Rezoning Request Withdrawn
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

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

Nick Hill,

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…

Commissioner Proposes Senior Tax Freeze In Hamilton County
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Meeting time once again discussed by Hamilton County Commission

Nick Hill,

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
Featured, Local News

The Hidden Reason Allergies Linger

Robert Hanley,

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
Featured, Local News

Chattanooga Zoo Introduces first ever mascot Finnegan

Lillian Yi,

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
Featured, Local News

Family seeks support after house fire

Lillian Yi,

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
Featured, Local News

Community honors life of Hamilton County Deputy Caleb LeBruno

Lillian Yi,

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
Featured, Local News

Commissioners Tour Erlanger Park

Robert Hanley,

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 House Catches Fire In Catoosa County
Featured, Local News

Massive Home Catches Fire

Robert Hanley,

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
Bradley County, Cleveland, Education, Featured, Golden Apple Award, Golden Apple Award 2025-2026, Local News, news

Golden Apple Award: Alexis Kaczor, Oak Grove Elementary

Andrew Harrison,

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…

This Morning A Secret Safe Place For Newborns Of Tennessee
Featured, Local News

A Secret Safe Place for Newborns celebrates 25 years

Khristine Arnold,

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 Headed Back To Murfreesboro Again
Sports - Local Sports News

Chatt Prep Returning to Murfreesboro After Beating Unicoi Co

Rick Nyman,

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
Sports - Local Sports News

Pickett Co Defeats South Pittsburg 59-38

Rick Nyman,

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

Screenshot 2026 03 09 191602
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

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

Nick Hill,

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…

Church Affordable Housing Plan Moves Forward
Featured, Local News

Church Affordable Housing Plan Moves Forward

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A proposed affordable housing development connected to Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church is moving closer to construction after the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission approved a key request at its March 2026 meeting. The commission approved the zoning request for Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church’s housing development at 1107 North Moore Road, which involved lifting previous…

Shallowford Whataburger Grand Opening
Featured, Local News

Second Whataburger Opens in Area

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Another Whataburger is now open in the Tennessee Valley.  The Texas-born chain officially opened its second Chattanooga location Monday, March 9, at 2332 Shallowford Village Drive, the former home of Fazoli’s. Founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger began as a small burger stand with a simple idea: make each meal fresh, customizable, and served…

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

What’s Right With Our Schools: GeorgiaFIRST Robotics Competition

Andrew Harrison,

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Creating a working robot requires a strong understanding of mathematics and mechanical engineering. Teams of local teenagers recently showed what the machines could do at the GeorgiaFIRST Robotics competition. We visit the Dalton Convention Center for tonight’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Today is the Dalton First Robotics Competition qualifier. This is one of five qualifiers…

River Market Returns For Season
Featured, Local News

River Market Returns For Season

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga River Market is back for the season, bringing local vendors, artists, and small businesses to the Tennessee Riverfront. Some vendors make the drive from outside the area to participate, drawn by the sense of community the market fosters.  As small business owner Brady Williams explained, “Without having a community you don’t really got anything…

Regional Coin And Currency Show
Featured, Local News

Regional Coin and Currency Show

Robert Hanley,

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Coin collectors from across the region attended Camp Jordan Arena this past weekend for a regional coin and currency convention. The event brought together vendors and hobbyists for three days of buying, selling, and trading coins and other collectibles. Inside the arena, tables were filled with U.S. coins, world currency, paper bills, and precious metals…

Commonspirit Health Volunteers Partner With Ymca To Pack Meals For Children
Featured, Local News

CommonSpirit Health volunteers partner with YMCA to pack meals for children

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Employees from CommonSpirit Health spent part of their Sunday giving back to the community by partnering with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga to pack meals for local children. More than 50 volunteers gathered to assemble over 1,300 meals, working together along an assembly line to help support families across the Chattanooga area. “The best wraps you’re…

Iranian American Psychotherapist Speaks On Iran Conflict
Featured, Local News

Iranian American Psychotherapist speaks on Iran conflict

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the conflict continues in the Middle East, News 12 spoke with an Iranian American living in the United States who offers another perspective. She now works as a clinical psychotherapist counseling people who were once imprisoned by the Iranian government for political reasons. “I always, as a therapist, think about how desperate the Iranian people…