Roberts sentenced to 90 years in prison for 2023 murder of Christopher Wright

Nearly 50 family and friends of Chris Wright attending the sentencing hearing of his murderer, Darryl Roberts, all wearing a red button in memory. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The man convicted of second degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of a Baylor alum in downtown Chattanooga learned his sentence Monday. Nearly 50 family and friends showed up to Hamilton County…

Judge Presses Ahead in Liner Case

  CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Bradley County murder suspect Charlton “Craig” Liner was back in court Monday as questions continue over his legal representation. Liner is charged with first-degree murder in the January shooting death of his ex-wife, Karen Liner.  Prosecutors also say he later tried to hire a fellow inmate to kill his former mother-in-law while in jail, leading…

Bradley County Commission Approves $75K Fire Hall

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Bradley County Commission has officially weighed in on a debated project at the Minnis Road fire station. Earlier this month, the county’s Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend against funding the proposal, citing tight budgets and limited resources.  That recommendation went before the full commission today, where members ultimately voted 12–1 to back the Finance…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Tyner Academy Early Learning Center

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Tyner’s new Early Learning Center officially opened with the new school year. It provides affordable childcare for faculty and staff and a career pathway for students looking to get into the childcare field. That’s a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “It is a childcare facility for our faculty and staff here at the…

Ribbon cutting held for new Tyner Academy building

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Hamilton County’s newest school has officially been christened. The ribbon cutting for the brand new Tyner Middle-High Academy was held Monday morning. The Tyner Pride marching band along with the school’s cheerleaders and dance team celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new Tyner Middle-High Academy building. Monday’s ceremony was held four years to the day a group…

Grundy County authorities searching for suspect linked to suspicious fires

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Grundy County authorities are asking for the public’s help after putting out two suspicious fires. The first incident occurred on August 17, 2025 at 7:39 p.m. The Palmer Fire Department (PFD) responded to a structure fire involving a fifth wheel camper. Upon arrival, crews found the camper fully engulfed in flames. PFD extinguished the fire…

Chattanooga police investigating Brainerd Road homicide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on Brainerd Road over the weekend. At 4:02 a.m., August 17, 2025, CPD responded to the 3200 block of Brainerd Road on reports of a person shot. Upon arrival, officers found a 29-year-old male suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a hospital where…

Getting to “gnome” the new Rock City rebrand

Pepper Raper with Rock City joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the historic attraction enters a new era at the Gardens. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The tourist destination Rock City has been on Lookout Mountain for nearly 100 years and now they are entering a new era with a rebranding that focuses on their fan-favorite guests, the gnomes. The choice…

Community rallies together after historic flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the wake of historic flooding in Chattanooga, community members are stepping up to help their neighbors near and far. District 5 Councilman Dennis Clark and Brainerd High School Principal Dr. Crystal Sorrells have partnered to organize a flood relief donation drive — one open to everyone in need. Bob Nevil, a community contributor, says the…

Fort Oglethorpe family left with nothing after flooding

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – In Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, one family is left picking up the pieces after floodwaters destroyed everything they owned. Timothy and Lauren Gipson, along with their three-year-old daughter, say navigating this hardship has been overwhelming. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, they are now asking the community for support—whether through donations or simply by…

Damage assessments continue in Brainerd as residents continue to pick up pieces

Damage to and undernath the floorboards of a home in Brainerd due to Tuesday’s devastating floods. (Courtesy: Kayla Anderson) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Damage assessments are continuing across our area following Tuesday’s deadly floods which killed four. Friday, those efforts focused on neighborhoods in Brainerd. Kayla Anderson says she along with her family have lived on Haney Drive near I-24 for…

Calvary Christian School suffers significant flood damage from Tuesday’s storm

Water inside a classroom at Calvary Christian School, leading to the complete loss of carpet and other items. (Courtesy: Patti Anderson) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- One private school in Brainerd says they suffered significant damage following this week’s flooding. Calvary Christian School has been in operation for over 50 years and serves 25 K-12 students. Pastor Jamie Colbert says he has…

Life Support Tech keeps Your Favorite Aquarium Up and Running

CHATTANOOGA, TN – This week on Tech Byte we were invited to look at the Tech behind the life support systems (LSS) at the Tennessee Aquarium. It’s an interesting view that not everyone gets to see and it’s way more complex than you might think. Maintenance Supervisor Les Lawrence tells us how they manage to keep all the creatures alive…

First Responder Hero Award: Lt. Justin Small

  VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it’s our turn to put them…

Former Baylor Baseball Star Cooper Kinney Returns Home to Face Lookouts

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Former Baylor baseball star Cooper Kinney is hoping for a big homecoming this week. He’s an infielder for the Montgomery Biscuits. Montgomery is in the Scenic City to battle the Chattanooga Lookouts. Kinney is one of the top prospects in the Rays organizaton. He rolled into Chattanooga with 13 homers and 53 RBI’s on the year. Categories: Sports –…

Questions about infrastructure and outside assistance remain after deadly flooding

Damage to parking lots along Ringgold Road in East Ridge. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Historic flash flooding on Tuesday evening left four dead in Chattanooga and East Ridge. It also left many roads, including Interstate 24, underwater. Many are wondering what are the next steps for those affected by the storm. Additionally, questions are being raised if the construction along Interstate…

Economic Boom Downtown

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new report from River City Company shows downtown Chattanooga thriving across retail, office, hospitality, and residential sectors. Over the past year, 23 new businesses have opened, from shops and boutiques to restaurants, helping create a vibrant downtown scene.  Retail vacancy is just 2.7%, below the national average, while office space occupancy is 93.6%, boosted by…

Flood Relief Efforts Continue

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA. (WDEF) – Two days after heavy flooding in Catoosa County, local organizations and volunteers are still helping families recover.  More than 100 residents from The Crossings and Fountain Brooks apartments in Fort Oglethorpe were evacuated when floodwaters reached first-floor units. Temporary shelters were set up at Constitution Hall and the Westside Voting Precincts, with the Northwest Georgia…