Six years later, son indicted for setting fire to kill his mother

Joshua Wells faces murder charge for setting fire on Rubio St. in 2016 while his mother was asleep

(video from 2016 story on fire) CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A grand jury has indicted a Chattanooga man for setting a fire that killed his mother. 32 year old Joshua Wells is accused of murdering his mother by setting her house on fire while she slept. The fire happened at 5:30 AM in July of 2016 at a home on Rubio…

Mom to Mom – Christmas Bags

Today we are making cute little reindeer gift bags. So if you’ve got a gift that you want to give someone, maybe your kids, or you could wrap a present for your kids in these cute little reindeer bags. It’s super simple and very inexpensive. So what you’re going to need are some brown paper bags, some jumbo candy canes,…

CSAS Overcomes Slow Start to Beat Soddy Daisy 45-33

Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF-TV) CSAS scored only three points in the first quarter against Soddy Daisy, but they went on to beat the Trojans 45-33. Patriots managed to rally thanks to their suffocating defense. They only allowed the Trojans to score 11 points in the first half. CSAS was up 21-11 at halftime before cruising to the victory. Categories: Sports –…

Parkridge drops hospital appeal, Catoosa officials celebrate

County commissioners applaud Parkridge decision, ready to break ground on CHI Memorial smart hospital

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) — The Hospital Wars in Northwest Georgia are officially over. Some residents and local government officials are even declaring “victory” for their community. Parkridge Health System announced Monday that it would no longer appeal the certificate of need required to build a new hospital off of Battlefield Parkway in Ringgold. Commissioner Chuck Harris says this outcome…

Chattanooga Named Top Winter Destination for Domestic Travel

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – TripAdvisor has named the Scenic City as the top trending winter destination this season, beating out seasonal travel hot-spots Orlando and Miami. The Chattanooga Tourism Co. continuously promotes the city as a leading travel destination, making sure to highlight iconic locations such as the Read House, Tennessee Aquarium, the Edwin Hotel, and the historic Walnut Street…

Class Action Federal Lawsuit Filed in Budgetel Evictions

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Yesterday, Hamilton County Judge Boyd Patterson issued a court order giving the Budgetel in East Ridge a path to reopening. Now a class action federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of some of the residents who were evicted on November 16th. Attorney Robin Flores has filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of Charles Franklin Burkhalter….

Let’s Eat! Holiday Appetizers Featuring Beef

If hosting a party try some of these protein rich bites that are sure to be a filling option. These appetizers feature beef which provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. Beef is normally featured as the centerpiece of a holiday meal, but these small bites are perfect for all holiday celebrations.

Man and woman suffer serious injuries in domestic shooting

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police believe a double shooting this morning was a domestic situation. A man and woman were found shot on Fourth Avenue around 6:30 AM. They both had multiple gunshot wounds. Police say they were taken to a local hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Investigators are still trying to determine what happened. If you have any information…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Howard’s Connect Program

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Students in the Howard Connect Program wanted to see what life is really like in a television station. Naturally, News 12 welcomed them right in. Lorissa Canon is the Instructional Coach at Howard Connect. She explains, “Well, Howard Connect really believes in connecting students learning, and so what brings us here today, is our project based…

Local Jewish community launches campaign against antisemitism

Jewish Federation Executive Director responds to local, national rise in threats

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — In light of recent local and national accounts of antisemitism, the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga has had enough. The federation is joining JewBelong and Shine a Light in a nationwide awareness campaign against antisemitism. Federation Exec. Director Michael Dzik says the local Jewish community is understandably scared. UTC was marred in November by antisemitic flyers that…

Student arrested for marijuana, firearm possession

Authorities removed student from school, brought to local juvenile detention center

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — A Brainerd High School student was arrested today after being found with drugs and a firearm on campus. The student has been charged with Carrying a Firearm on School Grounds and Possession of Marijuana. Officials say a Brainerd teacher smelled marijuana coming from the student and called an administrator to search them. During the search, the administrator…

Health Department Holds Discussion on Opioid Abuse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The opioid epidemic has stretched its deadly tentacles into every aspect of our society. The Hamilton County Health Department hosted a presentation on opioid abuse in Tennessee this morning. It was held inside of their building on Third Street. The guest speakers were T-B-I Special Agent Tommy Farmer and Dr. Stephen Loyd of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement…

Parkridge drops challenge to new Ringgold hospital

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) – Officials at Parkridge Health System say they have dropped their appeal of the certificate of need ruling for a new hospital in the Ringgold area. CHI Memorial planned to build a new hospital on Battlefield Parkway, but Parkridge challenged it as being in their territory. The challenge has held up construction of the new facility, much…

More To The Story with Staley: Farmer and the Belle

Dave talks to the stars of the Christmas movie filmed in Chickamauga

CHICKAMAUGA, Georgia (WDEF) – It’s a Christmas movie produced by a married couple who live outside of New York City, but the couple sport deep ties to our area. 90 percent of it was shot in 2019 on a farm in Chickamauga. In McLemore Cove. And released in 2020. It’s called “The Farmer And The Belle: Saving Santaland.” Jenn Gotzon…

“Give Back Classic” Collects Toys for Children in Need

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Firefighters and Postal Workers came together at Brainerd High School this afternoon for a charity basketball game. “The Give Back Classic” consisted of two teams of 12 firefighters versus 12 postal workers inside of the High-Jackson Gymnasium. Attendees were asked to bring toys to the event which are going to be given to 40 children at…

Tyner gets narrow win at Brainerd

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Brainerd High School had a packed gym for the rivalry game against Tyner. Brainerd used that crowd atmosphere to jump out to an early lead. But Tyner Rallied back to win 57-54 Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Brainerd Panthers, local sports, Tyner, wins

A Vision of Hope for the Inner City

A group photo before the ribbon cutting of the new vision clinic a Hope for the Inner City. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Vision care is a critical medical need that many in our community don’t have consistent access to. A new clinic in Avondale is hoping to change that. The organization, Hope for the Inner City, along with the Lions Club…