Duane Sanders shortly after learning he was found guilty of 15 child sex abuse charges. UPDATE: Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp issued a statement on the verdict in the Duane Sanders trial late Thursday evening. She said: “The Heroic Seven. Tonight, a Hamilton County jury returned a verdict in the most profound criminal trial…… MORE
Hixson home car crash / Chattanooga Fire Department HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — A car accidentally crashed into a home in the Hixson area Thursday evening. The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. on June 5, 2025 in the 3700 block of Thrushwood Drive, just off Lupton Drive. According to the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), the vehicle…… MORE
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A man wanted out of Rutherford County was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after a police chase ended near the Chattanooga Navy Operations Center. Around 1:35 p.m. on June 5, 2025, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) began chasing the suspect on I-75. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office…… MORE
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Community leaders gathered at Ross’s Landing Thursday to thank Governor Bill Lee and state lawmakers for committing $15 million in the state’s 2025–2026 budget to transform Chattanooga’s riverfront parks. Local officials, including Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, say the investment will be a game-changer for families, tourism,…… MORE
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Thursday: Increasing clouds. PM Showers. High: mid/high 80’s. Winds: SE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: More clouds. More showers. Lows: high 60’s. Winds: L&V. Friday: Mostly sunny. Showers & thunderstorms. Some strong to severe by afternoon/evening. Highs: high 80’s. Winds: W @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild.…… MORE
FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) — Two people were arrested after a drug investigation by the Dekalb County Drug Task Force. On May 28, 2025 agents searched a home on County Road 784. Authorities arrested Amanda Rhea Murphy and Mark Anthony Collins. Investigators say the two sold meth to confidential informants. Agents found over 10…… MORE
Tree Falls on Car in Sale Creek / Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — A tree fell across Highway 27 Thursday morning, hitting a car and blocking traffic. The 70-foot tree came down around 8:50 a.m., landing on both sides of the highway. One car was badly damaged. Two people inside…… MORE
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole responded to criticism over a planned meeting concerning this year’s school budget. This was during this week’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. Chairman Eversole plans to discuss how the school board is planning to spend that money. However, that has prompted criticism from the school board’s chair,…… MORE
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Crews are on the scene of a significant water main break on South Holtzclaw Avenue. A portion of South Holtzclaw Avenue, between East 12th and East 14th Street, is currently closed. Tennessee American Water crews and the Chattanooga Department of Public Works are working to conduct repairs. CDOT says the portion…… MORE
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A potential controversy over the location for a new mental health facility in our area has taken a turn. The state is looking for a place to build a new hospital to replace the one at Moccasin Bend. They determined they could not expand the current facility because of plans to develop the…… MORE
