Bill Proposed to Lower Minimum Age for Carrying a Handgun

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Currently, the minimum legal age to carry a gun in the state of Tennessee is twenty-one. But that could that could change with a new bill submitted by State Representative Chris Todd. If passed, House Bill 1735 would allow anyone over the age of eighteen who has not been disqualified from owning a gun to carry one,…

Golden Apple Award: Lu Ann Carey, Bradley Central

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Homegrown teachers often have a unique understanding of the communities they serve. That certainly describes Bradley Central’s Lu Ann Carey. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her in the FFA greenhouse. Her strong roots earned Lu Ann Carey the Golden Apple Award. Patrick Spangler is Principal at Bradley Central High School. He says, “We…

EV Fast Charge station opens in downtown Fort Payne

First location in TVA's Fast Charge Network

FORT PAYNE, Alabama (WDEF) – TVA cut the ribbon on a fast charging station for electric vehicles on Tuesday in Fort Payne. It is the first site for their Fast Charge Network in the TVA region. Their network is part of a larger effort to give charging stations every 50 miles along interstates across the country. The two EV fast…

Massive fire destroys one home, damages another next door in Highland Park

No one was hurt despite the homeowner being inside the primary structure when the fire began

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – A sunny, warm afternoon became a nightmare for some homeowners in one Chattanooga neighborhood. News 12 was the first on the scene of a devastating fire in Highland Park. A massive fire operation in the 1500 block of Chamberlain Avenue Monday. 50 to 60 firefighters on scene and 12 units to help douse a fire that…

Suspect arrested after SWAT standoff for murder of Tennessee deputy

22 year old Savanna Puckett was found shot to death Sunday and her home set on fire

SPRINGFIELD, Tennessee (WDEF) – After a day-long standoff, police have finally arrested a suspect for the murder of a Middle Tennessee deputy on Sunday. 22 year old Savanna Puckett failed to show up for her shift Sunday evening at the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office. When another deputy went by her home to check on her, he found it in flames….

Cleveland Considers Increasing Punishments for Illegal Tire Dumping

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Cleveland City Council met today to discuss the dumping sites at which used tires are being disposed illegally. To combat the issue, the council proposed a resolution which, if accepted by the State, would deal out harsher punishments to offenders. “It asks our colleagues in the state legislature to stiffen the penalties and improve the…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Howard Leadership Exchange Program

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Knowing each other is the cornerstone of a strong community. That’s the idea behind the Leadership Exchange Program at Howard High. Students from several area schools are taking part, and it can be a real eye-opener. Dr. Charles Mitchell is the Vice Principal at Howard. He explains, “So this is our leadership exchange program that we…

TDOT Commits to Immediate but Temporary Fix to Many Chattanooga Potholes

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “This month’s back to back winter storms have created several new potholes along our interstates and state routes,” says Rae Anne Bradel, Community Relations Officer for TDOT. When water enters cracks in the roadways and then freezes, it expands causing pavement to weaken and crack. The result is roadways filled with holes which has been the bane…

Suspect faces 22 charges after chase through Red Bank

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – An escapee from Middle Tennessee faces 22 charges in Hamilton County following a chase early this morning. The Sheriff’s Office says a deputy spotted the vehicle speeding and driving recklessly on Highway 27 in Soddy Daisy. But when he tried to stop it, the vehicle sped away, recklessly. However, the deputy chose not to pursue for safety…

Titans turnovers squander away divisional game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans had the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage along with Derrick Henry making a return just in time for the postseason. Once again, playing in Music City just wasn’t enough for this franchise. Not with all the mistakes the Titans made Saturday in losing their AFC divisional game to Cincinnati 19-16. Left tackle…

Bearettes blast through LFO, 69-41

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) — The Bradley Central Bearettes had no problems with North Georgia’s best girls basketball program this season Saturday. Bearettes blasted through LFO, winning 69-41. Categories: Sports, Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Bradley Central, High School Basketball, Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School, LFO

March for Life Comes to Chattanooga as Roe v. Wade Turns 49

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Today is the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade when the Supreme Court legalized abortion. March for Lifes have been taking place all over the country and Chattanooga had one of its own, taking off from Coolidge Park. Hundreds of pro-life people took to Chattanooga carrying signs to rally against legalized abortion. “It’s awesome to be here…

Friday Night High School Hoops

Our News 12 Now cameras caught three high school basketball games on Friday evening. McCallie defeating CCS  54-21.  Tyner knocking off Walker Valley 60-49. And LFO beating rival Ringgold 67-48 Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: High School Basketball

Reddit Post Targets Two Chattanooga Hospitals

UDPATE #2: Scott Quiner passed away Saturday at a hospital in Houston. UPDATE: Since the airing of this story, the post has been deleted, and moved to a subreddit channel where you would need the link to access it. ________________________________________________________________________________________ CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Reddit is a place where you can find information on just about anything: from recipes to…