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Featured, Local News

Tivoli Theatre in Downtown Chattanooga Receives $1 Million Donation for Major Renovations

Timbrel Williams,

CHATTANOOGA,TN (WDEF) Downtown Chattanooga’s iconic Tivoli Theatre is undergoing a significant transformation, and the community got an exclusive update on the exciting renovations during the Rotary Club meeting today. The historic theatre, a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s cultural scene, is set to undergo extensive upgrades with a generous $1 million donation from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. This donation will…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

‘The Dream’ faces more scrutiny from Beer Board after January shootout

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga nightclub continues to be in hot water after a pair of shootings within the past four months. The Dream on Glass Street in Avondale is facing its second round of sanctions due to these shooting incidents. A security guard for “The Dream” nightclub shooting back at a gunman with an assault rifle. Last month, they…

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Featured, Local News, Marion County

South Pittsburg high school students learn how to ‘arrive alive’

Nick Hill,

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF)- South Pittsburg high school students learned about how dangerous distracted driving can be on Thursday. They took part in the Arrive Alive tour, sponsored by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. The tour allows students to step into a vehicle and simulate impaired driving by using a VR headset. The “Arrive Alive” SUV used in a program…

Thursday Throwback: 1985 Blackbirds
From The Archives

Thursday Throwback: 1985 Scottsboro Blackbirds

WDEF News,

It looks like something from an old horror movie. For Our Thursday Throwback, we take a look at the bird menace of northwest Alabama 40 years ago. Flocks of blackbirds plagued a Scottsboro neighborhood making life miserable for the families their. This story did NOT have a happy ending for the birds. Here are two reports from March of 1985….
Featured, Local News

New Phone Restrictions for Schools

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new push to ban cell phones and other personal devices during class could soon become law in Tennessee.  The state’s House of Representatives passed a bill Monday that would require schools to prohibit students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, or gaming devices during instructional time.  The bill, known as HB 0932, was introduced by…

Caleb Darby
Chattanooga, Crime, Featured, Local News, McMinn County

Man arrested in Chattanooga for shooting in Athens

Rainey Randolph,

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga man has been arrested for shooting someone in Athens, Tennessee. The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, near McMinn Avenue. According to the Athens Police Department (APD), one person sustained life-threatening injuries. On the morning of March 5, federal authorities and Chattanooga Police took Caleb Darby into custody. He was transported back to Athens,…

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Featured, Local News

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrests a man for multiple drug trafficking charges

Khristine Arnold,

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. (WDEF) – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit have arrested a man with multiple drug trafficking charges. The recent arrest was a development in a case that began in January 2024. Colby Brett Philips was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine after finding 125 grams of the substance in his possession. He was issued a $400,00…

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Featured, Local News

Chattanooga State Community College Celebrates Grand Opening of First-Ever Student Health Clinic

Timbrel Williams,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga State Community College celebrated the grand opening of the first-ever Student Health Clinic. The clinic offers a wide range of healthcare services to students, It’s designed to provide convenient access to healthcare right on campus and will benefit students from 16 different programs at the college. “When students feel supported, they can focus on what…

Bradley Central Beats Cleveland 79 23 For Region Title
Sports - Local Sports News

Bradley Central Claims Region Title With 79-23 Win Over Cleveland

Rick Nyman,

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Bradley Central claimed another region championship on Wednesday, as they beat cross-town rival Cleveland 79-23 in the finals. The Bearettes defense held the Lady Raiders without a field goal in the first quarter. Bradley Central’s Kimora Fields led all scorers on the night with 18 points. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Bradley Central High School, Cleveland…

Utc Women's Basketball Team Continues To Be The Top Draw In The Socon
Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

UTC Women’s Basketball Team Remains Top Draw in the SoCon

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The UTC women’s basketball team may not always lead the SoCon in wins. But you can bet they’ll always lead the SoCon in home attendance. The Mocs have enjoyed great crowds at McKenzie Arena for years. Chattanooga’s home attendance is not lost on head coach Deandra Schirmer. It’s why she’s here. Said Schirmer:”The reason I wanted to work here…

Wes Moore Named New Girls Basketball Coach At Boyd Buchanan
Sports - Local Sports News

Wes Moore Named New Girls Head Basketball Coach at Boyd Buchanan

Rick Nyman,

(press release) —Boyd-Buchanan School in Chattanooga has named Wes Moore the Head Basketball Coach of the Lady Bucs. “We are thrilled to have Wes Moore lead our Lady Buccaneers basketball program. With Tracey Walker stepping into the role of Senior Women’s Athletic Administrator, this marks a natural and seamless transition,” said Matt Pobieglo, Director of Athletics. “His experience, leadership, and…

Mocs Dan Earl Named Socon Coach Of The Year
Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Mocs Dan Earl Named SoCon Coach of the Year

Rick Nyman,

(soconsports.com) — Leading the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team through a historic 2024-25 regular season, head coach Dan Earl was named the Southern Conference Anton Foy Coach of the Year and highlights six total selections for the program as the league office announced the awards, voted upon by league coaches, Wednesday afternoon. In addition to Earl’s top recognition, senior forward transfer Frank Champion was…

Residents React To Proposed Bill That Would Shield Carpet Manufacturers From Lawsuits
Dalton, Featured, Local News, Whitfield County

Residents react to proposed bill that would shield carpet manufacturers from lawsuits

Nick Hill,

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- A controversial bill regarding forever chemicals was the subject of a tense hearing in Atlanta. House Bill 211, proposed by several area representatives including Kasey Carpenter of Dalton, would shield carpet companies from forever chemical lawsuits. Carpet companies like Shaw and Mohawk, among many others have been the targets of lawsuits related to forever chemicals here in…

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Business, Featured, Local News, Open Businesses

Court appoints Aubrey Preston as conservator in Life Care Centers case

WDEF News,

  CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The legal battle for control over Life Care Centers of America has been resolved. On the morning of March 4, 2025, a Cleveland judge agreed to name Aubrey Preston as the conservator for his father, Forrest Preston. The father founded the senior aging facility chain that has now gone nationwide. 91- year old Forrest was…

Update Provided On Proposed North River Elementary School
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

North River Elementary to enter design phase

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The development of a new Hixson elementary school continues to move forward. The Hamilton County Commission approved a contract with Franklin Associates to design the future North River Elementary School. It would replace DuPont, Rivermont, and Alpine Crest Elementary Schools on the Dupont site. The project has faced some controversy from parents at those schools who do…

Spirit Aircraft
Featured, Local News, Regional News

Spirit Airlines’ announces 3 new non-stop flights to CHA

Rainey Randolph,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Spirit Airlines has announced its first service at the Chattanooga Airport (CHA) with the addition of three new non-stop flights. The non-stop flights will be to the following destinations: Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) Newark, NJ (EWR) Orlando, FL (MCO) According to CHA, this expansion will utilize Spirits modern Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 176…

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Featured, Local News

Salvation Army Hosts Annual Mardi Bras Event

Timbrel Williams,

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF)- The Salvation Army hosted their annual Mardi Bras event earlier today. Hosted by the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, the event was all about providing essential undergarments to women in need, while also offering an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. “Realize that sometimes dignity comes in different ways, whether it’s a meal, a warm greeting, or even…

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Featured, Local News

A Fun-Filled Pancake Day at St. Nicholas: A Tradition Celebrated by All

Timbrel Williams,

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) —  Students, parents, and staff came together to celebrate Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, at St. Nicholas School, marking a fun-filled day of festivities, community spirit, and educational moments. This annual event, which has become a beloved tradition, not only allows everyone to enjoy a day of fun but also connects them to the history behind this…

This Morning Hamilton County Coalition
Featured, Local News

Hamilton County Coalition offers free resource fair for Day of Hope

Khristine Arnold,

Hannah Dalton from the Hamilton County Coalition joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about their upcoming Day of Hope. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Coalition gets ready to provide community support ahead of Day of Hope on March 10. The Hamilton County Coalition is considered a “wrap around” organizations which focuses on helping the individual completely by…

This Morning Shop The Market At
Featured, Local News

Shop the Market At springs into a busy year

Khristine Arnold,

Shop the Market At’s Robert Davis returns to the News 12 studio to preview this season’s upcoming markets. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Shop the Market At is ready to spring into a new season with their third annual Mystical March market event. Taking on an Irish influence and St. Patrick’s Day theme, Mystical March will have over 75 vendors selling…