Grier avoids death penalty, will likely spend rest of life in prison in 2016 murder case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Andre Grier now knows his sentence after being convicted of first degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton. The jury from Anderson County had one big decision to make on Wednesday. They had to decide whether or not Andre Grier, the man they had just previously convicted 24 hours previously of first degree murder in…

More residents, commissioner bring up concerns about proposed deed swap

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Several residents continue to voice concerns over a potential land deed restriction swap at Enterprise South Nature Park and McDonald Farm. The plan would preserve 1,300 acres at the Sale Creek property in exchange for opening up over 500 acres of underutilized land at Enterprise South Nature Park for potential industrial development. Hamilton County Mayor Weston…

County proposing making parking garage adjacent to courthouse free outside of business hours

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County may be making a downtown parking garage free after hours and on the weekend. This garage is located between the county courthouse and courts building between Cherry and Walnut Streets. The Hamilton County owned parking garage next to the Hamilton County Courthouse. The county owns the garage, and is often filled during business hours. Hamilton…

White Oak’s 1,000-Bike Goal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The White Oak Bicycle Co-op is marking a record-breaking year in 2025 as it continues working toward its goal of giving away 1,000 bicycles by the end of the year. The Chattanooga-based nonprofit recently reached a milestone of more than 800 bikes distributed. That’s the most in its history. The Co-op collects donated bicycles and parts,…

Blood Assurance faces critical platelet shortage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance says it’s facing another critical shortage, this time, the supply of platelets is running dangerously low. Officials say platelet levels were already low, but the need has now become increasingly urgent. In an effort to encourage the community to donate, the team dressed up as their favorite characters and hosted its fall Bloodnooga blood…

CSAS Falls in State Soccer Tournament

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) CSAS lost to University School Jackson in the opening round of the state tournament by a final of 1-0 at Chattanooga Christian. The Patriots could not muster a shot on goal. The Bucs broke the ice with a goal in the 22nd minute of the second half. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Golden Apple: David Tindell, Ryan Otting, Barnhardt Academy

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) – David Tindell and Ryan Otting serve as co-teachers at Barnhardt Academy. Their coaching background helps them motivate students. They encourage perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth. All that earned this talented duo this week’s Golden Apple Award. Barret Blankenship is the Principal at Barnhardt Academy. He says, “Coach Tindell and Coach Otting are phenomenal teachers. they…

Girl Scouts Honor Dr. Edna Varner

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians honored Dr. Edna Varner at the 2025 Trefoil Society Luncheon in Chattanooga, celebrating her lifelong dedication to education, leadership, and community service. Held at the Waterhouse Pavilion, the annual event recognizes a distinguished woman in each region who exemplifies the spirit and values of Girl Scouting. A Chattanooga native, Dr….

Make allergies less scary this Halloween!

Board Certified Allergist Dr. Marc Cromie joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to remind parents and guardians about the potential dangers of Halloween candy. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Halloween is just around the corner which means plenty of great sweet treats for the kids, but also risks of candy sending them into anaphylactic shock. The Chattanooga Allergy Clinic reminds families to…

Candlelight Vigil to honor domestic violence survivors and victims

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – To close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a candlelight service will honor survivors and memorialize victims who lost their lives to domestic violence. The Family Justice Center says the event will shine a light on strength, survival, and remembrance in Chattanooga. Regina McDevitt, Executive Director of the Chattanooga Family Justice Center, said, “It is important to…

New arrests made nearly five years after deadly Chattanooga shootings

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police have made two additional arrests in connection to two homicides that happened nearly five years ago. According to authorities, Willie Wooten Jr. and Anthony George were both taken into custody and booked into the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. This case stems from a pair of homicides that occurred on December 1, 2020….

Jury to deliberate Tuesday after tense closing arguments in Grier trial

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Both sides have rested in the Andre Grier murder trial. Grier is charged with first degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton. There were over three hours of closing arguments from the prosecution and defense. Their decision will determine the fate of Grier, who if convicted, could face the death penalty. Prosecutor Amy Werich said,…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Walker Valley STEM DAY

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Walker Valley students recently got to look into their possible futures at STEM Career Day. Employers from throughout our region were on hand to show kids who they are and what they do. And that’s a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” David Gluckner is the Principal at Walker Valley STEM Academy.   He…

Domestic Violence Survivor: Kimberly Smith’s Story

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For years, Kimberly Smith lived in silence, trapped in a relationship that left her afraid to speak and ashamed to be seen. Today, she stands as the Vice President of Voices, a survivor-led organization through the Family Justice Center. Voices helps others find hope, healing, and the strength to rebuild something Smith once had to find…

Gang investigator testifies as evidence builds in Andre Grier Murder Trial

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The murder trial of Andre Grier continued Saturday, October 25, inside the Hamilton County Courthouse as prosecutors worked to connect the accused killer to the 2016 murder of Bianca Horton. Grier, who prosecutors say went by the street name Hollywood, is charged with first-degree murder. He’s accused of killing Horton before she could testify against…

Football Posts Third-Straight Win in 49-13 Rout at Samford

GoMocs-The Chattanooga Mocs football team used 35 unanswered points to help earn its third-straight victory after posting a 49-13 rout at Samford during Southern Conference action Saturday afternoon inside Pete Hanna Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. Quick Records & Series Chattanooga: 4-4, 3-1 SoCon | Samford: 1-7, 1-5 SoCon Series: 50th all-time meeting… Chattanooga now leads the series 35-12-3. Breakdown Samford opened the…

Tyner topples Brainerd

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- From the opening kickoff where Dion Edwards took the opening kickoff 86 yards to the house against Brainerd to a big man touchdown it was all Tyner all the time over Brainerd on Saturday. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Marion County retires Jacob Saylors Jersey

Marion County, Tennessee (WDEF)-Marion County honored one of their own on Friday. They retired the jersey of former play-maker Jacob Saylors.  He set several records during his career with the Warriors. Played in three state title games. Then Saylors went on to an outstanding career at ETSU, and he currently plays in the NFL with the Detroit Lions. Categories: Sports –…

FBI special agents analyze evidence on day four of the Andre Grier trial

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Friday  was day four of the Andre Grier Trial. Grier is charged with first degree murder in the 2016 killing of Bianca Horton in Chattanooga. A trio of FBI Special Agents were on the stand Friday. They were evaluating different kinds of evidence in this case, including fingerprints, DNA, and cell phone records. Special Agent Marissa Bender…