CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- 39 years ago on Tuesday, America lost seven astronauts after the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded shortly after a launch. The legacy of those astronauts is still felt today, including right here in Chattanooga at the Challenger Learning Center on the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga’s campus. It is one of 33 established across the country by the surviving…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is investigating hate propaganda around the area. On the evening of January 27, 2025, Chattanooga Police responded to reports of Ku Klux Klan flyers in the Highland Park neighborhood. At 8:55 p.m., officers arrived and spoke with multiple community members who had found the flyers scattered across roadways. According to one…
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) — A Rossville woman has been convicted of fentanyl distribution in Catoosa County, January 15, 2025. On April 11, 2024, officers conducted a probation visit at Leamon’s residence. Samantha Shea Leamon / Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement found 3.642 grams of fentanyl powder in a…
Shannon DeBoef joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with a quick workout to get your blood pumping. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Planet Fitness is helping you kick your New Year’s resolution in the butt with some warm up exercises. All of Planet Fitness’ memberships include access to equipment in a Judgement Free Zone, free fitness training, and classes. Fitness trainer Shannon…
Inza Hagins-Dyer joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview their upcoming events which helps women learn more on how to prioritize their health and wellbeing. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Love’s Arm Outreach is celebrating 20 years of serving Chattanooga and providing support for human trafficking victims. They are hosting two special events in which all proceeds will go towards Love’s…
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A student at Soddy Daisy Middle School was arrested and charged after making a threat against the school. At 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 27, 2025, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) School Resource Deputy (SRO) was made aware of a threat made towards the school. According to HCSO, a faculty member had been receiving threatening…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –This month’s Sierra Club presentation brought an urgent environmental concern to the forefront: the potential contamination of local food and water sources by PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in everyday products, is increasingly linked to negative health effects. Items like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, pizza boxes, and even…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After leading by nine at halftime, Red Bank held on to beat Brainerd 72-71 on Monday night at Brainerd High School. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Brainerd High School, Red Bank High School
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Hunger is a sad fact of life in communities across America. Students at St. Peter’s Episcopal School in Chattanooga are working to solve that problem. See how they are feeding a multitude in this fulfilling example of what’s right with our schools. “If you are doing the bags, you need to count them as you complete…
Cohutta police officers accepting the donation of a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle from the Chattanooga Police Department. (Courtesy: Chattanooga Police Department) COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF)- In Whitfield County, the Cohutta Police Department continues their long road of recovery following a devastating fire. On the morning of December 18, 2022, the Cohutta Police Department’s building was destroyed in a blaze. In that…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With temperatures in the area staying low, one local company is stepping up in a big way to ensure no one is left out in the cold this winter. Renewal by Andersen of Chattanooga officially kicked off its highly anticipated Winter Clothing Drive, a community-focused initiative aimed at spreading warmth and compassion to those in need. …
Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Rhaegol! Rhaegol is a sweet and handsome boy. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says he’s full of love and tons of kisses. He’s a joy to be around with his happy go lucky character. He also plays great with other dogs and cats. If Rhaegol sounds like a good fit for you and…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Harrison Pike was shut down for the second time in two weeks as firefighters fought another house fire in Cleveland. Units found Heavy smoke with fire venting from the back of the house. Thankfully, no one was inside the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Categories: Cleveland, Local News Tags: Cleveland, Cleveland Fire…
UPDATE (1/28/2025): Cleveland Police have made an arrest in connection to the homicide in a local neighborhood Monday morning. Charles Liner The homicide involved local realtor Karen Liner. Charlton Craig Liner, Karen’s ex-husband, was arrested and has been charged with First Degree Murder, and Felony Murder. Charlton is being held at the Bradley County Jail without bond. He is scheduled…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A 23-year-old male has been arrested after leading Chattanooga Police (CPD) in a pursuit. Marquise Pitmon At 9:49 a.m., January 22, 2025, CPD responded to the 6300 block of Lee Highway on reports of an assault in progress. During a 911 call, a witness at a local convenience store reported that a man was assaulting a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is investigating a shooting that occurred on Glass Street early Sunday morning. On January 26, 2025 at 2:34 a.m., CPD responded to a local hospital for a delayed person shot call. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 24-year-old male with non-life-threatening injuries. According to CPD, the male stated that the shooting…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Industrial Development Board of Bradley County and Cleveland is set to receive funds from state Site Development Grants. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today that 11 communities across the state will receive more than $17 million in Site Development Grants. These grants…
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) rescued a driver after a tree fell on their car Sunday night. CFD were dispatched to the 6600 block of Sandswitch Road at 5:38 p.m. January 26, 2025 on reports of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle that had been hit with a…
Rev. Jon Rector joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to invite people to the Union Gospel Mission 75th anniversary celebration. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Union Gospel Mission is celebrating 75 years of ministry and service to Chattanooga with a special banquet on February 28. Union Gospel Mission focuses on helping the community with three programs. They offer a discipleship program which…
Caitlin Stanley with Blood Assurance joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to highlight the importance of donating blood during National Blood Donor Awareness Month. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance is calling for blood donors during January for National Blood Donor Awareness Month due to the decrease of blood donations during the winter months. Due to the low temperatures and flu…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Friday evening, first responders responded to a structure fire that damaged a garage and the apartment above it. At 5:56 p.m., the fire department was called to a garage fire at the 4600 block of Conner Street off S. Moore Road. First responders were able to gain control of the flames and extinguish the fire not…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Early Friday evening, a local family lost everything when their duplex went up in flames, destroying all of their belongings. At 4:36 PM, firefighters responded to a duplex in the 3200 block of Rosemont Drive off S. Seminole Drive. The report stated that flames had been coming from the residential structure. When the residents of the…
Volunteers gathered at Chattanooga National Cemetery to remove the wreaths that had been placed on veterans’ graves in December. Together they worked carefully to remove the wreaths, continuing the tradition of honoring and remembering those who served. Their efforts help maintain the cemetery and prepare for next year’s Christmas wreath placing. Their commitment continues to preserve the legacy of our…
Cleveland High School is turning up the heat in a big way! The school’s Inaugural Welding Contest is shining a spotlight on the future of skilled trades, featuring talented students from their Career and Technical Education (CTE) Welding Program. “‘This is to help these kids get familiar with what a weld test will be like to land a job in…
