Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy surrounded by supporters following a hearing on Thursday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy made her first public appearance in court this morning in months. This after an investigation was launched into her residency. Celeste Murphy was Chattanooga’s Police Chief for over two years until her residency scandal. She is facing…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County audit report triggered by a reported increase in the price of the Gateway School has been released. Back in October, the Chattanooga Times Free Press had reported the project had doubled in cost to $80 million dollars after being presented as a $40 million dollar project. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said this number…
Before Jeff Foxworthy, Leanne Morgan or Larry the Cable guy, there was Jerry Clower. He was a country comedian from Mississippi. Clower was huge in the 1970s through the nineties. But in 1980, he told us that one of his biggest fans was from right here at News 12 in Chattanooga. We’ve got that story in our Thursday Throwback. Categories:…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The company held grand opening events for not just one, but two new branches in the heart of the Scenic City. The celebrations began with a ribbon-cutting at Chase’s Gunbarrel Road branch at 9 a.m. This was followed by another at the Northshore branch at 11 a.m. “This is really an exciting event. I’ve had the…
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Soddy Daisy man has been indicted on a range of sexual abuse charges involving a minor. James Melvin Grant James Melvin Grant is facing multiple charges of rape of a child, incest, and aggravated sexual battery. According to an affidavit from Hamilton County courts, Grant is accused of multiple interactions with his victims. Authorities…
Donna and John Warner bring furry friends for the Ocoee Riverside Farm to invite audiences to visit the farm and experience uniquely rare animal encounters. BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Right on the Ocoee River, an 30 acre family owned farm filled with over 125 unique animals invites guests to their farm to experience interactive and rare animal encounters. Throughout the…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) It seems Zane Restelli has been a staple for the Baylor basketball team for quite awhile. Maybe that’s because he has been playing for the Red Raiders since he was in the 8th grade. Brian Armstrong has more on Baylor’s talented senior guard. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With the demand for dairy-free alternatives on the rise, consumers are increasingly seeking options that cater to lactose intolerance, vegan lifestyles, or simply a desire for healthier choices. This shift is evident across various food categories, from plant-based milks to non-dairy cheeses and desserts. In the past year, one in three households purchased lactose-free dairy…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In a significant update today, the trial of D’ante Jones, accused in the fatal shooting outside Chattanooga’s Amazon Fulfillment Center, presented critical evidence and statements to the jury. After a day of hearing from the prosecution, the defendants were given the opportunity to present any new information to the jury. The jury was able to…
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s a unique event highlighting high school student’s skills in welding. We are learning more about this hands-on competition, featuring partnerships with local businesses at Cleveland High School. The collaboration is just another example of how the community continues to Drive Our Economy Forward. Michael Ritchie, Welding Instructor, Cleveland High School says, “So this is our first…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will term limits be placed on the position of Hamilton County mayor? That is what Mayor Weston Wamp proposed Wednesday to the Hamilton County Commission. Hamilton County is the only major county in Tennessee to not have term limits for its primary executive. The proposal by Mayor Wamp would align the county with the Chattanooga mayoral office,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There was an update provided on the future of a new Hixson elementary school. The proposed North River Elementary School would replace DuPont, Rivermont, and Alpine Crest Elementary Schools on the DuPont site. Wednesday, the Commission learned the architecture firm Franklin Associates has been selected to design the new school. Hamilton County Mayor Wamp says that the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Some Hamilton County commissioners raised the idea Wednesday of whether or not the county should stay in the Regional Planning Agency. This comes in the wake of recent deferrals of Plan Hamilton, an effort led by the RPA to develop a blueprint to future growth in unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. This has come under much scrutiny…
In today’s competitive job market, finding the right opportunity can be overwhelming. The Urban League and Unum teamed up again today for a job fair. Event organizers say the event gave attendees the chance to connect directly with Unum, exploring exciting career opportunities in a range of fields. “This is truly an event where you can come as you are….
In Tennessee, keeping communities safe is more important than ever. The group Voices for a Safer Tennessee is leading the charge to ensure responsible gun ownership and reduce violence across the state. In 20-24, the group played a key role in helping pass some of Tennessee’s first firearm safety policies in nearly a decade. “Safer TN does not want to…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Local business Rick Davis has been arrested for passing worthless checks. Rick Davis Davis was arrested on Tuesday night by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He operates “Rick’s Gold and Diamonds” on Brainerd Road. Davis has now been arrested twice in less than a year. He was previously arrested in October of 2024 on charges of…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A family’s cats and guinea pigs were rescued from a duplex fire overnight. The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to the 1900 block of Rawlings Street at 1:07 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke and popping noises from neighbors. Upon arrival, crews located a fire in a back bedroom of the residence. The occupants were not…
Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) Dalton State looked like the 13th ranked team in NAIA on Tuesday night at Bandy Gym. The Roadrunners beat Voorhees 108-63. Dalton State ran wild in the second half scoring 63 points, which matched the Tigers total points output for the game. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A young life tragically cut short, a community demanding justice, and a courtroom where emotions and evidence stood still all collided this Tuesday afternoon in Chattanooga The heinous crime occurred in August of 2023 where 20-year-old D’ante Jones, the accused gunman, tragically killed 19-year-old Javontae Moon in a senseless act of violence. Outside the Amazon Fulfillment…
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Charlton Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of murdering his ex-wife, Karen Liner, appeared in a Bradley County courtroom this afternoon for a bond hearing. The judge ruled that additional evidence was needed before deciding whether bond could be set. Police responded to 911 calls around 9 a.m. Monday, which led them to a home…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The best teachers are patient, authentic and genuinely care about creating a good learning environment for all their students. That certainly applies to Ali Redfoot. We spent some quality time in her Normal Park upper classroom for this week’s Golden Apple Award. “On behalf of Food City and News Channel 12, we would like to present…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- 39 years ago on Tuesday, America lost seven astronauts after the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded shortly after a launch. The legacy of those astronauts is still felt today, including right here in Chattanooga at the Challenger Learning Center on the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga’s campus. It is one of 33 established across the country by the surviving…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is investigating hate propaganda around the area. On the evening of January 27, 2025, Chattanooga Police responded to reports of Ku Klux Klan flyers in the Highland Park neighborhood. At 8:55 p.m., officers arrived and spoke with multiple community members who had found the flyers scattered across roadways. According to one…
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) — A Rossville woman has been convicted of fentanyl distribution in Catoosa County, January 15, 2025. On April 11, 2024, officers conducted a probation visit at Leamon’s residence. Samantha Shea Leamon / Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement found 3.642 grams of fentanyl powder in a…