CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A former Chattanooga teacher has pleaded guilty to federal charges after investigators say he tried to exploit two students, ages twelve and fourteen. Federal prosecutors say the former East Lake Academy and Chattanooga Prep teacher used his position of trust to target two young students with inappropriate messages. The investigation began in February 2023, when a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new change order could raise the cost of restoring Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge by more than $630,000. If approved, that would bring the total renovation price tag to roughly $35.3 million. The increase comes after contractors discovered more deterioration than expected in the bridge’s support strands—damage that wasn’t visible until crews began work earlier this…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local council meeting this week brought renewed attention to the future of children’s health and education in Hamilton County. Presenters introduced two key programs—each aiming to build a stronger, healthier generation. From the dentist’s chair to the classroom, these community-led initiatives are betting big on long-term change. Dr. Andy Thomas with the Hamilton County Health…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga police are investigating a homicide that occurred on I-24 eastbound near the Westside Drive exit. At 2:57 a.m., May 4, 2025, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 18100 block of I-24 on reports of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a 22-year-old male inside a vehicle with life-threatening injuries. EMS…
MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A former Murray County bus driver has been arrested by the GBI for grooming a minor. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the GBI was asked by the Murray County Sheriff’s Office to investigate Kenneth Knight. Knight was a former employee of the Murray County School system, and was being investigated on allegations of having inappropriate…
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will not seek the GOP nomination in next year’s Georgia Senate race, a key contest for control of Congress’ upper chamber as Republicans look to unseat vulnerable Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. In a post on X, Kemp said, “Being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family.” He added that…
The Real ID deadline is rapidly approaching. Americans will be required to switch to the enhanced form of identification by Wednesday, May 7, if they want to travel by plane domestically. If you still need to update your ID you’re not alone: CBS data shows that dozens of states are behind on compliance. An analysis conducted from April 7-18 found that 30…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Former Chattanooga Prep teacher Kenya White has agreed to plead guilty to enticement of a child in federal court. He signed a plea agreement last week. In the agreement, White admits to enticing two victims over the last year. One was a seventh grader at East Lake Academy. The second was a student at Chattanooga Prep…
TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF) — A Dade County man has been found guilty of child molestation. The conviction of Jesse Miles Seals was followed by a two day trial that was held April 21, 2025 through April 22. During the trial the victim testified, describing several inappropriate interactions with Seals. The victim stated this started when Seals was dating their older…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — Cleveland High School continues to excel both in and out of the classroom. This year, two graduating seniors are taking their achievements to the next level. Both are heading to an Ivy League university. Their success serves as an inspiration for other students to dream big and pursue academic excellence. Robert Hanley visited Cleveland High School…
Robert Davis with Shop the Market At joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as they get ready for a month-long lineup in May. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Shop the Market At has an exciting large event each weekend of May with plenty of things to do and vendors to shop from! Mother’s Day is right around the corner and Shop the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the heart of our community, Fur Mama is doing more than just rescuing animals—it’s providing a specific kind of care that’s often overlooked: neonatal support for orphaned puppies and kittens. Neonatal animals, often just days old and without their mothers, require around-the-clock care. Without trained support, their chances of survival are slim. “Neonatal care in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It was a flavorful weekend at Camp Jordan as the 4th Annual Chattanooga Taco Festival took over East Ridge. Despite one day being canceled due to weather, everyone still came out to enjoy the beautiful, sunny Sunday. From sizzling street tacos to sweet treats and handcrafted goods, the festival offered something for everyone. Families enjoyed live…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour Stage Four concluded today in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with Jake Lawrence emerging as the champion. Fishing on Nickajack Lake, the Paris, Tennessee native amassed an impressive eighty-three pounds, two ounces over the course of the tournament. Lawrence’s performance outpaced a competitive field, including runner-up Jacob Wheeler. News 12 was able to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 2025 Scenic City Gem and Mineral Show wrapped up today at Camp Jordan Arena in East Ridge. Over the past three days, visitors explored a stunning collection of gems, minerals, fossils, and meteorites from over two dozen dealers. Mark Woods, Southeastern Mineral Specimens, had this to say about this weekend’s events: “We have 16 to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Congratulations to all of the graduating students from UTC! We posted on our social media asking for photos and videos of you or your loved ones on this momentous occasion—and wow, just look at all those smiling faces! We also want to give a huge shoutout to a very special graduate, Rainey Randolph. Rainey is our…
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) – This evening, a tree came crashing down into the middle of Ochs Highway blocking traffic heading up and down Lookout Mountain. But before road crews could even arrive, two community members stepped in—grabbing tools and working together to chop the tree into smaller pieces and move the debris out of the way. In time, the road…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDE) – Heavy rainfall over the weekend led to flash flooding across parts of Chattanooga, leaving multiple drivers stranded — including one whose car became partially submerged. Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, blocking off the flooded roadway and working to remove two vehicles from the water. One man said he was driving through the area when…
Ooltewah, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Ooltewah softball team has won 25 games so far this season, which matches their victory total from the last four seasons combined. The Owls have been successful thanks to some young, talented players, and a familiar coach back on the bench. Brian Armstrong has the story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
LAKEVIEW, Ga. (WDEF) — For 100 years, Lake Winnepesaukah has been more than just a theme park. It’s a place where families come together, generations connect, and lifelong memories are made. What started in 1925 as a lakeside attraction created by Carl and Minette Dixon has grown into a beloved Southern landmark. On opening day, more than 5,000 guests passed…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The city of Chattanooga hosted the 76th armed forces parade. Every year the Armed Forces Parade marches on, it solidifies itself in history. Captain Mickey McCamish is United States Navy Retired and the parade organizer. He says, “The parade to us veterans, since most of us went that route, we marched in the parade and then…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Prep celebrated their first senior class Friday. The school says their entire first cohort of 50 students have been accepted to at least one college or university. This comes after uncertainty if they would be able to graduate on time due to issues with teacher and course verification. All of that was discovered following the arrest…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred a few days ago on Tacoa Circle. On April 30, 2025 around 7:00 p.m., Chattanooga police responded to the 5200 block of Tacoa Circle on reports of shots fired. After officers arrived on scene, they were notified of someone arriving at a local hospital with a gunshot injury. According…
UPDATE (5/2/2025): The loose peacock has been located and safely returned to the Chattanooga Zoo. The zoo posted on their social media platforms regarding the birds disappearance on the afternoon of May 2, 2025. A resident nearby named Eric Spear sent the zoo a direct message via Instagram saying he could see the peacock. Zoo staff quickly drove to the…