Category Archives: Local News

Collegedale Hosts Storm Safety Day

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Collegedale held a Storm Safety Day this afternoon at The Commons, offering residents a chance to prepare for severe weather. The event was free and open to all residents of Collegedale and surrounding areas.  From 3 to 7 PM, experts from Hamilton County Emergency Management and the Civil…MORE

TBI conducting investigation into Ooltewah SWAT standoff

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Tennessee bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating the Ooltewah SWAT standoff that turned deadly Tuesday night. At around 2:30 p.m., Hamilton County deputies responded to a report of a man walking around with a gun on Rising Fawn Lane. When deputies came in contact with the man, he fled inside…MORE

Incline Railway repair worker injured in fall, rescued by firefighters

Incline Railway repair worker injured in fall, rescued by firefighters

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A worker making repairs on the Incline Railway had to be rescued by the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) after suffering a fall Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred just after 1:30 p.m. on February 26, 2025, as crews continued restoration efforts following a fire in December. CFD responded to multiple points…MORE

One man dead after East Ridge shooting

One man dead after East Ridge shooting

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  One man was shot and killed in East Ridge Tuesday. Officers responded to the 1500 block of Garner Circle for a shots fired/person shot call. Upon arrival, authorities found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Police provided “Stop the Bleed” care to the victim until EMS…MORE

FULL News 12 exclusive interview with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Known for his work on Cosmos, StarTalk, Nova Science Now, and the occasional guest appearance on Big Bang Theory, famed astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson visits the Scenic City for an out of this world presentation. On February 27 at 7:30 P.M., Neil deGrasse Tyson will give his “Cosmic Collisions” presentation at the…MORE

Four dogs rescued, one perishes in north Chattanooga house fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Four dogs were rescued, but only three survived after a kitchen fire in a North Chattanooga home Tuesday evening. At 5:45 p.m., February 25, 2025, crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the 300 block of Pine Ridge Road. Upon arrival, crews quickly extinguished a fire that started in the…MORE

Ooltewah Standoff Ends in Flames

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – We’re learning new details following a tense standoff in Chattanooga yesterday that ended in tragedy.  Authorities confirm the man who opened fire on officers is now deceased after a house fire consumed the residence where he had barricaded himself.  The incident began around 3:30 p.m. on the 8400 block of Rising…MORE

Tennessee Urges Crackdown on Fake Weight Loss Drugs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee’s Attorney General has joined a coalition of 38 states and territories urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA to take stronger action against counterfeit versions of popular weight loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. The demand comes as concerns grow over the rise of fake and potentially…MORE

UTC unveils digital collection of early Chattanooga Lookouts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With spring training in full swing, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Library has released a new digital collection that offers a deep dive into the early history of the Chattanooga Lookouts. Titled Sandy Sandlin Chattanooga Lookouts Photographs, the collection features a treasure trove of images, memorabilia, and newspaper clippings dating…MORE

Singal Moutain Rope Rescue

SINGAL MOUNTAIN, TN (WDEF) -If you are ever lost in woods, and you have a cell phone, call 9-1-1, stay where you are and wait for help. That’s just what a female hiker did Tuesday (2/25/25) afternoon on Singal Mountain. The Signal Mountain Fire Department got that call.   According to Amy Maxwell, from the…MORE