Category Archives: Local News

Gas Line Strike Shuts Down Camp Jordan Parkway

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Emergency crews temporarily closed Camp Jordan Parkway Monday afternoon after a gas line was struck during construction near the park’s restaurant area. The incident happened just before 2 p.m., when a tractor hit the line and the operator immediately called 911. The call came in at 1:54 p.m., and crews…… MORE

Former Walker County lieutenant sentenced for stealing citation funds

Former Walker County lieutenant sentenced for stealing citation funds

Amy Bradley WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A former lieutenant with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office has been sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing. The charges stem from an investigation launched in June 2021, after suspicions arose that Amy Kathleen Bradley, then assigned to the Walker County Jail, was misappropriating cash payments for citations. A Georgia Bureau…… MORE

Architect chosen for Gateway School project

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The proposed Gateway Technical School in downtown Chattanooga now has an architect. Tinker Ma has been selected by a committee to refit the Gateway building for a career and technical education school. It would be the first such school in downtown Chattanooga since the closure of Kirkman Technical School. This is still…… MORE

Hamilton County principals oppose bill limiting immigrant student access

Hamilton County principals oppose bill limiting immigrant student access

MGN HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Hamilton County Principal Association (HCPA) is opposing any legislation seeking to bar immigrant children from schools. HCPA called out Senate Bill 0836, introduced by local Senator Bo Watson, in the following statement: “On behalf of the Hamilton County Principals Association, we are writing to express our collective opposition…… MORE

Exciting spring events coming to the Creative Discovery Museum

Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum previews some events keeping them busy this spring. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Creative Discovery Museum is flourishing with a filled schedule of fun events this spring! This Saturday, the Creative Discovery Museum is celebrating World Quantum Day with an educational day on learning what is quantum science…… MORE

A new fundraiser and exhibit races to the Tennessee Aquarium

Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about a new 5k raising money for research and rescue efforts. ‘Laurel Dace Day’ on May 17 is raising awareness for an endangered local species.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For the first time ever, the Tennessee Aquarium is hosting their first 5K…… MORE

Convicted sex offender arrested for establishing campsite near a school

Convicted sex offender arrested for establishing campsite near a school

Courtesy: Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WDEF) — On Monday, a Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office SRO at Collinsville School received a tip that a convicted sex offender was seen on school grounds after hours and possibly using school buses for shelter. The Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit began an investigation into the matter.…… MORE

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy wins National IMPACT Award

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy is officially on the national stage — and for all the right reasons. The all-girls public charter school has been named a winner of the 2025 Building Hope IMPACT Award in the Community Engagement category. It’s the academy’s first time winning the award, after being named a…… MORE

Weather Update: Wednesday April 9, 2025

Weather Update: Wednesday April 9, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Clear and cold. Patchy frost. Lows: low 30’s. Winds: N @ 5 MPH. Wednesday: Sunny. Mild. Dry. Highs: high 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Overnight: A few clouds. Dry. Lows: mid/high 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Thursday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Scattered showers/thunderstorms. Highs: low 70’s.…… MORE