Two shot at Brainerd Road gas station

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two people were shot at a gas station on Brainerd Road this afternoon. The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) said shortly after noon, they received a shots fired call at the Hop-In Gas Station across from Barger Academy. When they arrived on scene they found two people with gunshot wounds. They say one of those injured has…

Chattanooga Fire Department assisting in water rescue

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) along with other organizations assisted in a water rescue. CFD posted on X that a creek near the intersection of Quinn Adams Street and East 4nd Street has flooded. Several animals and people were trapped in a large homeless encampment by the rising waters, and were rescued via boat. City officials,…

Catoosa County deputy arrested following GBI investigation

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A former Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant has been arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct involving an off-duty security job. According to the GBI, former Lieutenant Keith Cantrell, was hired by a local church to provide security but Keith Cantrell submitted invoices for payment despite never showing…

Chatt Prep teacher faces a dozen child sexual exploitation charges

Kenya White CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher is facing a laundry list of charges related to child exploitation. According to the indictment, the incident occurred on or about February 15, 2023. White is listed on Chattanooga Preparatory School’s website as a 6th grade Guided Reading Teacher. The charges are listed below: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor…

Extend the season of love with Rock City

Rock City’s Pepper Raper joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the nearly month long events and offers happening for couples in need of a getaway at Rock City. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and Rock City is extending the season of love. For those looking for a great date idea, year round,…

LaFayette Celebrates 59-56 Overtime Win Over Gilmer in Region Quarterfinals

Tunnel Hill, GA-(WDEF-TV) LaFayette pulled out a thrilling 59-56 overtime win over Gilmer in the quarterfinals of the Region 7-AAA tournament on Wednesday. The Ramblers were down 56-55 in regulation with two seconds to play. Khalas Finley was fouled shooting a three-pointer. He made one of three foul shots to tie the score at 56 and force overtime. Ramblers scored…

Honoring Dr. Fannie Hewlett: A Trailblazer in Black History Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  This Black History Month, we honor trailblazers who broke down barriers and reshaped history. One such individual is Dr. Fannie Hewlett, whose name will forever be tied to Belmont University. Dr. Hewlett’s journey began in a small Alabama town, where, after finishing junior college, she received a life-changing letter: a brochure from Belmont College. That letter…

Tyner Enjoying Final Season in Their Old Gym

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Tyner basketball team is enjoying another fantastic season, and it will be an historic season regardless of how the Rams finish. It’s the final year in their old school gymnasium. Tyner is scheduled to move into a new school building, and a new arena next year. Tyner gym. They don’t make’em like this anymore. Said Tyner head coach…

Mayor Tim Kelly Votes as Early Voting Opens for Chattanooga’s Municipal Election

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Early voting for the City of Chattanooga Municipal Election began today. One of the first to cast their ballot was Mayor Tim Kelly, who is running for re-election. Kelly emphasized his focus on affordable housing, public health, and improving the local economy. “All these fine people behind me and their organizations are really working to make…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Catoosa 911 Center

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) –Dispatchers at the Catoosa County 911 center work tirelessly to help those in need.  Employees at the center strive to have a standard of excellence in public safety communications every day.  We talked to the director of operations about what it takes to be a part of this public safety program in this week’s Driving Our…

Mayor Wamp discusses county level DOGE, responds to pastor after controversial sermon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Tuesday, we spoke with the pastor of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Steve Caudle, whose sermon went viral after controversial comments regarding Elon Musk and DOGE. Wednesday, we are learning more about why Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp wants him to resign from the Regional Planning Agency. Mayor Wamp said, “It is the most extreme political…

Realtors, Homebuilders oppose proposal to limit growth in rural Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dozens of homebuilders and realtors opposed a plan to limit growth at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. One proposal would halt new construction from Ooltewah to Birchwood. The other would base permits on buildable land, not total acreage. This is in the wake of Plan Hamilton, the RPA’s strategy for future growth across the county, stirring controversy…

Jewish Communities Face Rising Threats

Today, a disturbing trend is on the rise—antisemitism is reaching record levels across the U.S. and beyond. From hate crimes to online harassment, Jewish communities are facing growing threats.  Antisemitic incidents are at an all-time high. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 36% increase in hate crimes against Jewish people in the past year alone.  Meanwhile, the FBI says that over…

Will The Penny Fade Into History?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – President Trump has ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting new pennies, arguing that producing them costs more than they’re worth.  While some see this as a smart financial move, others worry about what comes next. For more than 160 years, the penny has been a symbol of American currency, featuring the face of President Abraham…

Hiker finds human remains off mountain in Cherokee County

MURPHY, Nc. (WDEF) —  Local law enforcement are investigating the discovery of human remains found off Burrell Mountain Road. Kamron Peter Rondon A hiker reported finding a human skull on January 23, 2025. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted a search of the area on January 27. A second search…

Local representative proposes bill to remove sales tax on baby products

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hixson lawmaker Greg Martin is proposing a bill to help parents in Tennessee. Martin wants to remove the sales tax on diapers, infant formula and baby wipes. The representative says helping new parents is also pro-life. “Being pro-life means advocating for the well-being of both the unborn and the families that bring them into the world. …

Dayton authorities searching for missing juvenile

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Authorities in Dayton are searching for a missing juvenile. Cianna Jolynn Davis / Dayton Police Department Cianna Jolynn Davis was last seen in Dayton February 6, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. The Dayton Police Department has reason to believe she may be in the Chattanooga area. Davis is a white female with black hair, hazel eyes, 5…

Step into Old Hollywood for a dazzling all-inclusive Valentine’s Day dinner

Carla Pritchard and Selena Duncan join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview a special Valentine’s Day dinner that’s all-inclusive with its price. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For those who still need to plan a Valentine’s Day dinner last minute, there’s a special dinner offer that takes care of all your romantic needs. The Granfalloon is hosting the Roman Holiday Valentine’s…

Bradley Central Claims District Title With Win Over East Hamilton

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Bradley Central claimed their regular season district championship on Tuesday by beating East Hamilton 66-48. The Bears were strong out of the gate, as they quickly built a ten point advantage in the first quarter.  Ramerion Taylor le d Bradley Central with a game high 17 points. Caiden Bauldwin chipped in with 13. Jaden Haywood led the Hurricanes…