Kenya White CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher is facing a laundry list of charges related to child exploitation. According to the indictment, the incident occurred on or about February 15, 2023. White is listed on Chattanooga Preparatory School’s website as a 6th grade Guided Reading Teacher. The charges are listed below:…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Extend the season of love with Rock City
Rock City’s Pepper Raper joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the nearly month long events and offers happening for couples in need of a getaway at Rock City. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and Rock City is extending the season of love. For those looking for a…… MORE
Roadway collapses in Polk County leading to emergency closure
POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Polk County 911 Emergency Communication District is warning Courtesy: FB @ Polk County Sheriff’s Office drivers to avoid the 2000 block of Highway 30 near Sage Hill Rd and Kimsey Mountain. The highway is blocked due to a roadway collapse. SR 30 closed after road breakage. Image shared by…… MORE
Weather Update: Thursday – February 13, 2025
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Cloudy, showers, some thunder, heavy rain possible. Lows: high 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 veering W after midnight. Thursday: Cloudy with rain early. Clearing into PM. Highs: mid 50’s. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Dry. Cold. Lows: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5…… MORE
Honoring Dr. Fannie Hewlett: A Trailblazer in Black History Month
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — This Black History Month, we honor trailblazers who broke down barriers and reshaped history. One such individual is Dr. Fannie Hewlett, whose name will forever be tied to Belmont University. Dr. Hewlett’s journey began in a small Alabama town, where, after finishing junior college, she received a life-changing letter: a brochure…… MORE
Mayor Tim Kelly Votes as Early Voting Opens for Chattanooga’s Municipal Election
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Early voting for the City of Chattanooga Municipal Election began today. One of the first to cast their ballot was Mayor Tim Kelly, who is running for re-election. Kelly emphasized his focus on affordable housing, public health, and improving the local economy. “All these fine people behind me and their organizations…… MORE
Driving Our Economy Forward: Catoosa 911 Center
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) –Dispatchers at the Catoosa County 911 center work tirelessly to help those in need. Employees at the center strive to have a standard of excellence in public safety communications every day. We talked to the director of operations about what it takes to be a part of this public safety program…… MORE
Mayor Wamp discusses county level DOGE, responds to pastor after controversial sermon
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, we spoke with the pastor of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Steve Caudle, whose sermon went viral after controversial comments regarding Elon Musk and DOGE. Wednesday, we are learning more about why Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp wants him to resign from the Regional Planning Agency. Mayor Wamp said, “It…… MORE
Realtors, Homebuilders oppose proposal to limit growth in rural Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dozens of homebuilders and realtors opposed a plan to limit growth at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. One proposal would halt new construction from Ooltewah to Birchwood. The other would base permits on buildable land, not total acreage. This is in the wake of Plan Hamilton, the RPA’s strategy for future growth…… MORE
Jewish Communities Face Rising Threats
Today, a disturbing trend is on the rise—antisemitism is reaching record levels across the U.S. and beyond. From hate crimes to online harassment, Jewish communities are facing growing threats. Antisemitic incidents are at an all-time high. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 36% increase in hate crimes against Jewish people in the past year alone. Meanwhile,…… MORE
