Category Archives: Local News

Juvenile arrested for making threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School

Juvenile arrested for making threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School

MGN SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A juvenile was arrested after makes threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School (SDMS). On Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. the School Resource Officer at SDMS was made aware of a TikTok video referencing school violence. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the threat depicted was…MORE

Girl Scout Cookie season is here!

Dr. Sabrina Sammons with the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians joins News 12 This Morning to talk about girl scout cookie season and to judge the annual cookie eating contest. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s that time of year again where green sashes are near every grocery store, Girl Scout cookie season. The Girl Scout…MORE

ConNooga takes over the Chattanooga Convention Center

Alexis Hughes and Wren Rhoader join News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the exciting events and fandom-welcoming environment coming to the Chattanooga Convention Center for ConNooga this weekend! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Release your inner geek with entertainment, guest stars, and cosplay contests at ConNooga this weekend! This year, just about anything and everything…MORE

School Board Debates Classroom Phone Ban

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The debate over electronic devices in classrooms is intensifying as a state senator has introduced legislation to ban such devices statewide.  The Hamilton County School Board met this evening to discuss a proposal to prohibit cell phones in local classrooms. State Senator Todd Gardenhire and State Representative Dan Howell have co-authored…MORE

Whataburger coming to East Ridge

EAST RIDGE, TN (WDEF) – A fresh dining option is coming our way! East Ridge lost its Wally’s, but it’s gaining a Whataburger. According to the City of East Ridge Facebook page, Whataburger will open its first Hamilton County location at 6521 Ringgold Road. That is the former site of Wally’s restaurant. Whataburger is known…MORE

City officials announce Whataburger coming to East Ridge

City officials announce Whataburger coming to East Ridge

Courtesy: City of East Ridge Facebook EAST RIDGE, TN (WDEF) – A fresh dining option is coming our way! East Ridge lost its Wally’s, but it’s gaining a Whataburger. According to the City of East Ridge Facebook page, Whataburger will open its first Hamilton County location at 6521 Ringgold Road. That is the former site…MORE

Hamilton County GOP preparing to elect new chair

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local Republicans are beginning to discuss what’s next for their party following sweeping victories in November. That includes the selection of a new chair of the Hamilton County GOP. The current chairman, Mark Harrison, is not seeking re-election. The two candidates vying for the top spot of the Hamilton County Republican Party…MORE

Mckamey Animal Shelter adopt 250 event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — McKamey Animal Shelter is running an adoption event till march 8th. They have a new adoption goal. James Kay is the director of advancement for McKamey Animal Shelter. He says, “We initially launched this campaign, Mac 250 for what it sounds like. We want to adopt 250 animals in four weeks.…MORE

Thursday Throwback: 1990 Whitwell Light

Change doesn’t always come peacefully in a small town. For our Thursday Throwback, we have one example in Marion County. 35 years ago, the town of Whitwell got their first traffic light. But not everyone was excited about it. In fact, some of the locals treated the new light pretty poorly. Here is the story…MORE

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Dedicates New Home

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) A new chapter has begun for ShaTaylor Thurman and her family as they step into their brand-new home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. For the past six years, ShaTaylor, a dedicated mother of two, lived in an apartment that lacked basic amenities—no laundry facilities, limited space, and no safe…MORE