Category Archives: Local News

Golden Apple Award: Macey Neal, Battlefield Primary School

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – Some people are just born to teach. Macey Neal is one of those people. She makes sure every student in her Battlefield Primary class feels welcome. That’s essential for building a lifelong love of school, and that’s why we are giving Mrs. Neal this week’s Golden Apple Award. Julie Robbins…MORE

Juvenile arrested after making threats against Tyner Middle School

Juvenile arrested after making threats against Tyner Middle School

MGN CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A juvenile has been arrested after making a threat against Tyner Middle School. At 3:50 p.m., March 4, 2025, Tyner Middle School’s School Resource Deputy (SRD) was made aware of a threat made by a student. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), a student threatened to shoot up…MORE

Weather Update: Friday – February 28, 2025

Weather Update: Friday – February 28, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, showers. Mild. Highs: Low 50’s. Winds: S @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 35 MPH. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Showers, mixing with snow after midnight, then gradually ending. Lows: low 30’s. Winds: W @ 10, gusts to 30 MPH. UPCOMING SKYWARN TRAINING SESSIONS Upcoming #Skywarn storm spotter…MORE

Chattanooga man pleads guilty to 2023 manslaughter case

Chattanooga man pleads guilty to 2023 manslaughter case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has pleaded guilty to killing a woman more than two years ago. David Wayne Fritts Around noon on January 26, 2023, the Chattanooga Police Department responded to 605 Merriam Street for reports of an unconscious woman. Upon arrival, officers found Young unresponsive, and determined she had sustained gunshot…MORE

Tennessee sets new execution date for Harold Wayne Nichols

Tennessee sets new execution date for Harold Wayne Nichols

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – Tennessee has set a new execution date for Chattanoogan Harold Wayne Nichols. The state set dates for four death row inmates on Monday. Nichols is now scheduled to die on December 11th. He has faced several execution dates over the years. Tennessee put all executions on hold three years ago as…MORE

Rising stars shine on Jessica Baio’s Unsaid Tour

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rising star Jessica Baio, a 23-year-old singer and social media influencer, is making waves with her Unsaid Tour, bringing songs from her newest album to life. Known for her emotional lyrics and powerful vocals, Jessica has built a massive following online, but performing has always been her true passion. Opening for…MORE

Concerns raised about new Chattanooga PILOT policy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A meeting to discuss tax incentives for Chattanooga businesses faced some criticism Monday. The concerns raised during Monday’s Chattanooga Industrial Board meeting were in regards to the new PILOT policies passed by the Chattanooga City Council earlier this year. Presented by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, these updated policies are designed to…MORE

Health Council Addresses Measles Outbreak Concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Health experts in Tennessee are taking proactive steps to address growing concerns over the recent measles outbreak, even though no cases have been reported in the region. The Tennessee Health Department’s Regional Health Council hosted a critical presentation this morning to educate the public and prevent the disease from reaching our…MORE

TVA Employees Return to Office

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A change is on the horizon for TVA employees in Chattanooga. After nearly four years of remote and hybrid work, TVA called workers back to the office this morning.  TVA leadership is making the move to bring employees back to the office, citing collaboration and efficiency.  The transition has been met…MORE