Boyd Buchanan Tabs Charles Fant as New Head Football Coach

(press release) Boyd-Buchanan School has announced the hiring of Charles Fant as the new head football coach for the Buccaneers. “We are thrilled to have Charles Fant lead our Buccaneer football program. Boyd-Buchanan had a terrific applicant pool and several well-qualified candidates,” said Matt Pobieglo, Director of Athletics. “Coach Fant’s passion for Boyd-Buchanan, his ability to pour into our community,…

Sevier Co Stuns Bradley Central 52-34

Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Sevier Co stunned top-ranked Bradley Central in the state quarterfinals posting a 52-34 victory. The Bearettes struggled offensively, failing to score a field goal in the second quarter. Kimora Fields led Bradley Central with 12 points. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Commission to consider lease with Jailhouse Studios as public continues to raise concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposal is now under consideration to turn the old Hamilton County Jail into a television and film studio as the Commission is considering approving a lease. The former Hamilton County Jail across Walnut Street from the county courthouse has sat vacant for years. A proposal by Urban Story Ventures and Dynamo Studios would make it a…

Quantum Technology Moves Toward Application

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders gathered Thursday at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a program focused on quantum technology.  The event explored how quantum research can move toward real-world applications. Quantum technology uses principles of quantum mechanics, the physics that governs very small particles, to study computers, communication systems, and sensors. The half-day program…

Dalton State Leaves For the NAIA Tournament

Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Dalton State loaded up the bus and took off for the NAIA tournament. The Road Runners open first round play in Marion, Indiana, on Friday. Dalton State plays Shawnee State out of Ohio. The Road Runners carry a 23-8 record into the NAIA Big D ance. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Proposal of rural planning commission sparks tense debate over future growth in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will Hamilton County create its own planning commission? That’s what some in county government would like to see. However, others raised concerns about the message that could send. Currently, Hamilton County and Chattanooga have a joint planning commission at the Regional Planning Agency. However, some within county government would like to see county create their own planning…

Meeting time once again discussed by Hamilton County Commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission once again discussed when they should hold their weekly meetings. Commissioner Gene-O Shipley proposed that meetings go back to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. The meetings have been held at 4 p.m. since a trial change proposed by Commissioner Jeff Eversole was approved last year. Several commissioners believe that the meeting should remain at…

The Hidden Reason Allergies Linger

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring is here, and with it comes seasonal allergies. For many residents, the familiar symptoms, sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, are already starting to appear.  Pollen levels rise in both the spring and fall, making certain times of the year particularly challenging. In the Chattanooga area, geography plays a big role in how severe allergies can feel. …

Chattanooga Zoo Introduces first ever mascot Finnegan

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Our friends at the Chattanooga Zoo are introducing their first ever mascot to the team, and his name is Finnegan. To uphold the zoo’s mission of creating a fun and interactive environment where people can learn about animals, Finnegan can be seen walking around the zoo grounds and appearing at special events, including animal feedings and…

Family seeks support after house fire

ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) – On Saturday, a house fire damaged the home of a local family in Rossville, Georgia. Former residents say the fire claimed not only physical and irreplaceable items but also the lives of several pets. One resident says while the loss affects her husband and children, it has also impacted their ability to provide care for three…

Community honors life of Hamilton County Deputy Caleb LeBruno

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Deputy Caleb LeBruno was laid to rest today. Deputy LeBruno was killed last Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash on Brainerd Road. He is remembered for dedicating his life to serving others during their most difficult moments. LeBruno began his career as a dispatcher. In 2020, he became a deputy with the Grundy County…

Commissioners Tour Erlanger Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With opening day less than two months away, several Hamilton County Commissioners toured Erlanger Park this week to see the progress on the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. During the tour, officials viewed new stadium features and historic elements preserved from the original 1800s foundry buildings.  Concrete slabs and a 1936 floor made from river…

Massive Home Catches Fire

RINGGOLD, GA. (WDEF) – Firefighters responded to a large house fire Tuesday morning on The Pointe Drive in Ringgold. The Catoosa County Fire Department was called to the scene just after 7 a.m.  Crews arrived to find a fire burning at a large home on the property and began working to bring the flames under control. The house was vacant…

Golden Apple Award: Alexis Kaczor, Oak Grove Elementary

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Did you ever have a teacher who made you love going to school. For students at Oak Grove Elementary, Alexis Kaczor is that teacher. She goes above and beyond to make every day a fun learning experience. She also keeps parents in the loop every step of the way. All that earned Ms. Kaczor this week’s…

A Secret Safe Place for Newborns celebrates 25 years

Julie Scruggs and Paloma Stansell join News 12’s Amelia Greer with a reminder of what comfort they provide for newborns in the state. The TN Safe Haven Law went into effect several years ago, and has made a way for parents to safely surrender their newborn without fear of prosecution. The two women speak on the impact of their organization…

Chatt Prep Returning to Murfreesboro After Beating Unicoi Co

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chatt Prep is headed back to the state tournament in Murfreesboro, where they will try to capture their third consecutive state championship. The Sentinels cruised past Unicoi Co in their sub-state game on Monday by a final of 82-58. The Sentinels took charge late in the first quarter when they scored on three consecutive dunks. Categories: Sports – Local…

Pickett Co Defeats South Pittsburg 59-38

South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) South Pittsburg was trying to punch their ticket to the state tournament for the first time in 40 years on Monday. The Pirates raced out to a 10-0 lead against Pickett Co,  but they couldn’t h ang on. The Bobcats went on to win the game 59-38. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Prosecutors say Darron Lee used ChatGPT to try to cover February murder of girlfriend in Ooltewah

Darron Lee talking with deputies shortly before his arrest on February 5, 2026 in Ooltewah on Snow Cone Way. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The former NFL player accused of murdering his girlfriend last month was back in a Hamilton County courtroom this afternoon. Darron Lee is charged with the first degree murder of Gabriella Perpétuo last month at their Snow Cone…