Category Archives: Local News

Controlled substances found in powder brought to McMinn County School

Controlled substances found in powder brought to McMinn County School

White powdery substance brought in by a student at EK Baker School / Sheriff Joe Guy MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A student at EK Baker School brought a white powder to campus that later tested positive for several controlled substances. Around 9:50 a.m., School Resource Deputy Charles Shelton was alerted that students were drinking…MORE

Missing man arrested after being located in stolen work vehicle

Missing man arrested after being located in stolen work vehicle

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A McMinn County man who was reported missing has now been charged with vehicle theft. David Cowan was reported missing earlier this week but was later located in Ooltewah. He told police he needed space due to issues with his wife. However, on Thursday night, Cowan made a concerning call…MORE

Chattanooga Fire Department launches new wildland fire team

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)  — The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) has launched a specialized Wildland Fire Team in response to the rising threat of wildfires across Tennessee. CFD also has 20 trained firefighters on the team, with plans to expand. The initiative was born from lessons learned following the Gatlinburg wildfires, prompting command staff to…MORE

Cuatro Cinco released a new EP and prepares for Road to Nightfall

Local artist Cuatro Cinco joins News 12’s Amelia Greer on the release of his latest EP, “Because I had to.” He shares what it means to him and his journey this weekend on ‘The Road to Nightfall.’ CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Cuatro Cinco released a brand new EP called Because I Had To just in…MORE

Weather Update: Friday April 4, 2025

Weather Update: Friday April 4, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: A few clouds. Mild. Lows: high 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Saturday: Mostly sunny, warm. Windy. Highs: high 80’s. Winds: S @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25 MPH. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. scattered showers / thunderstorms. Some storms strong to severe. Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: S 5-15…MORE

Weather Update: Wednesday April 2, 2025

Weather Update: Wednesday April 2, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Thursday: Mostly cloudy, breezy. Isolated PM showers/thunderstorms. Some strong / severe weather possible.  Record high temperatures possible. Highs: high 80’s. Winds: S @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25 MPH. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild. Lows: high 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Friday: Mostly sunny, warmer. Highs: high 80’s.…MORE

Senate bill sparking debate over forced open primaries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A bill advancing through the Tennessee General Assembly is raising concerns by local Republicans. Senate Bill 799 would limit how local political parties are able to select candidates for elections. A social media post by Hamilton County Republicans argued that mandating open primaries stifles their ability to pick candidates that best represent…MORE

Lee University facing federal lawsuit over breach

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Lee University is facing a federal lawsuit. It was filed this week at the Federal Courthouse here in Chattanooga by student Michael Harris. Harris alleges that he was not properly notified of a data breach that occurred in March 2024 for a year. The university said someone hacked into their systems and…MORE

UTC Mocs Fever Sweeps Campus

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Excitement is at an all-time high on the campus of UTC as the Mocs make history.  For the first time ever, they are heading to the NIT finals, and students are showing their school pride in full force.  The Mocs are making history, and campus pride is soaring as students and…MORE