Attorney argues removal of Chickamauga mayor was unconstitutional

The interior of the Walker County Courthouse during a hearing regarding the removal of Chickamauga mayor Trey Deck. LaFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF)- On Monday evening, the Chickamauga City Council voted to remove Mayor James “Trey” Deck by a vote of four to one. This was over alleged incidents of sexual harassment and a recording where the city’s counsel claims he used…

Conversations continue over Meigs County Jail

DECATUR, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Meigs County Commission is still trying to figure out what to do with their county jail. This is after a state decertified the jail due to overcrowding and other issues back in December. Meigs County Mayor Eddie Jewell presented two potential options. One would be to expand the current jail with an additional pod. Another option…

The hills are alive in the Scenic City with ‘The Sound of Music’

Cayleigh Capaldi and Kevin Earley

News 12 This Morning: The hills are alive in the Scenic City with ‘The Sound of Music’ rolling through town this week. Cayleigh Capaldi (‘Maria’) and Kevin Earley (‘Georg von Trapp’) join News 12’s Amelia Greer as they don the lead roles of the hit musical. The duo share what it means to portray these historically-renowned characters and how the…

TechByte: Teens Increasingly using AI as “therapist”

Mental health awareness is certainly an important topic, but it’s important you get help from a qualified source. On this week’s TechByte we give you an example of what not to do. A recent report in The Journal of the American Medical Association found about 13-percent of young people now use AI chatbots for mental health advice. And in a…

First Responder Hero Award: Detective Wallace Cunningham

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. When danger strikes, these men and women are the first to respond. Now, it is our turn…

Kori Atkins Honored as Chattanooga’s 2025 Youth of the Year

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local teen is receiving recognition for leadership, academics, and community service. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga named Brainerd High School student Kori Atkins as its 2025 Youth of the Year during a ceremony held at The Westin Chattanooga. Along with the title, Atkins received a $5,000 scholarship to support her future goals. Speaking…

Rising Flu Activity Forces Schools and Workplaces to Adjust

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)— Rising flu cases are forcing Grundy County students to move to virtual learning this week. With schools and offices seeing increasing absences due to illness, several districts in the region are temporarily shifting to online instruction. Hospitals across the Chattanooga area report higher-than-usual numbers of patients with flu-like symptoms, highlighting how quickly the virus is spreading through…

Chattanooga Tourism Company faces criticism from commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Tourism Company is facing some criticism from the Hamilton County Commission. They are considering a resolution to transfer some funds from the Chattanooga Tourism Company to the recently created Sports and Events Board. This board was created last summer to bring new events to Chattanooga and Hamilton County. However, commissioners say that the relationship between…

Mobile Pantry Supports School Families

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Orchard Knob Elementary hosts a School Mobile Pantry distribution in partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank serves a 20-county region across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia and operates School Mobile Pantry distributions at select campuses. Orchard Knob Elementary, listed on the food bank’s distribution calendar as “Orchard Knob Community,” hosts…

Rhea County Education Center Ribbon Cutting

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students and state leaders gathered Wednesday for the ribbon cutting of the Rhea County Higher Education Center, a new facility focused on technical education and workforce development in Tennessee. While the ceremony marked a major milestone, the building is not yet officially open.  Crews are still finishing the interior with equipment and furniture, with the formal…

Last minute Galentine’s Day hosting ideas with The Kennedy Curate

Rachel Leonard Kennedy (@thekennedycurate) joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with a handful of DIY ideas for your next girls’ night. Whether you’re hosting a Galentine’s Party or just want some activities to elevate your next gathering, Rachel has you covered! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and before the ladies can celebrate with their boo…

ETSU Defeats Chattanooga 73-61

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) — Jordan McCullum had 24 points in East Tennessee State’s 73-61 victory over Chattanooga on Wednesday. Chattanooga had won the last five meetings against the Bucs in Johnson City. McCullum also had six rebounds for the Buccaneers (19-7, 11-2 Southern Conference). Cam Morris III scored 11 points to go with six rebounds and three blocks. Jordan…

Governor Highlights Growth During Pikeville Visit

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee visited Pikeville as part of Tennessee’s participation in the nation’s 250th celebration, known as America 250. During the visit, Lee highlighted population growth across much of the state and efforts to preserve farmland through initiatives like the Farmland Conservation Act.  He also emphasized continued support for education, public…

Lee denied bond as Wamp says she may seek the death penalty

Darron Lee standing with his public defender in front of Hamilton County Judge Tori Smith on Wednesday at his initial hearing. Content warning: Readers may find some of the details in this story disturbing. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A former NFL player charged with first degree murder in Ooltewah made his first appearance in a Hamilton County courtroom this morning. A…

Term Limits resolution for Hamilton County mayor, commissioners, introduced

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A resolution that would create a referendum on term limits in Hamilton County government was formally introduced Wednesday. If passed, voters would get to choose whether or not both the Hamilton County Mayor and commissioners would be term limited to 12 years. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp first proposed the idea last year as a way to…

East Ridge Defeats CSAS 66-64

East Ridge, TN-(WDEF-TV) East Ridge and CSAS went down to the wire on Tuesday night with the Pioneers holding on for a 66-64 victory. The Pioneers got their lead to 11 in the fourth quarter before the Patriots started chipping away. They got it down to two with 1.5 seconds left. Patriots had a heave from the top of the…

Former CSAS Basketball Coach Mark Dragoo Passes Away

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Former CSAS basketball coach Mark Dragoo has passed away after battling an illness. He was institution at the East Third S treet school in Chattanooga. Dragoo coached the Patriots for well over 30-years, amassing over 700 career victories. CSAS even named the court in his honor for his lifetime of service to the school. Dragoo was 67. Categories: Sports…

Kelly, Chambers respond to criticisms levied at city over immigration enforcement

Courtesy: Chattanooga Police Department CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The debate over ICE continued in Chattanooga Tuesday. This after the Chattanooga Police Department faced criticism over recent ICE detention data released by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. After a group of anti-ICE activists showed up at the Chattanooga City Council last week to voice their concerns about immigration enforcement in the Chattanooga…

Miss G’s Owner Detained by ICE

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The owner of popular Chattanooga restaurant Miss G’s has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prompting concern from longtime customers. Guillermina Solano-Chala, owner of Miss G’s Tortas and Tamales, was pulled over during a traffic stop in Walker County on January 23.  Public records indicate her charges included no insurance, driving without a valid…