Holistic Chef Discusses Dairy-Free and Healthy Alternatives

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With the demand for dairy-free alternatives on the rise, consumers are increasingly seeking options that cater to lactose intolerance, vegan lifestyles, or simply a desire for healthier choices.  This shift is evident across various food categories, from plant-based milks to non-dairy cheeses and desserts.  In the past year, one in three households purchased lactose-free dairy…

2023 Amazon Murder Trial Continues Its Deliberation

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In a significant update today, the trial of D’ante Jones, accused in the fatal shooting outside Chattanooga’s Amazon Fulfillment Center, presented critical evidence and statements to the jury. After a day of hearing from the prosecution, the defendants were given the opportunity to present any new information to the jury.  The jury was able to…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Cleveland High School Welding

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)-  It’s a unique event highlighting high school student’s skills in welding.  We are learning more about this hands-on competition, featuring partnerships with local businesses at Cleveland High School.  The collaboration is just another example of how the community continues to Drive Our Economy Forward. Michael Ritchie, Welding Instructor, Cleveland High School says, “So this is our first…

Term limits for Hamilton County mayor formally proposed

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will term limits be placed on the position of Hamilton County mayor? That is what Mayor Weston Wamp proposed Wednesday to the Hamilton County Commission. Hamilton County is the only major county in Tennessee to not have term limits for its primary executive. The proposal by Mayor Wamp would align the county with the Chattanooga mayoral office,…

Update provided on proposed North River Elementary School

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There was an update provided on the future of a new Hixson elementary school. The proposed North River Elementary School would replace DuPont, Rivermont, and Alpine Crest Elementary Schools on the DuPont site. Wednesday, the Commission learned the architecture firm Franklin Associates has been selected to design the new school. Hamilton County Mayor Wamp says that the…

Commissioners float creating new planning agency separate from RPA

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Some Hamilton County commissioners raised the idea Wednesday of whether or not the county should stay in the Regional Planning Agency. This comes in the wake of recent deferrals of Plan Hamilton, an effort led by the RPA to develop a blueprint to future growth in unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. This has come under much scrutiny…

Urban League and Unum Host Successful Job Fair

In today’s competitive job market, finding the right opportunity can be overwhelming. The Urban League and Unum teamed up again today for a job fair. Event organizers say the event gave attendees the chance to connect directly with Unum, exploring exciting career opportunities in a range of fields. “This is truly an event where you can come as you are….

Chattanooga businessman Rick Davis arrested for passing worthless checks

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Local business Rick Davis has been arrested for passing worthless checks. Rick Davis Davis was arrested on Tuesday night by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He operates “Rick’s Gold and Diamonds” on Brainerd Road. Davis has now been arrested twice in less than a year. He was previously arrested in October of 2024 on charges of…

Cats and guinea pigs rescued from overnight duplex fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A family’s cats and guinea pigs were rescued from a duplex fire overnight. The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to the 1900 block of Rawlings Street at 1:07 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke and popping noises from neighbors. Upon arrival, crews located a fire in a back bedroom of the residence. The occupants were not…

Trial gets underway for 2023 Amazon shooting suspect

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A young life tragically cut short, a community demanding justice, and a courtroom where emotions and evidence stood still all collided this Tuesday afternoon in Chattanooga The heinous crime occurred in August of 2023 where 20-year-old D’ante Jones, the accused gunman, tragically killed 19-year-old Javontae Moon in a senseless act of violence.  Outside the Amazon Fulfillment…

Charlton Liner faces court in ex-wife’s murder case

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Charlton Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of murdering his ex-wife, Karen Liner, appeared in a Bradley County courtroom this afternoon for a bond hearing. The judge ruled that additional evidence was needed before deciding whether bond could be set. Police responded to 911 calls around 9 a.m. Monday, which led them to a home…

Golden Apple Award: Ali Redfoot, Normal Park Upper

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The best teachers are patient, authentic and genuinely care about creating a good learning environment for all their students. That certainly applies to Ali Redfoot. We spent some quality time in her Normal Park upper classroom for this week’s Golden Apple Award. “On behalf of Food City and News Channel 12, we would like to present…

Challenger Center remembers astronauts on 39th anniversary of disaster

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- 39 years ago on Tuesday, America lost seven astronauts after the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded shortly after a launch. The legacy of those astronauts is still felt today, including right here in Chattanooga at the Challenger Learning Center on the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga’s campus. It is one of 33 established across the country by the surviving…

Chattanooga Police investigating KKK flyers in local areas

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is investigating hate propaganda around the area. On the evening of January 27, 2025, Chattanooga Police responded to reports of Ku Klux Klan flyers in the Highland Park neighborhood. At 8:55 p.m., officers arrived and spoke with multiple community members who had found the flyers scattered across roadways. According to one…

Rossville woman convicted of fentanyl distribution

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Rossville woman has been convicted of fentanyl distribution in Catoosa County, January 15, 2025. On April 11, 2024, officers conducted a probation visit at Leamon’s residence. Samantha Shea Leamon / Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement found 3.642 grams of fentanyl powder in a…

Start your New Year’s resolution by HIITing it off with Planet Fitness

Shannon DeBoef joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with a quick workout to get your blood pumping. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Planet Fitness is helping you kick your New Year’s resolution in the butt with some warm up exercises. All of Planet Fitness’ memberships include access to equipment in a Judgement Free Zone, free fitness training, and classes. Fitness trainer Shannon…

Love’s Arm Outreach celebrates 20 years of service

Inza Hagins-Dyer joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview their upcoming events which helps women learn more on how to prioritize their health and wellbeing. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Love’s Arm Outreach is celebrating 20 years of serving Chattanooga and providing support for human trafficking victims. They are hosting two special events in which all proceeds will go towards Love’s…

Soddy Daisy Middle student arrested for making school threat

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A student at Soddy Daisy Middle School was arrested and charged after making a threat against the school. At 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 27, 2025, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) School Resource Deputy (SRO) was made aware of a threat made towards the school. According to HCSO, a faculty member had been receiving threatening…

Sierra Club presents PFAS contamination concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –This month’s Sierra Club presentation brought an urgent environmental concern to the forefront: the potential contamination of local food and water sources by PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in everyday products, is increasingly linked to negative health effects. Items like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, pizza boxes, and even…

What’s Right With Our Schools: St. Peter PB&J

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Hunger is a sad fact of life in communities across America. Students at St. Peter’s Episcopal School in Chattanooga are working to solve that problem. See how they are feeding a multitude in this fulfilling example of what’s right with our schools. “If you are doing the bags, you need to count them as you complete…