Jeffery Simmons Drops 20 Pounds in Effort to Land More Sacks

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach Brian Callahan and Jeffery Simmons both agree on what they want to see more this upcoming season from the Titans defensive lineman. More sacks. The three-time Pro Bowl lineman had just five sacks in 2024, his fewest since his second NFL season in 2020. Simmons ranked third on the Titans behind linebacker Harold Landry III, released in…

TVA to hold meetings this week on Pisgah site proposal

PISGAH, Ala. (WDEF)- We are learning more about a potential TVA project in Jackson County, Alabama. A potentially transformational project could be approved by the end of the year. ‘The Tennessee Valley is growing. We need power,” said TVA project director Scottie Barrentine. TVA says that rapid population increase across the Tennessee Valley is causing them to plan for future…

Planning commissioner responds to development complaints

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Some members of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency say that complaints over new developments are over exaggerated. Ongoing angst over new projects across the county have been a recurring theme for years at this point. This week’s RPA meeting featured complaints about new developments in Ooltewah on Snow Hill Road and in North Chattanooga among…

Walker County man indicted in Hamilton County for first degree murder

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Walker County man has been indicted by a Hamilton County Grand Jury for First Degree Murder. 41-year-old Nicholas Cheaton is being accused of a homicide that occurred March 15, 2025. At 6:15 p.m., the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 3700 block of Youngstown Road. Upon arrival, officers located a 44-year-old male who died…

Two arrested in Cumberland County for multi-state PayPal scam

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two individuals were arrested after authorities discovered their involvement in a multi-state PayPal scam that targeted a local resident. Cumberland County authorities received information regarding a potential scam victim in the area. Upon further investigation, deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) located the victim. The victim reported that scammers gained access to his…

Pet of the Week: Sweet Pea

Meet News 12’s pet of the week, Sweet Pea! Sweet Pea is a velvety soft beagle/hound mix who is just over a year old. She’s already outgrown the puppy stage, is housebroken, great on a leash, and rides great in a car. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says she’s also super friendly. Sweet Pea does occasionally get bursts of energy,…

Chattanooga Convention Center announces new executive director

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  The Chattanooga Convention Center has a new executive director. Sam Voisin is taking over for longtime director Mike Shuford, who retired after being the Convention Center’s Director for 40 years. Voisin previously managed convention centers in Branson, Missouri and Shreveport, Louisiana, along with a historic theater in New Orleans. He says that he would like to expand…

What’s Right With Our Schools, BASF Chattanooga and Chatt State host annual TECH Academy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BASF Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College are teaming up once again for the annual TECH Academy program — a free, week-long summer camp that gives high school juniors and seniors real-world exposure to careers in trades like welding, electrician work, and manufacturing. Now in its sixth year in Chattanooga and tenth overall, the program continues to…

Get the ultimate scoop with the Chattanooga Zoo!

Jake Cash and Cole Abbott return with the Chattanooga Zoo to preview the ‘Ice Cream Safari’ taking over Warner Park this weekend. Ambassador animal, ‘Giza’ the hedgehog joins the crew for the event. News 12’s Amelia Greer gets the ultimate scoop about the sweet event. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Guests are getting the ultimate scoop on Chattanooga Zoo’s animals with…

Sheriff says riot in Tennessee prison contained after gas shot into yard

A riot in a prison northeast of Nashville was contained, the sheriff says, and all prisoners returned to their cells after officers sprayed gas into the prison yard. The Trousdale County Sheriff’s Department says it got word just after 10 p.m. Sunday of the trouble at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. “A multi-agency response followed a short time after the…

24/7 Movement highlights dangers of impaired driving

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 24/7 Movement partnered with the East Ridge Police Department for Community Safety Day at Camp Jordan, bringing an important message to the forefront: the devastating consequences of impaired and distracted driving. One of the day’s standout attractions was the Safe Driving Impairment Course. Participants were given the chance to experience what it feels like…

Good Samaritan steps up after storms in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, strong storms left a visible mark on the city, with downed trees and snapped power lines scattered across Alton Park Boulevard. In the midst of the damage, one good Samaritan was spotted lending a hand. He was seen helping an elderly woman by clearing large tree branches that had fallen around her home….

Emergency response on Lee Highway ends in death

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Sunday, a significant police and emergency response was seen in the 7700 block of Lee Highway in Chattanooga, drawing concern and speculation from the public. When our team arrived on scene, the Motel 6 parking lot had quickly become crowded with curious onlookers. Among them was Johnny Brown, a community member, who expressed the uncertainty…

Ms. Piggy’s great rescue

DADE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — If you were wondering what caused the slowdown on I-24 East earlier, Dade County had a few pigs running wild, causing traffic delays. Dade County police confirm that someone lost a pig yesterday evening on I-24 — and just left it. Luck’s Rescue was contacted immediately. They say the owners were pulled over by state…

Tennessee program offers free help with child car seat safety

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Keeping your child safe on the road is a top priority—and now it’s easier than ever. The Safe Journey Child Passenger Safety Program, administered by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office alongside the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, supports families across Tennessee Technicians partner with schools, daycares, emergency services, law enforcement, and businesses to teach caregivers how to select…

Paw Palooza takes over Coolidge Park for a day of furry fun

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga went to the dogs this weekend — all for a good cause. Paw Palooza, hosted by the McKamey Animal Center, brought hundreds of pet lovers and their furry friends together for a full day of fun at Coolidge Park. The annual event raises money to support thousands of animals in the center’s care. The park…

Chattanooga Red Wolves Rally in 2-1 win over Portland

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-The Chattanooga Red Wolves faced an early setback, conceding a goal to Portland in the opening minutes of the match. But the home side quickly regrouped. Declan Watters brought the Red Wolves level, capitalizing on a rebound to slot home the equalizer. Just before halftime, Pedro Hernandez gave Chattanooga the lead with a ‘Blooping’ header. That goal proved…

Wamp reflects on Sanders trial and impact on victims of child sex abuse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  On Thursday night, Duane Sanders was convicted of 15 child sex abuse counts including a count of aggravated child rape. Sanders had been a first grade teacher at Wallace A. Smith Elementary School when multiple children came forward and said they had been abused by him. Seven of those children and their parents elected to testify against…

Victim identified in fatal Highway 58 crash

UPDATE (6/9/2025):  The victim involved in the fatal crash on Highway 58 Friday has been identified. 41-year-old Kari Parsons died in a two-vehicle crash in the 4700 block of Highway 58. The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the incident around 2:00 p.m. CPD’s preliminary investigation shows Parsons was traveling south in a Kia Sorento in the 4700 block of…

Former Dayton teacher convicted of misdemeanor in child abuse case

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A jury convicted a former teacher in Dayton of only one of five sexual abuse charges. Michael Arnold was accused of raping a child and sexual battery. But the jury only convicted him of misdemeanor assault for offensive touching. Prosecutors say that even though Brock was a math teacher at Dayton Elementary at the time….

Boaz teacher arrested for alleged sexual assault against student

BOAZ, Al. (WDEF) —  A teacher in Boaz, Alabama has been arrested for sexual assault involving a student. On June 5, 2025, the Boaz Police Department (BPD) was notified of a sexual assault incident. BPD immediately launched an investigation into the incident. During the investigation, a 14-year-old female student identified the suspect as William Brock. Brock was taken into custody…