharge to customers’ orders, citing the impact of ongoing egg shortages and rising prices caused by bird flu. Instead of increasing prices across its menu, the 24-hour breakfast chain is opting for “a temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices,” the Norcross, Georgia-based company said in a statement. “While we…

Linde, Inc. announces industrial gas facility near Charleston, Tennessee

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – Tennessee officials announce a $70 million investment in Bradley County. Linde, Inc. plans to build a new facility to supply industrial gases in East Tennessee. Specifically, it will be a new air separation unit that will produce liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon for industrial use in our region. They will build it near Charleston. The company…

History has its eyes on the Tivoli Theatre Foundation this Broadway season

Tivoli Theatre Foundation CEO Nick Wilkinson joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to celebrate the wall breaking to begin Tivoli Theatre construction and to highlight the exciting Broadway shows coming to the Memorial Auditorium. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tivoli Theatre has broken down the walls and has begun their reconstruction, while keeping audiences entertained during the wait with the most…

Steve Doremus, spokesman for Hamilton Co. Schools, passes away

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County TN Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security has announced the passing of Steve Doremus, the spokesman for the Hamilton County school system. Announced on X, HamCoTNES says, “Our hearts are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Steve Courtesy: X-HamCoTNES Doremus. He was a huge supporter for Hamilton Co. school system and a…

Two people dead following early morning Hixson residential fire

UPDATE (2/5/2025):  The two rescued from the Hixson residential fire Tuesday morning have died. The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) stated that the occupants were a 76-year-old female and a 71-year-old male. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Overnight on Tuesday, Chattanooga Fire Department rescued two people from a residential fire in Hixson. At 3:46…

Happy National Women Physicians Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  National Women’s Physicians Day recognizes the invaluable contributions women make in patient care, medical research, and leadership across the healthcare industry. Established in 2017, the day honors Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849, paving the way for generations of women in medicine. In Chattanooga, we had…

Tariffs, budget, energy discussed by congressman at freight conference

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Representatives Chuck Fleischmann and Steve Womack of Arkansas discussed various topics at the Thrive Regional Partnership’s quarterly meeting. Representative Chuck Fleischmann says the proposed 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico (which as of Monday evening have been postponed by a month), and a proposed 10 percent tariff on China, are a negotiation tactic by the Trump…

Amaero holds ribbon cutting for new Cleveland headquarters, plant

The ribbon cutting for the new Amaero headquarters and plant in Cleveland. CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A defense contractor has launched operations in Bradley County. Amaero held their ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morning at their new plant at Spring Branch Industrial Park. The company, which was founded in Australia, makes powder and other materials for defense and aerospace companies. The plant…

National Burn Awareness Week: Prevention Saves Lives

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This week marks National Burn Awareness Week, a critical time dedicated to educating communities on burn prevention and safety. According to the American Burn Association, nearly four hundred thousand burn injuries require medical attention each year in the U.S. Many of these injuries are preventable with simple safety measures.  The American Burn Association states that “burn…

What’s Right With Our Schools: CCA 911 Center

  RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Emergency dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety. The next generation is learning the skills they’ll need at the Catoosa College and Career Academy. That’s a potentially life-saving example of what’s right with our schools.   “So, we’ve started a partnership with the school system here with the criminal justice pathway.  And last year…

Pet of the Week: Kronk

  Kronk has been adopted! Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Kronk! Kronk has visited the station once before, but we liked him so much we thought we’d bring him back! He is a goofy, loveable, meatball! The Humane Educational Society (HES) says he loves everyone. Kronk is large and muscular, but is probably one of the least intimidating…

United Way Spotlights Helpline at Health Council Meeting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – At this month’s Regional Health Council meeting, local leaders and public health officials gathered to discuss key issues affecting the community.  For many in Chattanooga, help is just a phone call or text away. United Way’s 211 helpline offers free and confidential support, guiding residents to essential services tailored to their needs.  Whether it’s financial assistance,…

Soddy Daisy man arrested on rape and kidnapping charges

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Soddy Daisy man has been arrested and is being charged with rape and aggravated assault. Officers with the Soddy Daisy Police Department (SDPD) responded to 349 Poplar Street at 1:26 a.m. on June 25, 2024. The report involved a 16-year-old girl being held against her will at a neighbor’s home. Upon arrival, officers spoke…

Catoosa County authorities asking for public’s help in locating missing person

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  The Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is asking for the public’s help in locating 25-year-old Stone Tyler Champion. Champion was last seen on January 21, 2025, around 6:30 PM near Meadowview Lane in Ringgold, Georgia. Champion may be traveling in a purple 2013 Chevy Camaro with Tennessee license plate “2188-BFDN.” Authorities have not released further…

Victim found in deadly Summerville house fire

SUMMERVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) — One person was found dead after a devastating house fire in Summerville on Thursday. Firefighters from the Trion Fire Department (TFD) were dispatched to the scene near Lyerly Street and Turner Street. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames engulfing multiple sides of the home. Crews launched an aggressive interior attack, deploying two hose lines…

Red Bank police responded a call of a shooting at Bojangles

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) –On Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Red Bank Police Officers and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a shooting at the Bojangles restaurant located at 2023 Dayton Boulevard. When officers arrived, they discovered a male victim who had been shot. First responders provided initial aid, including applying a tourniquet to the victim. Red Bank…

Soddy Daisy car break-ins at the Hawthorne at The Hollow apartments

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Residents at Hawthorne at The Hollow apartment complex claim that over 20 vehicles have been broken into in recent days, leaving them frustrated and searching for answers. Several victims of the break-ins have come together, believing they’ve identified a pattern in the incidents. These car break-ins have left tenants stunned. Jordan Portner, one of the affected…

National Burn Prevention Week: Simple Steps to Keep Your Home Safe

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -This February marks National Burn Prevention week, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of burns and how to prevent them in our homes and communities. Burn injuries are more common than you might think—but they are preventable! First responders recommend testing smoke alarms, practicing your escape plan, checking your fire extinguisher, keeping flammable items away…