Marjorie Taylor Greene
Dade County, Featured, Local News

North Georgia Democrats react to Rep. Greene’s SOTU actions

Dade County Democratic Chair disappointed by representative's behavior; Greene has "no regrets" for calling President Biden a "liar"
WDEF News,

DADE COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) — Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene got plenty of national attention today following her words and actions at last night’s State of the Union address. During Tuesday night’s address, Greene was one of many Republicans booing President Biden following comments on the nation’s economy. As the GOP voiced their opinions in unison, Greene could be seen…

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Driving Our Economy Forward, Jobs & Economy, Local News

Driving Our Economy Forward: Zoe Angling Group

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The INCubator has helped plenty of Chattanooga businesses flourish, including Zoe Angling Group. This local business not only works in the fishing market, but it also creates jobs for those in need overseas. It’s another way Zoe Angling is driving our economy forward. “Zoe Angling Group started about eight years ago,” said Jeff Coffey, Founder and…

Cleveland Pd Uses Public Comment Portal To Connect With Residents
Cleveland, Featured, Local News

Cleveland PD uses Public Comment Portal to connect with Residents

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Cleveland Police Department released a statement detailing a new method to engage with the community through an online comment portal. Cleveland PD has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 2009. They are in the 4% of police departments nationwide that has earned accreditation honors. Recently, CALEA made a change…

Haley Schubert Becomes One Of The Most Prolific Scorers In Lee Lady Flames History
Sports - Local Sports News

Lee Guard Haley Schubert Turns Into One of the Lady Flames Most Prolific Scorers

Rick Nyman,

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Lee women’s basketball team currently sits in first place in the Gulf South Conference standings. Senior guard Haley Schubert is a big reason for the Lady Flames success. She has turned into one of Lee’s most prolific all-time scorers. It seems Haley Schubert has that intangible trait all coaches love to see in a player. Said head…

Mcminn Co Coach Randy Casey Brings The Energy For The Cherokees
Sports - Local Sports News

McMinn Co Feeds Off the Energy From Head Coach Randy Casey

Rick Nyman,

Athens, TN-(WDEF-TV) McMinn County is a win against Cleveland tonight from winning the district title. News 12’s Brian Armstrong shows how McMinn County Head Coach Randy Casey will be on the pacing up and down the sidelines, coaching his players, making sure they have fun and showing his typically enthusiastic emotions. Said Casey: We get in the huddle, hey coach,…

Doris Bruce Kelly
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Doris Bruce Kelly remembered, honored by City Council

St. Elmo resident lived in community for more than 103 years; commemorative road sign to be placed near longtime home
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — During Tuesday night’s Chattanooga City Council meeting, both council members and attendees honored Mrs. Doris Bruce Kelly — a St. Elmo resident who spent more than 100 years in the community. At the intersection of Tennessee and West 46th in St. Elmo, a commemorative street sign will soon stand to honor Kelly’s legacy. Her story and life,…

California Shooting
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Social justice group protests outside City Hall

Concerned Citizens for Justice protest "police terrorism," call for dismantling of "entire system of policing"
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Local social justice organization Concerned Citizens for Justice rallied outside Chattanooga City Hall Tuesday night. They’re furious about the death of Tyre Nichols and what they call “police terrorism.” The group posted Sunday on social media that, quote, “the entire system of policing must be completely dismantled and abolished altogether.” They also stated that, quote, “government officials…

Anti Lgbtq Bills
Featured, Government & Politics, Local News

Local Politicians React to Lee’s State of the State

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee gave his annual State of the State address last night in Nashville.  Governor Lee just started his second term as Tennessee Governor after his landslide re-election and celebrated this fact during his speech. Gov. Lee proclaimed, “I say with great pride that Tennessee is leading the nation. The state of our beloved…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Local Dispensary Owner Talks Safety Tips

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 spoke with local dispensary owner David Rutherford, who owns Journey Hemp in St. Elmo. Rutherford responded to the Lakeview Middle school incident. He said protecting kids from THC products is both the dispensary and the parent’s responsibility. For parents, one of the biggest tips is educating your child. “You just want to sit them…

Walker County Brownfields Program
Environment, Featured, Local News, Walker County

Walker County Town Hall addresses Brownfields

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) — At a town hall tonight, Walker County officials will speak on a new program that will address the topic of brownfields. A $500,000 grant gifted to Walker County by the Environmental Protection Agency will allow up to 30 brownfield sites to be properly identified and cleaned. The town hall tonight will teach residents what a brownfield…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Health, Local News

Local Church Organization to Hold Mental Health Summit

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local church organization is looking to tackle the stigma of mental health care in the African American community. First Baptist Cares, a part of the First Baptist Church in downtown Chattanooga, is hosting a Mental Health Summit next weekend on February 18. The summit will be held at Orchard Knob Baptist Church. The goal of…
Chattanooga, Crime, Featured, Local News

Suspect identified, arrested in homicide of Chattanooga woman

Man is being charged with criminal homicide and felony unlawful possession of a firearm
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Police identified the man involved in the homicide of a woman in January. He is facing charges, according to CPD. Police identified the suspect as 43-year-old David Fritts. CPD says they linked Fritts to the crime. He is being charged with criminal homicide and felony unlawful possession of a firearm. His arrest is related to…

Chattanooga Police Department 512x512bb
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Chattanooga Police Chief discusses police reform, Tyre Nichols

Chief Celeste Murphy says goal is to keep city safe, keep violent persons off streets at public Town Hall meeting
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Chattanooga is still reeling from the death of Tyre Nichols, with talks of police reform returning to local and national attention. The National Pan-Hellinic Council of Chattanooga hosted city Police Chief Celeste Murphy as a guest speaker Monday night to discuss how Chattanooga Police is reshaping its culture and holding its officers accountable. One thing she made…

Lfo Cranks It Up For Basketball Player Introductions
Sports - Local Sports News

LFO Cranks it Up For Basketball Player Introductions

Rick Nyman,

Fort Oglethorpe, GA-(WDEF-TV) You’d be hard pressed to find an area high school with better basketball player introductions than LFO. Warriors put on a show. They cut the lights. Crank the chop. And away they go, getting their guys pumped up for the game. Said LFO assistant athletic director Corey Ortwein:”It’s just something that gives it a big time, almost…

Sale Creek Football Coach Ron Cox Steps Down
Sports - Local Sports News

Sale Creek Football Coach Ron Cox Steps Down

Rick Nyman,

Ron Cox has stepped down at Sale Creek. He has been the only head football coach the school has ever had. Cox helped start the Panthers football program back in 2013. Cox took Sale Creek to the playoffs for the last five seasons. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Head Football Coach, Local News, local sports news, Ron Cox,…

Whats Right 1280x720 1
Education, Local News, Walker County, What's Right With Our Schools

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga Valley Middle Robotics

Andrew Harrison,

FLINTSTONE, Ga. (WDEF) – When it comes to learning, reading, writing and arithmetic are the traditional three “R”s, but Chattanooga Valley Middle School has added a fourth, robotics. Four of its teams have qualified for statewide competition. That kind of excellence is a futuristic example of what’s right with our schools. Todd Zinkann is the robotics coach at CVMS. He…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Rise in Teen Sexual Assault Victims Concerns Rape Crisis Center

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Regional Health Council held its monthly meeting today at the Hamilton County Health Department. At today’s meeting, a discussion was centered on sexual assaults against teenagers. Representatives with the Partnership’s Rape Crisis Center say the numbers they are seeing are causing alarm and spur the need for action. Carmen Hutson, the Director of Victim Support…