Category Archives: Local News

Fire destroys home on College Station Mountain Road

  PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — A home on College Station Mountain Road was completely destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon. The Dunlap Fire Department (DFD) was dispatched at 12:35 p.m. on April 10, 2025, in response to a mutual aid request from Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department. Dunlap crews responded with a tanker, engine, and five firefighters.…MORE

DeKalb County authorities investigating Mentone homicide

DeKalb County authorities investigating Mentone homicide

DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  Authorities in DeKalb County are investigating a shooting that has been ruled a homicide. At 6:16 p.m., April 10, 2025, DeKalb County 911 received a call from the 3000 block of US Highway 117 regarding a vehicle that struck a residence. The caller also mentioned the male inside the vehicle…MORE

Rick Davis arrested for harassment against a lawyer over the phone

Rick Davis CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Police are investigating a series of threatening phone calls reported by two individuals who say they were targeted due to their involvement in a recent legal matter. On April 9, 2025, Chattanooga Police responded to a report from Buddy Presley Jr., who said he received a threatening call…MORE

Hakeem blasts “Dismantle DEI Act” in House Education Committee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga lawmaker had some fiery comments this week regarding proposed legislation that would curb diversity requirements. Tennessee House Bill 622 would prohibit local governments and schools from basing any hiring decisions to meet any diversity metrics. Sponsors are calling the bill the “Dismantle DEI Act”, for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Representative…MORE

First Responder Hero Award: Justin Cannon, Assistant Chief

PALMER, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responder 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…MORE

TN Aquarium Debuts New Mussels Exhibit

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium is flexing its mussels with a brand-new exhibit that shines a spotlight on some of the river’s most overlooked but important residents—freshwater mussels. Housed in the Ridges to Rivers gallery, this exhibit introduces visitors to species like the Purple Wartyback, Threehorn Wartyback, and Painted Creekshell—native to the Duck…MORE

A Step in the Right Direction

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee visited Bledsoe County today as part of her ongoing mission to uplift the state’s most vulnerable communities.  At Pikeville Elementary School, she partnered with the nonprofit Samaritan’s Feet to distribute new shoes and socks to every student in the Bledsoe County School District. The event, which…MORE

Undocumented students bill passes Tennessee Senate amid controversy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial bill concerning undocumented students has cleared the Tennessee State Senate. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson of Hixson, it passed the Senate by a 19 to 13 vote. The vote caused outcrys from the Senate gallery, causing those protestors to be removed. If the bill is signed into law, it would…MORE

South Broad Stadium still on track a year for opening day

South Broad Stadium still on track a year for opening day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We got another update on the construction progress of the South Broad Stadium. While Chattanooga Lookouts fans take in one last season on Hawk Hill at AT&T Field, developers say we are just a year away from the completion of the South Broad Stadium. The project broke ground last July, and is…MORE