Tennessee program offers free help with child car seat safety
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Keeping your child safe on the road is a top priority—and now it’s easier than ever. The Safe Journey Child Passenger Safety Program, administered by…
Paw Palooza takes over Coolidge Park for a day of furry fun
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga went to the dogs this weekend — all for a good cause. Paw Palooza, hosted by the McKamey Animal…
Unity Group of Chattanooga Kicks Off Juneteenth Events Honoring U.S. Colored Troops
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- With Juneteenth approaching, the Unity Group of Chattanooga has launched a powerful series of events commemorating 160 years since emancipation. The opening ceremony paid tribute to the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.), who played a vital role…
Tennessee Donor Services Honors Organ Donors at Celebration of Hope
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Tennessee Donor Services hosted a moving event today to honor the lives of organ donors and the lasting impact of their selfless gifts. The annual Celebration of Hope brought together donor families, transplant recipients, and supporters from across…
Wamp reflects on Sanders trial and impact on victims of child sex abuse
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- On Thursday night, Duane Sanders was convicted of 15 child sex abuse counts including a count of aggravated child…
Victim identified in fatal Highway 58 crash
UPDATE (6/9/2025): The victim involved in the fatal crash on Highway 58 Friday has been identified. 41-year-old Kari Parsons died in a two-vehicle crash in the 4700 block of…
Eversole, Commissioners reach compromise on discretionary pay
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Hamilton County Commissioners will be getting a smaller than planned bump in discretionary pay. In the initial proposed budget, they were going to get about a five thousand dollar bump to 20 thousand dollars for…
Former Dayton teacher convicted of misdemeanor in child abuse case
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A jury convicted a former teacher in Dayton of only one of five sexual abuse charges. Michael Arnold was accused of…
Authorities recover $12,000 worth of fentanyl during drug investigation
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recovered $12,000 worth of fentanyl during a recent drug bust. On June 4, 2025, HCSO narcotics detectives and SWAT Team executed a search warrant at a 4634…
Boaz teacher arrested for alleged sexual assault against student
BOAZ, Al. (WDEF) -- A teacher in Boaz, Alabama has been arrested for sexual assault involving a student. On June 5, 2025, the Boaz Police Department (BPD)…
Liner appears in court on murder for hire plot
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Cleveland man charged in the murder of his ex-wife was back in court. (more…)
More hotel rooms being built than tourists to fill them, says local tourism leader
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A discussion was held this week on the future on how to better position Chattanooga competitively in the tourism…
Signal Mountain man facing several charges in relation to child sex crimes
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Signal Mountain man faces several counts of sexual abuse including aggravated rape of a child. Stephen Rapaport was…
Celebrate National Doughnut Day with Tasty Donuts!
Tony and A.J. McInnis with Tasty Donuts join News 12's Chip Chapman on National Doughnut Day, June 6! Come and grab some tasty donuts with discounted offers exclusively for the occasion. CHATTANOOGA,…
Motorcycle pursuit ends in arrest of suspect already out on bond in Cherokee County
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Nc. (WDEF) -- An arrest was made after Cherokee County authorities were involved in a pursuit that crossed into Tennessee.…
Sanders found guilty of all charges in child sex abuse trial
UPDATE: Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp issued a statement on the verdict in the Duane Sanders trial late Thursday evening.…
Car backs into Hixson home, no injuries reported
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A car accidentally crashed into a home in the Hixson area Thursday evening. The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. on June 5, 2025 in…
Wanted suspect arrested after pursuit ends near Amnicola Highway
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A man wanted out of Rutherford County was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after a police chase ended near the Chattanooga Navy…
Chattanooga Leaders Thank State for Riverfront Investment
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Community leaders gathered at Ross’s Landing Thursday to thank Governor Bill Lee and state lawmakers for committing $15 million in the state’s 2025–2026 budget to transform…
Two people arrested after authorities discover 10 pounds of marijuana
FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) -- Two people were arrested after a drug investigation by the Dekalb County Drug Task Force. On May 28, 2025 agents searched a home on County Road 784. Authorities arrested Amanda Rhea Murphy and…
Large tree falls, blocks Highway 27 in Sale Creek
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A tree fell across Highway 27 Thursday morning, hitting a car and blocking traffic. The 70-foot tree came…
TBI investigating Sweetwater officer involved shooting
SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting in Sweetwater. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 12:55 a.m., Monroe County deputies were dispatched to a residence in…
Eversole responds to criticism over planned school budget meeting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole responded to criticism over a planned meeting concerning this year’s school budget. (more…)
Crews on scene of major water main break on South Holtzclaw Avenue
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Crews are on the scene of a significant water main break on South Holtzclaw Avenue. A portion of South Holtzclaw…