Cleveland Transfer QB Chase Stephens Expected to Lead Walker Valley Offense

Another Cleveland high school quarterback has transferred across town. Chase Stephens left the Blue Raiders for Walker Valley in the spring, and he’s the Mustangs starter at the moment. Last year Cash Bandy transferred from Cleveland to Bradley Central. Stephens brings experience and a good arm to the Mustangs. T wo traits that come in handy at quarterback. Categories: Sports…

Scenic City Summer Softball Showcase

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This weekend, the Scenic City is stepping up to the plate in a big way. The Scenic City Summer Fastpitch Softball Tournament is back and bigger than ever, bringing with it a wave of energy, competition, and economic activity. Now recognized as the largest fastpitch softball tournament east of the Rockies, the showcase is drawing over…

Tech Talent Takes the Stage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s largest annual tech event, Scenic City Summit, is set to return June 19–21, 2025, marking a decade of advancing the region’s innovation economy. Organized by a dedicated volunteer-led committee and powered by the Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech), the Summit has become a cornerstone of the Tennessee Valley’s thriving technology scene since its launch in 2016….

Delta Airlines adds second daily flight from CHA to LaGuardia

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and Delta Airlines have added a second daily flight to LaGuardia. This flight will begin September 8, 2025, and will operate Sunday through Friday. “We appreciate Delta’s continued investment in Chattanooga.  This expanded service to LaGuardia enhances passenger convenience and strengthens our region’s connectivity. These improvements will undoubtedly support our…

Haus of Kennard celebrates Black excellence and resilience through dance

Keenan Kennard brings by one of his dance students to the News 12 studio on Juneteenth to share their inspiring story celebrating Black excellence and resilience. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This Juneteenth, News 12 highlights the “Haus of Kennard” which is a local group that impacts our community’s youth through the art of dance. Keenan Kennard has been coaching and…

Former Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force agent arrested for using excessive force on suspect

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A former Trion Police Department (TPD) officer and Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit (LMJC) Drug Task Force agent has been arrested for using excessive force on a suspect. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., the LMCJ Drug Task Force attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle near Ridgeway Road. Chattooga County Sheriff…

7-on-7 Remains Summer Football Tradition

As soon as high schools let out for the summer, it seems football teams roll right into 7-on-7’s. Lot of teams squeezing in a few more 7-on-7’s this week before the dead period begins. Brian Armstrong has more on what is now a summer football tradition. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Residents fuming after Plan Hamilton tabled by Commissioners

A full house at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting during discussion and the ultimate tabling of Plan Hamilton. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For years, residents in communities like Ooltewah, Birchwood, and Sale Creek have said their communities are growing too quickly. Plan Hamilton was what they wanted to offer as a solution to various issues. After multiple years of planning, residents…

McCallie Receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau Commits to Vanderbilt

McCallie receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau announced on social media that he has verbally committed to Vanderbilt after a recent visit to the Commodores campus. Tabuteau has been a big-play threat for McCallie the last two seasons with his 4.4 speed. He’s back for one more year with Big Blue before heading to SE C country. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Hamilton County adopts record low certified tax rate amid skyrocketing home prices

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new certified tax rate has been passed for Hamilton County amid record home prices. The approved rate is $1.51 per 100 dollars assessed. Assessor of Property Marty Haynes says this is the lowest rate since World War II as housing prices skyrocketed 60 percent. Even as the Commission voted unanimously to approve the new rate,…

Hamilton County budget passes as Sharpe is lone vote against

  HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Hamilton County budget was approved Wednesday. It is a little over a billion dollars, and features additional money for paving, public safety, among other allocations. It passed ten to one. The one lone no vote was Commissioner David Sharpe. He said that the budget in his vote in his view flies against the…

Third officer files lawsuit against Soddy-Daisy over intimidation in Whaley case

  SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Another lawsuit has been filed against the city of Soddy-Daisy in a 2018 vehicular manslaughter case. Justin Whaley, a former Hamilton County EMT, had been convicted of the death of James Brumlow and sentenced to nine years in prison in 2023. However, that conviction was overturned and a new trial ordered because the Soddy…

Driving Our Economy Forward: White Duck Taco

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  In this week’s Driving Our Economy Forward, we’re checking out a new local business bringing fresh flavor and community energy to Chattanooga.  White Duck Taco, co-owned by longtime residents, is blending Asheville-inspired eats with a vision for neighborhood connection and creative events.  From movie nights to nonprofit partnerships, they’re aiming to make their space more…

Athens police searching for driver of dark SUV involved in fatal motorcycle crash

  UPDATE (6/20/2025):  Athens police have obtained surveillance footage of the person driving the dark SUV. According to the Athens City Police Department (ACPD) a white female, age unknown, was driving the SUV. If anyone knows who the driver is, please contact ACPD. ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Athens City Police Department (ACPD) is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident. ACPD…

Skyuka Hall to relocate, expand with $11.75 million purchase of Precept Ministries Facility

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Skyuka Hall, a Chattanooga-based K-12 school for students with learning differences and ADHD, is expanding in a major way. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, the school has acquired the former campus of Precept Ministries for $11.75 million. The move will allow Skyuka Hall to grow from 120 to 250 students over the next…

Walker Rocks Park expands with inclusive playground features

ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) – Big changes are coming to one of Walker County’s most well-loved parks. This week, construction officially began on the next phase of Walker Rocks Park, located at the Walker County Civic Center. The new project aims to make the playground even more inclusive and engaging for children of all abilities. “The sound of progress is…

GoFundMe launched after Soddy Daisy family loses everything

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A late-night house fire in Soddy Daisy has left a family of four displaced after losing everything in the blaze. A heartbreaking house fire early Sunday morning left a Soddy Daisy family of four with nothing. Around 12:40 a.m., fire crews were dispatched to a home on Nale Road. When they arrived, they found the…

Mayors talk about various issues in joint event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Both Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp took the stage together Tuesday. In the second annual Chatt With the Mayors event that happened on Tuesday, Mayors Kelly and Wamp talked about a variety of issues including education funding, the impact of DOGE on local politics, and how local government should react to homelessness…

60 individuals arrested in connection to illegal cockfighting operation

HUNTSVILLE, Al. (WDEF) —  Authorities arrested 60 individuals after shutting down an illegal cockfighting ring in Blount County, Alabama. The Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force led the raid on June 14, 2025. They worked with the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. According to ICE, the operation targeted animal fighting, illegal gambling, and…

Crews battle large blaze near Resolute Products facility in Calhoun

CALHOUN, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Late Monday night, the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) responded to a major fire in Calhoun. The fire broke out near the Resolute Products facility and quickly grew in size on June 16, 2025. First responders  arrived on scene at 10:45 p.m. and were met with heavy smoke and fire. Crews from several Tri-State Mutual Aid Association…

Grundy County man arrested for attempting to solicit a minor

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man was arrested in Grundy County Monday night after attempting to solicit a minor. Johnny McNeal engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to solicit sex acts from someone he believed was a minor. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) says McNeal agreed to meet the individual in Tracy City. When he arrived at…

Pops on the River adjusts for 2025 celebration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s most patriotic summer traditions is making a big comeback — with a few changes. “Pops on the River,” the beloved Fourth of July celebration held in Coolidge Park, was canceled two years ago due to funding issues. Now, in 2025, it returns—but with a new challenge. Brian Smith, Communications and Marketing Director for…