Arrested3
Chattanooga, Crime, Featured, Local News, Regional News

Chattanooga man arrested in GA after being accused of threatening court judges

Rainey Randolph,

GORDON COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga man has been arrested after being accused of threatening court judges in Georgia. On March 10, 2025, deputy sheriffs received a report of a caller threatening superior court judges in Gordon County. Gordon County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) stated deputies questioned witnesses and gathered electronic evidence which corroborated witness statements. Deputies arrested 57-year-old Phillip…

Dunlap Bench Thief Dunlap Police Department
Crime, Featured, Local News, Sequatchie County

Dunlap authorities apprehend suspected bench thief

Rainey Randolph,

Billy Joe King / Dunlap Police Department via Facebook UPDATE (3/17/2025):  The Dunlap bench thief has been apprehended. The Dunlap Police Department (DPD) and the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) arrested Billy Joe King after receiving a tip. He is being charged with two counts of Theft of Property. DPD says the benches were recovered and returned to Cates Street…

Prayerrequest
Featured, Local News

Prayer request flyers handed out at senator’s church amid immigration education bill debate

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial bill being advanced by a Hamilton County lawmaker is continuing to receive pushback. Senate Bill 836, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson, would give local schools the option to not enroll students if they are undocumented. A copy of the flyer handed out to parishoners of Sen. Watson’s church over the weekend. (Courtesy: Education for All…

This Morning Tasty Donuts
Featured, Local News

Tasty Donuts turns green for St. Patrick’s Day

Khristine Arnold,

Tasty Donuts owner Tony McInnis and his son A.J. McInnis join News 12’s Chip Chapman to talk about the donut shop turning GREEN for St. Patrick’s Day. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Tasty Donuts is making sure no one gets pinched by offering green sweet treats. Currently, lots of their donuts are being dyed green for…

This Morning Hamilton County Marriage Initiative
Featured, Local News

Keeping couples together through Gospel-based workshops

Khristine Arnold,

Ms. Rosalyn Hickman with Covenant Keepers brings Pastor Kenneth Ware and Pastor John Geeter to preview a special workshop and class for married couples.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Covenant Keepers collaborates with the Hamilton County Marriage Initiative to work towards reducing the divorce rate in local churches. Every 36 seconds, there are 3.6 petitions for divorce in America which roughly…

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale Supports Foster Families
Featured, Local News

Just Between Friends consignment sale supports foster families

Lillian Yi,

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – From Shoes to Strollers: Just Between Friends consignment sale gives back to families in the local area. Camp Jordan Arena had it all—from shoes to strollers—offering parents discounted prices on gently used children’s items. For many shoppers, events like this provide an opportunity to save big on essential items for their kids. Single mother of…

Deadly Storm Ravages Grundy County
Featured, Local News

Deadly Storm Ravages Grundy County

Robert Hanley,

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last night, a powerful storm system swept through Grundy County, Tennessee, leaving a trail of significant damage in its wake.  The community of Palmer was particularly hard-hit, with reports of extensive structural damage.  In a neighboring area, a resident reported that the storm’s force tore the roof off his barn, damaged two vehicles, and displaced…

A Young Boy's Quick Actions Brought Attention To A Structure Fire
Featured, Local News

A young boy’s quick actions brought attention to a structure fire

Lillian Yi,

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — At 10:55 a.m., the Signal Mountain Fire Department responded to a structure fire after a young boy spotted flames and quickly alerted his parents. They immediately called 911, allowing firefighters to arrive on the scene within minutes. The Signal Mountain Fire Department responded to the possible house fire at 7 Rock Crest Drive. Upon arrival,…

Dalton Falls In Naia Tournament
Sports - Local Sports News

Dalton State Falls in the NAIA Tournament

Rick Nyman,

Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Dalton State served as a host site for the first and second round of the NAIA tournament, but the home court advantage didn’t help the Roadrunners against Saint Mary of-the-Woods. Dalton State lost 74-67 on Friday afternoon at Bandy Gym to see their season come to an end. Antonio Lewis led the Roadrunners with 20 points. Categories: Sports…

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South Broad Stadium on track for April 2026 first pitch

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We received an update on the construction progress of the South Broad Stadium. It will soon be the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. Construction at the South Broad Stadium is in full swing as workers are actively building the next stadium here in Chattanooga. Excitement is building for what this stadium, due to be ready in a…

Tech Byte Tech Breathes New Life Into Old Board Games
Tech Byte

Tech Breathes New Life into Old Board Games

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, TN – The history of board games can be traced back almost 4600 years to Mesopotamia and Chinese culture had their first recorded board game with rules around 200 B.C. They have evolved over the years but games like Monopoly and Settlers of Catan have roots in these ancient games and today we’re exploring how the latest technology has…

This Morning The Cookie Jar Cafe
Featured, Local News

Celebrate Pi day with pies from the Cookie Jar Cafe!

Khristine Arnold,

Sue Anne Lockhart joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the community rebuilding of the Cookie Jar Café and all delicious desserts they offer. DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today is Pi Day and the best way to celebrate the irrational number 3.14159 is with an irrational amount of pies from the Cookie Jar Café! Cookie Jar Café is a…

Veteran Mccallie Swim Coach Stan Corcoran Steps Down
Sports - Local Sports News

Long Time McCallie Swim Coach Stan Corcoran Steps Down

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Long time McCallie swim coach Stan Corcoran has announced he’s stepping down. Corcoran has led the Big Blue swim team for 33 years, winning 12 state titles, including the last three in-a-row. Assistant Zane Hamilton will take over the program, and Corcoran will still assist the team however he is needed. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: High…

Fire Responder Hero Award: Tyler Ellis, Puckett Ems
Featured, First Responder Award, Local News

First Responder Hero Award: Tyler Ellis, Puckett EMS

WDEF News, Lillian Yi,

News 12 is recognizing first responders for their dedication to the community. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, their service plays a crucial role in keeping people safe, often during their most vulnerable moments. This month, the community has come together to recognize the exceptional service of Tyler Ellis, a Paramedic Field Training Officer at Puckett…

Chattanooga Prep
Featured, Local News

Hamilton County Schools comment on Chatt Prep’s graduating class

Robert Hanley, Rainey Randolph,

UPDATE (3/14/2025):  We’re now hearing from Hamilton County Schools regarding Chattanooga Preparatory School’s graduating class. “Our top priority is supporting the students at Chattanooga Prep and safeguarding their academic progress. We are currently verifying senior credits and taking any necessary corrective actions to ensure that the Senior Class will graduate on-time. We are hopeful that all 50 seniors will graduate…

Thursday Throwback: 1985 March Stories
From The Archives

Thursday Throwback: 1985 March stories

WDEF News,

Forty years ago, the news in our area was very much like today. But some wasn’t. For our Thursday Throwback, we take a look back at what was making news in March of 1985. And see how many 80’s pop stars you can identify in the “We Are The World” video! Categories: From The Archives Tags: From The Archives, Thursday…

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

Chattanooga Prep charter in jeopardy over licensing

WDEF News,

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing big problems from the Kenya White investigation. The Hamilton County School System has begun the process of revoking their charter. This involves issues over teacher licenses at the school. The school system believes almost half of Chattanooga Prep teachers are not licensed to teach their subjects. This could mean that…

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Crime, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, Walker County

Chattanooga man arrested for dropping meth in North LaFayette Elementary School

Rainey Randolph,

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga man has been arrested after accidentally dropping meth inside an elementary school in Walker County. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a Walker County Schools employee found a plastic baggie in the floor of North LaFayette Elementary School, just inside the main entryway. The bag contained a suspicious substance, and was turned over to…

Volkswagen Union Update
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

UAW files suit against Volkswagen after they announce production cuts and voluntary layoffs

Nick Hill,

UPDATE: Employees voiced their frustration with the layoffs at a rally Thursday afternoon in front of Volkswagen’s main entrance. A year ago, workers at VW voted by a nearly 3 to 1 margin to unionize in hopes that a bargaining contract would bring them more financial security and benefits. However, Thursday’s news left many of them wondering if they will…