McMinn County woman arrested after stabbing 3 women

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A McMinn County woman has been arrested and charged after stabbing three other women. The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to a stabbing report, December 19, 2024. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on County Road 750 just after 10:00 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies found 3 women injured, with the suspect, Laurel Williams, detained…

Danish Company Showcases High End Tech in Digital Imaging

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Photographers around the world this time of year are adding lenses and bodies and the latest in gear and tech for their passions in hopes that Santa Clause will leave them under the tree for them. To help my fellow enthusiasts out, I invited Area Sales Manager for Phase One Wayne Sandmeyer and local Chattanooga Brand Photographer…

East Ridge Police arrest man found covered in blood

UPDATE (12/20/2024):  The suspect in the East Ridge assault has been identified. Caleb Disterdick is currently in custody and has been charged with criminal homicide. The victim was identified as Jason “Chris” Disterdick, the suspect’s father. No other information has been released. EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Thursday evening, East Ridge Police was dispatched to the 1400 block of…

8 schools in Southeast Tennessee receive “F” on state report card

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The state of Tennessee has released report cards for every school across the state. These grades are based on statewide test results. Kaylee Joslyn, the member services director for the education advocacy group Professional Educators of Tennessee, said, “It takes a lot into account but it is important to remember that this is just a snapshot. It…

Thursday Throwback: 1989 Hurricane Trees

For our Thursday Throwback, we re-visit the invention of “Hurricane Trees.” That’s people from our area helped out victims of Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina. We’ll show you what local organizations were doing to give them a Merry Christmas in 1989. Categories: Featured, From The Archives Tags: From The Archives, Thursday Throwback

Wacker unveils new trailblazer cafe

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Wacker unveiled a new portion of their campus in Charleston this week. The Trailblazer Café is now open to the approximately six hundred and 50 team members at the chemical plant. It is named after the first 53 employees at the plant who began working at the Charleston facility in 20-11. Previously, the plant did…

“Not enough evidence” against Collegedale officers case

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Collegedale Police Department (CPD) announced that there was “not enough evidence” to charge 4 officers. The Collegedale Police Department has received a declination letter from the Knox County District Attorney’s Office stating that there is not enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges. The police department has also closed its Internal Affairs investigation into the…

Chattanooga fire crews respond to apartment fire on Swan Road

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to an apartment fire off of Swan Road Thursday morning. At 3:28 a.m., CFD was dispatched to the 5000 block of Swan Road. Upon arrival, crews established a water supply and attacked the fire defensively. CFD stated the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags:…

Amazon workers, led by Teamsters, launch strikes today in multiple cities

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters says workers at seven Amazon facilities went on strike Thursday morning in an effort by the union to pressure the e-commerce giant for a labor agreement during a key shopping period. People have begun picketing in some locations, including one in the New York City borough of Queens. The Teamsters say the workers, who authorized walkouts…

Mocs Handle Business Beating Tennessee Wesleyan 99-52

(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA (December 18, 2024) – The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team started fast and went wire-to-wire in a 99-52 rout over NAIA-member Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday night during the final game of the 2024 calendar year inside McKenzie Arena. Chattanooga (8-4) has now won eight of its last nine games following the victory over longtime in-state foe Tennessee Wesleyan…

Calhoun Beats Jefferson 20-7 for the 3A State Title

Atlanta, GA-(WDEF-TV) Calhoun defeated Jefferson 20-7 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta to win the Class 3A state championship. It was the school’s fifth overall state title. Calhoun scored on their first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead. Their defense did the rest. The Yellow Jackets ended the game with four turnovers. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Quarterback Change Not an Excuse to Call the Titans Soft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans are keeping second-year quarterback Will Levis on the bench and starting the backup currently here on a one-year deal. The decision to start Mason Rudolph that was announced Wednesday also gives the Titans (3-11) a chance to show their improvement under first-year coach Brian Callahan on Sunday when they visit Indianapolis (6-8). ”I felt like it was…

Falcons Giving Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr a Shot at Leading the Team

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Kirk Cousins was signed to a massive four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons because he was perceived to be the missing piece at quarterback for a team that otherwise was ready for a return to the playoffs. Cousins lost his starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr. because coach Raheem Morris concluded Cousins’ turnovers were the biggest…

Driving Our Economy Forward: University Surgical Associates

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s a business that started with two surgeons but is now one of the largest multi-specialty surgical groups in the southeast.  Tonight, we take a look at how university surgery associates have served patients in and around the Chattanooga area since 1976, using their quality surgical care to drive our economy forward. Amanda Ledford, Dir of Clinical…

Commission delays vote on county attorney

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission was supposed to decide on whether or not to appoint a new county attorney on Wednesday. However, they threw a curveball in the process. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has long wanted to appoint a new county attorney, and named attorney Janie Parks Varnell to take over for current county attorney Rheubin Taylor…

ARPA funding diverted from Humane Society, other alternatives to tax bill being explored

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In the past two weeks, the Humane Educational Society told the Hamilton County Commission they were facing an over $500,000 property tax bill, despite being a non-profit. With that, the Commission voted on whether or not to give them over $200,000 of federal funding. HES executive director Rebecca Bryan said, “We were hoping to get funding to…

Community Center making care packages for healthcare workers

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Hixson Community Center is stepping up to support local healthcare workers. This week, volunteers from across the area gathered up items to assemble care packages filled with essentials like snacks, toiletries, and handwritten thank-you notes.  The initiative, led by the center, aims to show appreciation for healthcare heroes…

TSA provides dos and don’ts for holiday traveling

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With the holiday season in full swing, millions of travelers are heading to airports to reunite with loved ones.  Airports are expected to be busier than ever, and long security lines can cause added stress. TSA agents want to remind passengers about how to pack, what to bring, and more importantly, what not to bring.  The…

Jenni Berz running for City Council District 6, continuing Carol Berz legacy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Jenni Berz has announced she will be running for City Council District 6, continuing the legacy of her mother, Carol Berz. Jenni announced her campaign on Wednesday, stating: District 6 is moving in a very positive direction, thanks to the vision and leadership of my mother.  It has been a privilege to work alongside her with…

Youth Villages looking for more foster families to help with holiday seasons

Youth Villages Kailey Rawlston joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about considering becoming a foster parent. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Youth Villages encourages families to consider becoming a foster home for children during holiday seasons. The holiday season becomes a difficult time for foster children, as many are not only away from their family, but they are away from…