Category Archives: Local News

Planning commissioner responds to development complaints

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Some members of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency say that complaints over new developments are over exaggerated. Ongoing angst over new projects across the county have been a recurring theme for years at this point. This week’s RPA meeting featured complaints about new developments in Ooltewah on Snow Hill Road…MORE

City Councilman criticizes recently passed DEI bill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —   A Chattanooga city councilman said that the committee he runs will look different due to a recent Tennessee bill regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. (DEI) The Dismantle D-E-I Act was passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee last month. It prohibits local governments and schools…MORE

Walker County man indicted in Hamilton County for first degree murder

Walker County man indicted in Hamilton County for first degree murder

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Walker County man has been indicted by a Hamilton County Grand Jury for First Degree Murder. 41-year-old Nicholas Cheaton is being accused of a homicide that occurred March 15, 2025. At 6:15 p.m., the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to the 3700 block of Youngstown Road. Upon arrival, officers located…MORE

Two arrested after two undercover sex sting operations

  LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two people were arrested on Lookout Mountain Monday after two undercover sting operations with several agencies. The Lookout Mountain Police Department (LMPD) received a notification from the FBI and TBI that a man named Jeffery Young was on his way to Lookout Mountain to meet a 15-year-old male for…MORE

Suspect arrested in connection to DeKalb County burglaries

Suspect arrested in connection to DeKalb County burglaries

Earniest Jerome Westmoreland DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  Authorities in DeKalb County arrested a suspect in connection to recent burglaries. Between June 3 & 4, 2025, two separate burglaries were reported at a photography studio in the Aroney Community. The victims attempted to secure the business following the first burglary. However, the suspect(s) gained access…MORE

Teens can stay active this summer with a free membership at Planet Fitness

Shannon DeBoef with Planet Fitness joins News 12’s Amelia Greer for a kickstart to summer workout. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Teens ages 14 – 19 can continue to strengthen their minds and bodies this summer with a free membership to Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness has brought back their High School Summer pass which is a…MORE

Weather Update: Tuesday June 10, 2025

Weather Update: Tuesday June 10, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild. Showers & thunderstorms. Some strong to severe. Lows: low 70’s. Winds: L&V. Tuesday: Sunny, warm. Highs: mid/high 80’s. Winds: W @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear, mild. Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: L&V. Wednesday: Sunny, warm. Highs: high 80’s to near 90. Winds: L&V.…MORE

State of youth sports facilities in Hamilton County discussed

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- This summer, many families will be hitting the diamond for baseball and softball tournaments. As the competition rages on the field, some local leaders wonder if Hamilton County isn being competitive off of it. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said, “For this to be known as one of America’s better mid-sized cities,…MORE

Chattanooga Convention Center announces new executive director

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  The Chattanooga Convention Center has a new executive director. Sam Voisin is taking over for longtime director Mike Shuford, who retired after being the Convention Center’s Director for 40 years. Voisin previously managed convention centers in Branson, Missouri and Shreveport, Louisiana, along with a historic theater in New Orleans. He says that…MORE