Realtors, Homebuilders oppose proposal to limit growth in rural Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dozens of homebuilders and realtors opposed a plan to limit growth at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. One proposal would halt new construction from Ooltewah to Birchwood. The other would base permits on buildable land, not total acreage. This is in the wake of Plan Hamilton, the RPA’s strategy for future growth across the county, stirring controversy…

Jewish Communities Face Rising Threats

Today, a disturbing trend is on the rise—antisemitism is reaching record levels across the U.S. and beyond. From hate crimes to online harassment, Jewish communities are facing growing threats.  Antisemitic incidents are at an all-time high. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 36% increase in hate crimes against Jewish people in the past year alone.  Meanwhile, the FBI says that over…

Will The Penny Fade Into History?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – President Trump has ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting new pennies, arguing that producing them costs more than they’re worth.  While some see this as a smart financial move, others worry about what comes next. For more than 160 years, the penny has been a symbol of American currency, featuring the face of President Abraham…

Hiker finds human remains off mountain in Cherokee County

MURPHY, Nc. (WDEF) —  Local law enforcement are investigating the discovery of human remains found off Burrell Mountain Road. Kamron Peter Rondon A hiker reported finding a human skull on January 23, 2025. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted a search of the area on January 27. A second search…

Local representative proposes bill to remove sales tax on baby products

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hixson lawmaker Greg Martin is proposing a bill to help parents in Tennessee. Martin wants to remove the sales tax on diapers, infant formula and baby wipes. The representative says helping new parents is also pro-life. “Being pro-life means advocating for the well-being of both the unborn and the families that bring them into the world. …

Dayton authorities searching for missing juvenile

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Authorities in Dayton are searching for a missing juvenile. Cianna Jolynn Davis / Dayton Police Department Cianna Jolynn Davis was last seen in Dayton February 6, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. The Dayton Police Department has reason to believe she may be in the Chattanooga area. Davis is a white female with black hair, hazel eyes, 5…

Step into Old Hollywood for a dazzling all-inclusive Valentine’s Day dinner

Carla Pritchard and Selena Duncan join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview a special Valentine’s Day dinner that’s all-inclusive with its price. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For those who still need to plan a Valentine’s Day dinner last minute, there’s a special dinner offer that takes care of all your romantic needs. The Granfalloon is hosting the Roman Holiday Valentine’s…

Bradley Central Claims District Title With Win Over East Hamilton

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Bradley Central claimed their regular season district championship on Tuesday by beating East Hamilton 66-48. The Bears were strong out of the gate, as they quickly built a ten point advantage in the first quarter.  Ramerion Taylor le d Bradley Central with a game high 17 points. Caiden Bauldwin chipped in with 13. Jaden Haywood led the Hurricanes…

Golden Apple Award: Lauren Gillot, North Hamilton Elementary School

SALE CREEK, TN (WDEF) – Hard-working, caring and understanding, those are the superlatives that parents use to describe Lauren Gillot. Every morning, she greets her students at North Hamilton Elementary with a smile right when they walk through the door. That’s the kind of teacher we love to feature in our Golden Apple report. Jacquie Hauth is the Principal at…

Bird Flu Outbreak Drives Egg Prices to Record Highs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– Egg prices have shocked many shoppers recently, as they’ve reached about $7 per dozen in Tennessee. This price surge is largely due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has led to the deaths of millions of chickens across the country, causing severe disruptions in egg production. Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Haley Treadway explains the…

Cancer advocates push for biomarker testing in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)—Over 50 cancer advocates, including patients, survivors, and caregivers, gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol today to speak with legislators about the importance of biomarker testing in cancer treatment. The advocates, representing the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), emphasized how this testing can save crucial time in a patient’s fight against cancer. Currently, 20 states…

Pastor says controversial sermon is being taken out of context

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-A Chattanooga pastor is at the center of controversy after his sermon this past Sunday went viral on social media. Dr. Steve Caudle is the lead pastor at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church. He also holds a seat on the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency Commission. He is in the middle of a firestorm after comments made on…

Renewal by Anderson of Chattanooga Donates Windows to Habitat for Humanity in Support of Affordable Housing

In a generous act of community support, Renewal by Anderson of Chattanooga has donated a significant number of windows to Habitat for Humanity. The donation is set to help in the building of affordable homes for families in need. “We do a lot of giving back to the community. We recently held a coat drive downtown, and donating these windows…

Church Voter Guide Provides Essential Information as Early Voting for Chattanooga Municipal Election Begins

Early voting for the 20-25 Chattanooga Municipal Election begins tomorrow, and the Church Voter Guide is here to help. The organization aims to educate voters on where candidates stand on key issues, providing accessible information to help you make informed decisions. The guide can be found online at Vote-Chattanooga-dot-org. “We want to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions…

Chattanooga Launches Community Input Platform

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is taking a major step toward community-driven change with the launch of the Engage Chattanooga platform – a new way for residents to have a direct voice in shaping their neighborhoods. And first on the agenda? The future of our community centers. To better meet the needs of Chattanooga community members, the city government is…

Two suspects indicted by grand jury for child sex crimes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Hamilton County Grand Jury indicted two men with rape and child sex crimes. Felix Andres Domingo Chattanooga Police originally arrested Felix Andres Domingo and Pascual Andres Domingo last May when the victim came forward. The arrest affidavit says the victim is a minor who reported that she was two months pregnant from the rapes. Both parties…

Authorities investigating skeletal remains found in Cumberland Co.

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the TBI are investigating skeletal remains found in Crossville over the weekend. On February 8, 2025, at 7:30 a.m., CCSO responded to Westel Road, near the entrance of the Mount Roosevelt Wildlife Management area, on reports of skeletal remains. Upon arrival, deputies, along with CCSO investigators and TBI special…

Ex-jailer sentenced for smuggling, lying about military service

SUMMERVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) —  A former jailer has been sentenced after being caught bringing in contraband and lying about his military service. Nicholas Grindle was caught smuggling drugs and contraband into the Hays Correctional Center where he worked. Nicholas Matthew Grindle Prosecutors say they found he had been taking bribes from inmates to bring in the meth and phones. Grindle…

Special Galentine’s Day performance with Cuatro Cinco

Cuatro Cinco joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as he promotes a special ‘Galentine’s Day’ event this Thursday, Feb. 13 where he will be headlining a show at Mint for couples, ladies, singles, and everyone in between.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WEDF) – For those looking to have a girl’s night out to celebrate Galentine’s Day, Cuatro Cinco is creating a safe, fun…

New developments in the Liner Murder Case

BRADELY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)– After spending two weeks in jail without bond, Mr. Liner appeared in court once again, expecting a ruling on his bond request. We have been closely following the murder case of Charlton Craig Liner for several weeks now. Charlton Craig Liner faces a potential life sentence for the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Karen Liner. However,…