Medical Debt forgiven for thousands of families across Northwest Georgia

ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – A local church is making a monumental difference in the lives of many in our community by partnering with a nonprofit organization to eliminate medical debt. It’s a story of hope and generosity. Peavine Baptist Church, located in Rock Spring, Georgia, teamed up with the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt to address the heavy financial…

Reflection Riding continues to connect the community with nature

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A unique event is drawing nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. Owl Odyssey is an event that offers participants the chance to connect with these majestic birds through engaging programs, guided hikes, and up-close encounters.  Visitors were able to meet and learn more about Winnie, a barn owl named after…

Verizon brings new Tech for your Christmas Wish List

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Verizon joined us in studio this week to showcase the latest in cellphone technology with our friend Parker Branston. “The flip phone is back. We’re talking about the Samsung flip 6,” says Parker. “Check out this. So, it’s compact. You can slip it in your pocket. It’s not taking up too much room. You open it up…

Animal sanctuary owners mourning, furious at FedEx after beloved puppy was ran over and killed

Rooster, a seven month old corgi puppy, was killed in the driveway of his owner’s farm in Walker County when he was ran over by a FedEx driver. (Courtesy: Maryann Marsh) TRION, Ga. (WDEF)- A pair of animal sanctuary owners in Walker County are mourning after a tragic loss over the weekend. Husband and wife Maryann Marsh and Marty Orr’s…

Holiday travel causing stress in Chattanooga and beyond

CHATTANOOGA. Tenn. (WDEF)- Travelers have been on the move all Christmas Eve trying to reach their loved ones across the country. However, this has come with its challenges. One of the busiest times of the travel year came to a temporary halt on Christmas Eve morning for American Airlines. The airlines say that the vendor they use scan boarding passes…

Food City to pay over $8M to settle opioid dispensing claims

ABINGDON, Virginia (WDEF) —  Food City has reached a settlement with the federal government related to their dispensing of opioids. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the grocer will pay over $8 million over charges from the DOJ that they violated the False Claims Act. In the settlement, prosecutors allege that Food City knowingly gave customers opioids without a…

American Airlines briefly halts flights nationwide after technical issue

  BY ASSOCIATED PRESS American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into high gear. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after a national ground stop order was issued by federal regulators. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered…

Coahulla Creek Closes Out Holiday Tournament With Big Win Over Ridgeland

Chickamauga, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Coahulla Creek girls basketball team posted another impressive win in the Gordon Lee Christmas Invitational on Monday. After leading by only six after the first quarter, the Colts pulled away for a 66-22 victory over Ridgeland. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Coahulla Creek High School, Gordon Lee Christmas Invitational, Ridgeland High School

Niedlov’s Bakery avoids “disaster” after car crashes into their patio

A part of the damaged fence caused by this weekend’s crash at Niedlov’s Bakery. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A bakery on Main Street says they had a close call to a catastrophe this weekend. Niedlov’s has been one of Chattanooga’s most popular bakeries since it opened in 20-02. Additionally, the Christmas season is the busiest time for them. However, an incident…

Incline Railway repair to take months

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- CARTA has provided an update on the reconstruction updates to the Incline Railway. It was heavily damaged in a wildfire on the side of Lookout Mountain earlier this month. CARTA CEO Charles Frazier says over a thousand feet of rail, two hundred rail ties, and over five thousand feet of cable will have to be replaced. He…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Christmas at the Courthouse, Ooltewah Concert Choir

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A wonderful holiday tradition returned this year. Christmas at the Courthouse is always a hit. The Ooltewah Concert Choir put their own spin on a classic carol. That’s a festive example of what’s right with our schools. Categories: Chattanooga, Education, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, What’s Right With Our Schools Tags: Christmas at the Courthouse, What’s…

EPB offers heating tips during winter months

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- EPB aims to assist residents and lower heating costs ahead of the winter weather.  “A few tips we have is that we do recommend that you keep that thermostat set as low as possible, but still be comfortable in your home. So you know, if you can stand it at 70, put it at 70. If you…

HCSO arrests 4 juveniles in part of ‘Operation Sleigh Overwatch’

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested 4 juveniles in part of their ‘Operation Sleigh Overwatch’ December 21, 2024. Deputies assisted Chattanooga Police (CPD) officers on a call in progress involving vehicle break-ins in the Populus Apartments area on Gunbarrel Road. Authorities were able to identify four individuals matching the suspects descriptions on Pinewood Road….

Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terrorism charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty in a New York courtroom Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month outside a Manhattan hotel. His next court appearance was set for Feb. 21. State prosecutors allege Mangione was found in possession of what is believed to be the murder weapon, and surveillance videos show a man…

Doordash drivers arrested for porch pirating, charged in multiple counties

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two individuals are facing charges in McMinn, Bradley, and Hamilton Counties after being involved in porch pirating incidents. Johnathan Witt / McMinn County Sheriff’s Office On December 14, 2024, the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to a residence on County Road 7030 on reports of stolen packages. Upon arrival, deputies spoke to the individual…

A car crashes into Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe early Sunday morning

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Early this morning, a car crashed into the patio of Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe in Chattanooga. The incident occurred on the East Main Street eatery’s patio around 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Niedlov’s says, “Thankfully, no one was harmed, and after the owners were notified, they worked all day to clean up after the incident.” They will…

VCSG hosts their Christmas donation drive for shelter animals

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Veterinary Care and Specialty Group is holding their donation drive this year. With Christmas almost here, many pet lovers ensure their furry friends have something to open on Christmas. The Veterinary Care and Specialty Group is holding their donation drive this year. They will be accepting donations ranging from toys and food to treats and…

HCSO responds to deadly crash in Harrison TN

UPDATE: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) confirmed one death in the crash in Harrison Tennessee. HCSO stated that at approximately 4:30 p.m., patrol deputies were dispatched to the 10300 block of Birchwood Pike for the report of a crash with unknown injuries. Upon arrival, a single occupant was found entrapped in a vehicle. The victim succumbed…

Mocs Prepare to Play in Indiana’s Famous Assembly Hall

(gomocs.com) – The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team heads to one of college basketball’s most famed venues for a Saturday matinee against Big Ten’s Indiana inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Tip-off is set for Noon ET and will be nationally televised on the Big Ten Network. GAME NOTES CHATTANOOGA RUNS PAST TWU IN FINAL HOME GAME OF 2024 – Chattanooga (8-4)…

Parkridge raises awareness on mental health during the Holiday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- To some, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year But Parkridge Medical Center is taking time during this Holiday season to raise awareness on mental health.  “People are trying to get Christmas shopping done. There is a lot of social engagements happening, family gatherings, and those things can be really stressful for some people,” said…