CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the ongoing legal battle surrounding Jason Chen continues into day 3 of deliberation, we are now focusing on supporting survivors of domestic violence. What first began as a private matter has blossomed into discussions on domestic violence, accountability, and the role of public figures in society. Despite the denials, Chen is charged with first-degree murder…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Get your phones ready because today we’re talking about an event that’s as picture-perfect as it gets. It’s National Selfie in a Museum Day, and the Scenic City is celebrating in style. Started in 2014 by the late Mar Dixon, Museum Selfie Day is continuing globally in her honor. Stated in Mar Dixon’s obituary, “Her biggest…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Wednesday was day three of the Jason Chen murder trial. Chen is charged with the first degree murder of Jasmine Pace in November 2022. The lead crime scene investigator dominated day three of the Jason Chen murder trial. Bluestar agent inside of Jason Chen’s apartment illuminating the amount of potential blood spilled in his apartment following the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — In a world where technology has rapidly reshaped every industry, artificial intelligence has made major waves in healthcare. U-T-C Professor Gary Wilkerson recently joined a virtual panel discussion titled “AI and Health Care: What Works & What’s Ahead.” “What’s happening here right now with artificial intelligence and machine learning is revolutionary. I think the technological advances…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Commission looks to provide additional maintenance aid to Hamilton County Schools. The Commission will award Hamilton County Schools more than 31 million dollars in bond funds. Though the resolution has been approved, Hamilton County Commissioners would love to see better grades. They say it is vital that the education system succeeds. “They are not…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Commission officially approved Janie Parks Varnell as the next County Attorney. Varnell will succeed current County Attorney Rheubin Taylor. Mayor Weston Wamp chose Varnell to work alongside Taylor until his contract expires. Varnell says she will use her role as County Attorney to build relationships with County Government. . “I wil be going to…
APISON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Police (CPD) are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Apison Pike early Wednesday morning. Officers responded to the 8000 block of Apison Pike for a traffic crash with injuries at 1:00 a.m., January 15, 2025. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals inside a GMC Envoy with non-life-threatening injuries, and one with life-threatening injuries….
HARRISON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Firefighters in Harrison battled an apartment fire this afternoon. Crews with the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department (H58VFD) responded to 7560 Short Trail Springs Road at 12:35 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found a single story structure fire with flames showing through the roof. According to the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, no injuries were reported…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Wednesday that he will call for a special session with the Tennessee General Assembly on Monday, January 27. This special session will be held to address three bills The following are the three bills, and what all they intel via the Governor’s Office: Education Freedom Act Gov. Lee and legislative leadership introduced the…
The newest rising star in baking, Brothers Bagels, is celebrating National Bagel Day with a special promotion. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Two parents’ idea to create a family business for their boys to grow into becomes a beloved local bagel spot in a short time frame. Joshua and Sara Pratt wanted their three little boys to grow into a business…
UPDATE (1/15/2025): We’ve learned more information about the officer involved shooting that occurred in DeKalb County, Alabama. Both the male and female victims involved in this incident both sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured during the incident as well. It is suspected that the suspect and the female victim were in a dating relationship, but this has yet to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s Local Blood Assurance is asking for the community’s help, as they are critically low on blood donations. Due to the wintry weather this past weekend, many blood banks were forced to close their doors. By having to shut down, the organization was not able to replenish its stocks of donations. Caitlin Stanley, Senior Director of…
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Walker Valley used a strong second quarter to help knock off Bradley Central 66-58 on Tuesday evening at The Corral. The Mustangs outscored the Bears 26-7 in the second period to build a 14 point cushion at halftime. Walker Valley is ranked 7th in the initial high school state rankings for Class 4A. Categories: Sports – Local Sports…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Public Library has recently announced new initiatives to make accessing literature easier by removing several financial barriers, including parking fees. With their new Start Smart Initiative, which provides free library cards to children aged five and under and a free parking option, they hope the community will take advantage of these opportunities. Will O’Hearn,…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Notre Dame senior guard Gaas Herman is turning into one of the top players in the Chattanooga area this season. He scored over 30 points Monday night against Calhoun, and he’s averaging a slick 25 points, and ten rebounds a game. When Matt Matoh took the Notre Dame job last May, he couldn’t believe he was gifted a talent…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A day of deliberation regarding Governor Bill Lee’s controversial school voucher bill has continued to draw sharp criticism from education advocates. The voucher program, a key component of Governor Lee’s education agenda, allows public tax dollars to fund private school tuition for select families. Directly extracted from the School Voucher proposal, “For the 2025-2026 school year,…
CHATTANOONGA, TN (WDEF) – Most people never forget their first-grade teacher. Alexandra O’Reel pours her heart and soul into making sure her students have a solid foundation in learning and leadership. We pay a visit to Calvin Donaldson Elementary school in this week’s Golden Apple Award. Jennifer Brownlee is the Principal at Calvin Donaldson. She says, “Miss O’Reel is one of…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Parkridge Medical Center aims to raise caution and lower the spread of Norovirus in Hamilton County. “We have been seeing an Influx. And, you know, influenza, we’ve actually seen some occurrences of COVID cases. And then, you know, is it influenza? Sometimes we have the actual intestinal challenges in our virus. In particular, it is a…
RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – When the Catoosa County College and Career Academy needed new computers for their 9-1-1 center, they knew right where to look. Students on that same campus immediately sprang into action. That’s a great example of what’s right with our schools. Scott Czerneski is the I-T Director for Catoosa County. He remembers, “The 911 Center here at the…
UPDATE (1/15/2025): The closure of 24 Shallowford will remain ongoing until tomorrow. This portion of Shallowford Road will remain closed until Thursday, January 15, at 5:00 p.m. According to CDOT, the road will reopen before rush hour if not sooner. CDOT will send additional announcements if a delay occurs or declaring the roads reopening. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A water…
Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Eve! Eve / Humane Educational Society Eve is a dog ready to be adopted at the Humane Educational Society (HES). HES says Eve is nothing but pure love, which is why her nickname is Lovebug. Eve loves pets, toys, and especially cuddles. She lives in a foster home with a dog and a…
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. — A homicide suspect was apprehended early Tuesday morning, hours after a fatal stabbing on Richardson Road claimed the life of a local woman. Deputies from the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded late Monday night, January 13, 2025 to reports of the stabbing. Upon arrival, they found the victim with a stab wound. According to WCSO,…
Chattanooga Zoo visits the studio to talk about the final nights of the Asian Lantern Festival with promises of some royal guests. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The seasonal favorite Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo comes to a close with royal guests in its finals days. January 15-19 is the last chance for guests to stroll through the Chattanooga…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – An abandoned house catches on fire in East Lake early Tuesday morning. At around 5:15 A.M., firefighters reported to the 2800 block of E 46th Street and discovered a house with heavy flames from the back of the house. It took 2.5 hours to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. Fortunately, no one was inside the…