Tennessee adult verification law temporarily blocked by judge

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A federal judge has blocked a new Tennessee law that would have gone into effect on New Year’s Day. The ruling concerns the Protect Tennessee Minors Act. This would have required users of adult websites to present valid identification in order to access them. The bill, sponsored by outgoing Representative Patsy Hazelwood, was designed to prevent children…

Multi agency Georgia pursuit ends in Monroe County TN

MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A pursuit that began in Georgia crossed over state lines and ended in Monroe County. At 11:30 p.m. December 20, 2024, Monroe County E-911 alerts Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies of a pursuit. The E-911 alert mentioned the pursuit had began in Georgia and had now entered Tennessee. According to MCSO, the pursuit was…

Suspect dead after deputy-involved shooting on New Year’s Eve

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Deputy-Involved Shooting occurred shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve in a Publix parking lot. The preliminary information reveals deputies were conducting a traffic stop on a subject on a motorcycle at 7326 McCutcheon Road. The suspect was identified to having outstanding warrants. The suspect refused to follow commands while deputies were attempting to…

Fatal motorcycle involved accident on Hixson Pike

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)  –  One person is dead after a fatal motorcycle accident on Hixson Pike. Around 1:30 a.m., December 31, 2024, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on the 11000 block of Hixson Pike. Upon arrival, the driver of the motorcycle was deceased. The name of the person is not…

Lighting up Chattanooga One Train Ride at a Time

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Holiday Christmas Light Train is back, bringing joy, sparkle, and nostalgia to families across the region. Every year, the Tennessee Valley Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland, with trains decked out in sparkling snowflakes, festive decorations, and a majestic holiday light display.   The train ride lasts sixty-five minutes and travels across bridges and through…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Christmas at the Courthouse, Orange Grove

The 2024 Christmas at the Courthouse concluded with a crowd favorite. For years the Orange Grove School has entertained listeners in this performance slot. They are a crowd favorite downtown at the Hamilton County Courthouse.  Categories: Featured, Local News, What’s Right With Our Schools Tags: Orange Grove, What’s Right With Our Schools

President Carter remembered across the Tennessee Valley

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing reaction here in the Tennessee Valley to the death of President Jimmy Carter. As Georgia’s Governor before becoming the 39th President of the United States in 1977, President Carter had an impact on the Tennessee Valley. President Carter served as governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975, and was very involved in the Peach…

Health Department urge Flu vaccinations during Winter

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Health Department aims to increase flu vaccination rates in Hamilton County during the winter season.  “It is going to be another tough year for the flu. And the good thing is, the strains that we prepared for this year, at least two of them are very much covered by the flu shots that you can…

Chattanooga family home damaged by electrical fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) extinguished an electrical fire Monday. On December 30, 2024 at 2:26 p.m., CFD responded to the 1700 block of Monterey Drive. According to CFD, two teenagers were inside when a neighbor alerted them of smoke coming from the residence. The two teenagers were able to evacuate and call 911. Crews responding…

Hamilton County Historian looks back at former President Jimmy Carter’s legacy

Hamilton County Historian, Linda Moss Mines, joins news 12’s Chip Chapman to reflect on the legacy of late former President Jimmy Carter. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Georgia native, peanut farmer, humanitarian, and a former president, Jimmy Carter left a remarkable legacy during his 100 years of life. “It was a loss for the nation and especially to those who were…

President Jimmy Carter’s enduring Legacy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This evening, we spoke with Representative Chuck Fleischmann about his perspective on the enduring legacy of President Carter in the landscape of American politics. Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president to come from the state of Georgia, as a simple peanut farmer. He won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam…

The Salvation Army is collecting donations before going into 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With the year coming to an end, The Salvation Army (TSA) is encouraging community members to donate generously, so that no individual has to go without, no matter what time of year it is. TSA is known to annually help almost 24 million Americans with hardships such as poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of…

Lil Mama’s to close their doors December 31st

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy, a beloved sandwich shop in Chattanooga, has announced it will permanently close its doors on December 31. Located in Patten Square, Lil Mama’s has been a staple in the community since its opening in 2021. Known for its Chicago-style hoagies and vibrant ’90s-themed decor, the restaurant quickly became a favorite among…

Transportation Museum making its way to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With Chattanooga being the root of transportation history, a new historical chapter is beginning for all to enjoy. Firecrown Media, led by entrepreneur Craig Fuller, has announced the acquisition of the Thomas Museum, a treasure trove of transportation artifacts and stories. But that’s not all—the museum will be relocated to Chattanooga where it will be transformed…

Collegedale collision involving a train and another vehicle

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Yesterday evening, a collision occurred involving a vehicle and a train at the railroad crossing near College Drive East and Apison Pike in Collegedale. The vehicle stalled on the tracks just before the crossing arms lowered for an oncoming train. You can see parts of the plastic from the car, lying in the ruble. No injuries have…

Pickens Co Rallies to Beat Silverdale 62-59

Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Silverdale dominated the first half against Pickens Co on Friday in the Chick-fil-a Christmas Classic at Christian Heritage. The Seahawks were up 40-27 at halftime. But the Dragonettes found their groove in the second half to win it 62-59. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Pickens County High School, Silverdale Academy, Sports

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…