Proposed Policy Targets Student Phones

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County School Board is preparing to vote on a proposal that would ban student cell phone use for the entire school day. The potential policy would go beyond the state’s current requirement, which prohibits phones during instructional time.  If passed, it would mean personal phones must stay out of sight from the moment students…

“Hydration Heroes” Visit Fire Station

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Firefighters at Chattanooga Fire Station No. 6 got a refreshing surprise Tuesday morning. As part of their “Hydration Heroes” initiative, employees with Renewal by Andersen of Chattanooga delivered hydration supplies, snacks, and cooling items to thank local first responders for their hard work in the summer heat. The delivery took place at 10 a.m. at the…

Man arrested in connection with 2024 Fagan Street homicide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A male suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred in 2024 on Fagan Street. On October 5, 2024, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 4100 block of Fagan Street on a person shot call. Upon arrival, officers located a 42-year-old male with life-threatening injuries. Officers began life saving…

Smokies Power Past the Lookouts 13-6

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Knoxville Smokies scored six runs in the second inning, and five runs in the third inning to take down the Chattanooga Lookouts 13-6. Case y Opitz had a grand slam for the Smokies in the third inning to make it 11-2, which likely put the game out of reach.   Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Chattanooga…

Dangerous heat threatens health across the Tennessee Valley

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the Tennessee Valley braces for heat index values nearing triple digits, local emergency officials and medical experts are urging the public to take heat safety seriously. News 12 spoke with professionals from the Hamilton County Emergency Management and Erlanger Health System about the health risks associated with extreme temperatures and how to stay protected in…

Extreme heat poses deadly risk to pets

Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) – As dangerous heat continues to blanket the Tennessee Valley, it’s not just people who need protection, our pets are also at risk. Local veterinarians and emergency management officials are urging pet owners to take the proper steps to keep their animals safe during this sweltering weather. Dr. Courtney Griffin with Highland Veterinary Center says high…

Kelly proposes new property tax rate for first responder pay

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joining the city council in a discussion over the property tax rate. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will your property taxes go up? That will depend on what the Chattanooga City Council sets this year’s property tax rate. $23.6 million dollars is the amount the Kelly administration says the city needs to raise in order to fully fund…

Summer Fun Meets Holiday Cheer

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Christmas came early to Hixson this weekend as Chester Frost Park transformed into a festive summer wonderland. The free “Christmas in July” event featured more than 30 local vendors, food trucks, games, crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus.  Families gathered for music, shopping, and kid-friendly fun, but it wasn’t just about the holiday spirit….

Missing Dog Sparks Outcry

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Chattanooga family is sounding the alarm after their 2-year-old Presa Canario, Saint, was allegedly stolen right from their yard.  Sydne-Joie Noel says the incident happened on Tuesday, July 22nd around 10 a.m., just ten minutes after they let Saint outside. The family believes this was a premeditated act, someone had likely been watching their property…

RAM Hosts First-Ever Fundraising Telethon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Remote Area Medical (RAM®) is hosting its first-ever Living the Giving telethon today, Tuesday, July 29, from 2 to 10 P.M. Eastern Time.  The event will stream live across all of RAM’s social media platforms in celebration of the organization’s 40 years of providing free medical, dental, and vision care to underserved communities across the United…

Man arrested after allegedly stealing girlfriend’s car, leading deputies on pursuit

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man was arrested Monday night after allegedly stealing his girlfriend’s vehicle and leading deputies on a pursuit. On the evening of July 28, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to the 8000 block of Ellie Plaza Place for reports of an armed carjacking. HCSO said the victim reported her boyfriend, Dominique Boyd,…

Chattanooga Urban League Shines on National Stage

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is celebrating a series of impressive victories following the 2025 National Urban League Conference, where the organization stood out for its excellence in youth development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The Chattanooga affiliate took home nearly $20,000 in scholarships and awards and was honored as the Affiliate of the Year (Small Market)—a prestigious…

Officials urge precautions as temperatures soar

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Dangerously high temperatures are settling in across the Tennessee Valley. Emergency officials are urging the public to take precautions. The Hamilton County Emergency Services say the heat index could push into the triple digits, raising concerns for heat exhaustion and dehydration. They are reminding people to stay indoors when possible, drink plenty of water, and check…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High Aviation Grant

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) —  TDOT has awarded $22,000 to Cleveland High School’s Aviation Program. The money will go be used to prepare future pilots, engineers and aerospace professionals. That’s a high aiming example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “It’s rare to have an aviation program in high school so we have them across the state of Tennessee and Cleveland…

New artificial turf to be installed at some Camp Jordan fields amid opposition

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  New artificial turf was approved for the fields at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, but not without controversy. The $3 million project was approved by the East Ridge City Council. It’ll replace the soccer and four baseball slash softball fields at the complex with the turf. Officials say the artificial turf should mitigate weather delays…