Category Archives: Local News

Jury still deliberating verdict in Roberts trial after tense closing arguments

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The jury in the Darryl Roberts trial is currently in the process of deciding his fate. He is charged with first degree murder in the September 2023 shooting death of Christopher Wright, a shooting that Roberts himself testified that he committed last Thursday. The jury called it a day at 6:30 on…MORE

Weather Update: Monday April 21, 2025

Weather Update: Monday April 21, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Lows: low 60’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs: mid/high 70’s. Winds: SE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Lows: low 60’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs: low 80’s. Winds: SE @ 5…MORE

Whitwell Senior Makes Naval History

Whitwell Senior Makes Naval History

WHITWELL, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Whitwell High School senior is making history in Marion County. Ava Holder has been accepted into the United States Naval Academy for the upcoming school year, becoming the first female from the county to ever earn a spot at any of the nation’s military academies. News 12 asked Ava Holder,…MORE

Local Reactions to Pope Francis’ Passing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Catholics around the world are mourning Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88, weeks after being released from the hospital following a battle with double pneumonia and other health complications.  Known for his humble approach, Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to…MORE

What’s Right With Our Schools: Clumpies Howard

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Some Howard High students just turned a class project into the coolest creation in town.  News 12’s Timbrel Williams stopped by the kitchen to see how these young chefs cooked up a flavor that’s now the freezers at Clumpies.  It’s a tasty and refreshing example of What’s Right With Our Schools.…MORE

Hamilton County witness to testify in former Tennessee House Speaker’s trial

Hamilton County witness to testify in former Tennessee House Speaker’s trial

MGN NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren are scheduled to stand trial this week on federal charges linked to an alleged kickback scheme involving state-funded mailing services. The two men face a 20-count indictment accusing them of conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering after…MORE

Blackburn, Tillis introduce bill to increase oversight of sister city partnerships

Blackburn, Tillis introduce bill to increase oversight of sister city partnerships

MGN NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have introduced the Sister City Transparency Act. This bill is aimed at increasing federal oversight of sister city partnerships to address potential security risks, including foreign surveillance. The legislation would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study sister city agreements,…MORE

Catoosa County couple sentenced to 20 years following child cruelty conviction

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Catoosa County couple has been sentenced after being found guilty on multiple counts of child abuse. The couple was charged in December of 2023 following an investigation led by local authorities. According to the Lookout Mountain District Attorney’s Office, the couple lived with their teenage children in a mobile…MORE

Second nose pier installed at Chickamauga Lock project

Second nose pier installed at Chickamauga Lock project

A landside nose pier shell is lifted into place around drilled shafts after being delivered to the Chickamauga Lock site on April 5, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Progress on the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project continues as crews successfully delivered and installed the second…MORE

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican camerlengo, announces

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican camerlengo, announces

MGN ASSOCIATED PRESS VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement.…MORE