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Chattanooga, Jobs & Economy, Local News

Utility commission rejects major Chattanooga water rate hike

Rainey Randolph,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) delivered a win for Chattanooga residents today by rejecting Tennessee American Water Company’s proposed 19.7% rate increase for city water users. Instead, the Commission approved a significantly smaller 1.45% increase. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly applauded the decision, emphasizing the importance of affordability for residents amidst rising living costs. “This is…

Local Trump Supporters' Reactions To The Inauguration
Featured, Local News

Local Trump Supporters’ reactions to the Inauguration

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With multitudes gathering in DC for Trump’s Inauguration, we interviewed local Trump supporters, asking their thoughts on this historic event. January 20, 2025, marks the end of President Biden’s time in office and welcomes Donald Trump as the 47th President. Kyah Dollinger, a well-versed young local, explains why he believes this is a strategic move in…

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Chattanooga, Education, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, What's Right With Our Schools

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, MLK Jr. Day

WDEF News,

Today, history comes alive at the historic Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Chattanooga Preparatory School and the Chattanooga Girls Leaderships Academy held an event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Both schools hosted a student-led debate and a living wax museum. Today, we take a look at how the discussion is just another example of What’s Right With…

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Pet Of The Week

Pet of the Week: Benjen

WDEF News,

  Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Benjen! Benjen is a dog at the Humane Educational Society (HES) ready to find his forever home. Benjen / HES HES says Benjen is a 9-year-old fluffy, sweet, chow mix and is searching for a not-so-quiet retirement home. Benjen is fully housebroken, does great with other dogs, and would likely do well…

running water to avoid frozen pipes
Featured, Local News

Tennessee Valley Preparing for Arctic Blast

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – From freezing pipes to black ice on the roads, the impact of winter weather can be serious if you’re not ready.  Whether it’s your house, your vehicle, or simply how you dress, being prepared for cold weather is about more than just comfort… It’s about safety.  Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of…
Featured, Local News

Local organizations honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga honored the Late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with various events on Monday.  “This is the 55th annual MLK Day Parade in March that we’ll be having. So we have been doing this for a number of decades,” said Eric Atkins, Unity group of Chattanooga.   As a part of the MLK Day Parade, The Unity group…

Body Identifying Tattoo Gbi
Crime, Featured, Local News, Ringgold

Ringgold body identified after GBI released photo of victims tattoo

Rainey Randolph,

UPDATE (1/21/2025):  The body found in Ringgold down an embankment near South Chickamauga Creek has been identified. Joseph Shannon Mays / Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office The GBI released they have identified the body with 37-year-old Jamie Lauren Wiley. The GBI also announced they’ve arrested Joseph Shannon Mays in connection to this incident. Mays is being charged with one count of…

Tiktok Influencers' Reactions
Featured, Local News

TikTok influencers speak about the ban and its immediate comeback

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Today, we spoke with three viral influencers to hear their thoughts on TikTok’s “ban” and its immediate comeback. For weeks, TikTok users prepared themselves for January 19th—the day the app was expected to be banned in the United States. The potential loss of the platform caused widespread concern in the TikTok community, whether among viewers or content…

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Entertainment, Featured, Local News

Chattacon returns for its 50th anniversary

Robert Hanley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This weekend, our city hosted the 50th annual Chattacon, a premier science fiction and fantasy literary convention.  This weekend, the city was buzzing with excitement as Chattacon, one of the Southeast’s premier science fiction and fantasy conventions, returned for its 50th year.  “Chattacon is a Chattanooga staple, being the one of the first Science Fiction Conventions…

Day Six Of The Jason Chen Murder Trial
Featured, Local News

The defense began their side of the case on day six of Chen trial

Lillian Yi,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Saturday was day six of the Jason Chen murder trial. Chen is charged with the first-degree murder of Jasmine Pace in November 2022. Today, the defense began their side of the case by calling a surprise witness and attempting a tactic that led to a tense debate. The defense called Jasmine Pace’s father, Travis Pace, to…

Gbi Reported That A Woman Was Found Deceased In Ringgold
Featured, Local News

GBI reported that a woman was found deceased in Ringgold

Lillian Yi,

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Today around 10 a.m., the GBI reported that a woman’s body was found near South Chickamauga Creek off Emberson Drive. Law enforcement says the body was discovered by an individual walking in the area. The City of Ringgold’s mayor, Nick Millwood, released a statement saying: “We assure the community that all necessary resources are being utilized…

Mocs Vs Mercer
Sports - Local Sports News

Mocs down Mercer 60-37

Brian Armstrong,

GoMocs- Tip your hat, Abbey Cornelius– there’s a new record holder in town. After stepping on the court for Saturday’s 60-37 blowout victory over Mercer, Sigrun Olafsdottir set a new program record for most career games played in a Mocs jersey after appearing in her 137th game in the win. As easy as it may seem to get caught in…

Walker Valley Enjoying Great Start This Season
Sports - Local Sports News

Walker Valley Off to Great Start This Season

Rick Nyman,

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Walker Valley basketball team has enjoyed a great start this season. They’re currently ranked 7th in the state’s biggest public school classfication. But the Mustangs understand it’s not how you start, but how you finish. News 12’s Brian Armstrong explains. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports, Walker Valley High School, Walker Valley Mustangs

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Featured, Local News

Chattacon celebrates 50 years over the weekend

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Fans of Science fiction can expect a weekend of activities as Chattacon makes its way back to the scenic city.  “Many of the conventions that are around now are your pop culture, so comics and stuff like that. Well, that still falls within our realm as well, but our emphasis is literary. So armed guest honor is…

Georgia House Speaker Lifts Ban Against Colton Moore
Featured, Government & Politics, Local News, Regional News

Georgia House Speaker lifts ban against Colton Moore

WDEF News,

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) —  There were developments today in the arrest of a northwest Georgia lawmaker at the state capitol yesterday. State Senator Colton Moore was arrested as he tried to enter the house chamber for a joint session of lawmakers. The House Speaker had banned him last year from entering the chambers, so state troopers arrested him. But the…

Stolen Vehicle
Crime, Featured, Local News

Suspects crash into East Ridge home during pursuit

Rainey Randolph,

  EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) has made an arrest after ending a pursuit with a stolen Mercedes Benz. Officers with ERPD got a hit via a License Plate Reader (LPR) on a stolen Mercedes Benz, January 17, 2025. Authorities located the vehicle in the 1000 block of South Seminole. According to ERPD, it…
Crime, Featured, Local News

Father-son duo arrested in multi-county burglary investigation

Rainey Randolph,

LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) —  A father-son duo was arrested Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in connection to a string of burglaries across several counties in Georgia. On Sunday, January 12, LaFayette Police responded to a burglary at a Dollar Tree in a Walmart shopping center. Clifton Mitchell / City of Lafayette Police Department Officers discovered the store’s safe was broken into,…

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Featured, Local News

Smoke alarm saves Sale Creek homeowner from major house fire

Rainey Randolph,

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A smoke alarm likely saved a homeowner from a devastating fire early this morning in Sale Creek. Smoke Alarm saves Sale Creek home from major house fire / Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department At approximately 2:35 a.m., January 17, 2025, the Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded to reports of a house fire at…