Chattanooga Prep
Chattanooga, Education, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Chatt Prep avoids charter revocation, moves forward under probationary status

Rainey Randolph,

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Following several weeks of review and collaboration, Hamilton County Schools and the new leadership at Chattanooga Prep have reached an agreement regarding the schools charter status. Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson initially recommended revoking the school’s charter. However, after working closely with Chattanooga Prep’s administration, he decided to allow the school to continue operating while addressing…

Weston Wamp
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Mayor Wamp’s State of the County

Jesse Farley,

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Mayor Weston Wamp gave his state of the county address at Soddy Daisy Middle School. The mayor said he wants to focus on the smaller communities in Hamilton county, like Soddy Daisy, and they should get the same love that the city of Chattanooga gets. He also mentioned the upgrades coming to the riverfront and…

Brennon Beavers
Featured, Local News, Walker County

Deadly crash claims two lives, including LaFayette High School student

Rainey Randolph,

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two people were killed and another seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on GA-1 near Center Point Road Tuesday afternoon. Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers were dispatched to the scene at 4:02 p.m. on April 15, 2025, following reports of a serious collision involving three vehicles. A gray Toyota Tacoma was headed south in the…

Bradley County Jail Fire
Bradley County, Cleveland, Featured, Local News

Cleveland fire crews contain kitchen fire at Bradley County Jail

Rainey Randolph,

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A fire broke out in the kitchen area of the Bradley County Jail Tuesday afternoon. Crews with the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found moderate smoke conditions, and made entry to investigate. When they got inside, crews found an active kitchen fire and mounted an aggressive interior attack. According…

Baylor Rockets Past Gps 13 2
Sports - Local Sports News

Baylor Rockets Past GPS 13-2

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor got a couple of big home runs early on their way to a 13-2 win over GPS. Xahara Willis hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and Amiya Leach hit a grand slam in the second inning. That made the score 9-0, as Baylor cruised to the easy win. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Featured, Local News

IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadlines

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, don’t worry, you might have more time than you thought.  Folks in Georgia and Alabama impacted by recent storms automatically get an extension to May 1st.  And just announced, everyone in Tennessee now has until November 3rd to file, thanks to Hurricane Helene.  So, no need to fill out…

Georgia Tax Break
Featured, Local News

Kemp Signs Major Tax Relief

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Tuesday, Governor Brian Kemp signed two major tax relief bills into law during a ceremony in Cobb County, delivering over a billion dollars in financial benefits to Georgia taxpayers.  Surrounded by First Lady Marty Kemp and state leaders, the governor announced the measures as part of his administration’s ongoing effort to return excess revenue to…

Golden Apple Award
Education, Featured, Golden Apple Award, Hamilton County, Local News

Golden Apple Award: Mariah Dahlin, Ooltewah Elementary

Andrew Harrison,

COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF) – Patience and kindness are two essential qualities for an elementary school teacher. Mariah Dahlin has plenty of both. Her students at Ooltewah Elementary love her for it. You can see why in this week’s Golden Apple Award. Bethanie Reynolds is the Principal at Ooltewah Elementary School. She says, “Ms. Dahlin is amazing, we have a great…

Lajeffery Romane Sparks
Chattanooga, Crime, Featured, Local News

Chattanooga police asking for public’s help in locating murder suspect

Rainey Randolph,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga police are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect who’s wanted for First Degree Murder. At 12:38 a.m., October 5, 2024, police responded to a person shot call in the 4100 block of Fagan Street. Upon arrival, police located a 42-year-old male with life-threatening injuries. According to the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), officers…

253340925067687653
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Camper fire leads to propane explosion in Hixson neighborhood

Rainey Randolph,

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A hixson homeowner lost a camper due to a heavy fire Tuesday morning. At 8:20 a.m., firefighters with the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department (DBVFD) responded to a residential fire at 1644 Lisa Lynn Drive. According to the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM), a neighbor called 911 reporting a camper fire with structure endangerment….

This Morning Great American Cookies
Featured, Local News

Make today less taxing with Great American Cookie!

Khristine Arnold,

Ashton Kowalewski with Great American Cookies at Hamilton Place joins News 12’s Amelia Greer on Tax Day to preview special deals to make today less taxing. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – April 15 is notoriously known as Tax Day, and Great American Cookie is making the day less taxing with an especially sweet deal. For April 15, Great American Cookie is…

Pachyderm Club Discusses Growth Issues
Featured, Local News

Pachyderm Club Discusses Growth Issues

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community members showed up at the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club this afternoon to hear from District Nine Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander. He spoke directly to local concerns about growth, zoning, and education, drawing from years of experience on the school board and now as chair of the arts, education, and recreation committee. Dr. Steve Highlander is…

Big Plans For South Broad
Featured, Local News

Big Plans for South Broad

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A major new development could soon reshape part of Chattanooga’s South Broad Street corridor.  The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission Meeting took place today to discuss further approval of the plans. A multi-story, mixed-use project is being planned just south of the Dollar General at 3120 Broad Street.  The 4.7-acre site is already zoned for urban…

Whats Right With Our Schools Food City
Education, Featured, Local News, Walker County, What's Right With Our Schools

What’s Right With Our Schools: Gordon Lee Middle School Math Achievements

Andrew Harrison,

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) – Gordon Lee Middle School is celebrating a big academic win in the math department. Based on last year’s Georgia Milestones, Gordon Lee saw major gains in every middle school math level, including Algebra One. All that adds up to a great example of what’s right with our schools. Bradley Floyd is the Vice Principal at Gordon…

Wrightpic 004
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

New jury selected in Roberts trial

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A second jury has been selected in a pending Chattanooga murder trial. Darryl Roberts is charged with first degree murder in the September 2023 shooting death of Christopher Wright. The shooting occurred in front of Patten Towers after the pair got into an argument. The trial was supposed to begin two weeks ago, but had to be…

Mayor Kelly, City Council Sworn In At City Inauguration
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Mayor Kelly, City Council sworn in at city inauguration

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga mayor Tim Kelly and all 9 city council members were sworn in to a new term Monday morning at Memorial Auditorium.Mayor Kelly defeated challenger Chris Long with over 85 percent of the vote on March 4th, the largest electoral victory by a mayor in city history. He said, “It’s worth remembering that this election put Chattanooga…

Img 6490
Pet Of The Week

Pet of the Week: Sissy

WDEF News,

Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Sissy! Sissy is a petite 3-year-old weighing right at 26 pounds. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says she has a tender heart that needs a little extra love. She can be nervous around new people and situations, however, with time, patience, and a little TLC, Sissy will become a loving, loyal companion. Once…

This Morning Chattanooga Zoo
Featured, Local News

Hop over to The Chattanooga Zoo to “Hug A Bunny!”

Khristine Arnold,

Jake Cash with the Chattanooga Zoo and Annie the rabbit preview the popular ‘Hug A Bunny’ zoo attraction. The duo joins News 12’s Amelia Greer ahead of the event during the Easter holiday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hop on over to the annual “Hug A Bunny” event at the Chattanooga Zoo this weekend! To welcome spring each year, the Chattanooga…