School Board discusses students being bused to the polls

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Whether or not high school students should be bused to vote in future elections was at the center of a Hamilton County School Board debate. Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson had announced last month that eligible students would be bused during school hours to go vote. Since these were not overnight field trips, the School Board did not…

Driving Our Economy Forward: CHI Memorial Hospital

Memorial Hospital opened in Chattanooga in 1952.  Since then, the health organization has been striving to provide compassionate health care and has even received national recognition.  Tonight, we are learning how the hospital is teaming up with Chattanooga State Community College to help students become future medical professionals in our community.  Let’s take a look at this week’s driving our…

Gratefall returns to provide a free Thanksgiving luncheon to everyone

Dawn Hjelseth joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to invite people and volunteers to Gratefull, an annual Thanksgiving luncheon in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The annual Thanksgiving tradition returns to East Martin Luther King Boulevard which invites everyone to one long table for a meal and to meet new friends. The luncheon takes place on November 21 from 11:30 A.M….

Bradley Central’s Harmonie Ware Signs With Arkansas

Bradley Central guard Harmonie Ware signed to play college basketball at Arkansas on Wednesday at Bradley Central High School. ESPN lists the versatile Bearettes guard as a four star recruit. Ware helped lead Bradley Central to the state title last spring, where she was named the Class 4-A State tournament MV P . Ware poured in a career high 29…

McCallie Brings Plenty of Playoff Experience to Their Post Season Game Against Christian Brothers

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After a first round bye, McCallie jumps into playoff action Friday as they entertain Christian Brothers. Big Blue of course looking to repeat as state champs. McCallie has been on an incredible playoff run here recently. Big Blue has made it to at least the state semi-finals every year, starting in 2017. McCallie coach Joel Bradford says all that…

CEO of FreightWaves looks to become Secretary for the Department of Transportation

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – With President-Elect Donald Trump moving forward with choosing his cabinet and 18 positions still to be filled, the race for Secretary for the Department of Transportation is in full swing. The CEO of a Chattanooga freight analytics company wants to become President-elect Donald Trump’s next secretary of transportation. As the purpose of the Secretary for the Department…

Judge denies Whaley new bond as he awaits appellate court decision

  Justin Whaley sitting with his attorney Lee Davis at a motion hearing on his bond status. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The former Hamilton County EMT who killed a man in a 2018 Soddy-Daisy wrong way crash is currently awaiting a new trial in the case after a judge overturned his conviction. However, he has remained incarcerated while awaiting trial, something…

“The Power of a Paper Clip” shares a Holocaust study conducted in Whitwell

Retired educators Linda Hooper and Sharon Shadrick join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the launch of their book based on the Holocaust. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A lesson on diversity turns into a massive, worldwide project that brings awareness of the Holocaust. Linda Hooper, a retired teacher, started the “Paper Clips Project” in Whitwell, Tenn. after noticing her students,…

Love of the 80’s Drives Whitwell QB Brandon Easterly

Whitwell, TN-(WDEF-TV) Everyone knows what to expect from Whitwell in the playoffs. A steady diet of their big ol’ quarterback, Brandon Easterly. And as Brian Armstrong reports, Easterly gives new meaning to old school football. Said head coach Owen Kilgore:”He has made a lot of ‘Wow’ plays for us this year, and we want him to keep doing that.” Whitwell…

Mocs Hope Recent Success Continues Against Samford in Home Finale

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Mocs welcome Samford for their home finale Saturday. It seems the Bulldogs always bring out the best in Chattanooga. Mocs have won 8 of the last 9 meetings. But head coach Rusty Wright has trouble believing that stat. Said Wright:”I don’t think we match up with them very well when it’s all said and done. They’ve got really…

Golden Apple Award: Lindsey White, Boynton Elementary

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) – Parents know that Lindsey White’s classroom is a fun learning environment. The Boynton Elementary school teacher balances effort and love to make her students the best they can be. All that earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Hello. Hi, hi everybody. On behalf of Food City and news Channel 12, I’m presenting you with the Golden…

Novonix agrees to partnership with large auto manufacturer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A battery manufacturing plant in Chattanooga has entered into an important new partnership. Novonix came to Chattanooga in 2021, and aims to be a critical part of American energy independence. Their production of synthetic graphite has positioned them into a partnership with one of the largest auto manufacturers, which they say is a huge win for the…

Chattanooga Fire Department opens new baby box

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Fire Department and Local Agencies came together Tuesday for the new Safe Haven Baby Box.  “This community came together and said, Hey, we do not want to find a baby in a dumpster. Let us do something. Being proactive is key, because that means this is now available for a mother that needs it. So we…

LaFayette High School gun incident involved unattended young child

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  The gun incident that occurred at LaFayette High School (LHS) involved an unattended young child. On the morning of November 11, 2024 a young child was left unattended, and was able to access a handgun from the vehicle they arrived in. Walker County Schools stated the child proceeded toward the school’s entrance with the handgun….

Ocoee Middle School to add new school wing for special needs classrooms

Groundbreaking for a new school wing at Ocoee Middle School. CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Special needs students at Ocoee Middle School in Cleveland will soon have an exciting addition to their education. A groundbreaking was held this morning for a new school wing that will contain two classrooms to help enhance the education of students with disabilities. School leaders say the…

Mom to Mom – Turkey Pumpkin

Today on Mom to Mom, we have a super cute idea for those leftover pumpkins from Halloween! We are turning your leftover pumpkins from Halloween into cute little turkeys that your kids are absolutely going to love, and you can actually use this for your decorations at the Thanksgiving Day table. You’re going to need small or miniature pumpkins; some…

“Breathe Easy” with a lung cancer screening from CHI Memorial

News 12’s Chip Chapman, Dr. Rob Headrick, and Cathy Fiacco discuss Lung Cancer Awareness month and the importance of getting yearly lung screenings. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and CHI Memorial is making it easier to “breathe easy” by having a lung screening mobile unit. Every year, the Breath Easy coach travels to a high…

Chattanooga Honors Veterans at Moving Veterans Day Ceremony at National Guard Armory

The Chattanooga community gathered today to honor all those who have served in the U.S. military during a special Veterans Day ceremony at the National Guard Armory. The ceremony began with the posting of colors by local American Legion posts, marking a powerful start to the tribute. Event Chairman Tommy Mitchell expressed his honor in organizing the ceremony, calling it…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Hunter Middle School’s Adaptive P-E Program

OOLTEWAH, TN (WDEF) – Friday mornings are a magical time at Hunter Middle School. That’s when students of all abilities gather in the gym to take part in the adaptive P-E program. Everyone has a great time, and you can see why in tonight’s What’s Right With Our Schools. “Uh Friday mornings is our club time. So we’re in here…

Jacobs discusses future of Tennessee Republicans at Pachyderm Club

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs speaking with Hamilton County Republicans at this week’s Pachyderm Club meeting. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Republicans discussed what is next for the party after big election wins last week. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs was the guest speaker at this week’s meeting. He came to prominence as the WWE wrestler “Kane”, and has been…

UTC celebrates Veterans day with annual luncheon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- UTC and Special Guest, Dr. John Harbison paid homage to Local Veterans on Veterans Day.  “Well, today is the Chancellor’s luncheon to honor the veterans. I am the guest speaker today. I served 22 years in the Army. I now work at UTC,” said John Harbison, Army Veteran. The Veterans Luncheon is an annual  celebration that honors…

Monroe County murder suspect extradited back to Tennessee

UPDATE (11/15/2024):  Nicholas Wayne Hamlett was extradited back to Tennessee late last night. Hamlett is facing First-Degree Murder charges for the death of Steven Douglas Lloyd near the Cherohala Skyway. Law enforcement has charged Hamlett’s wife in South Carolina with being an accessory after the fact. Hamlett was also being investigated in several states for identity theft scams. According to…