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Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Chattanooga auto theft suspect steals car, kidnaps child

Kids and Car Safety Director says kids involved in auto thefts happens far more than many realize
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Chattanooga police responded to an auto theft this morning just after 10 a.m. Authorities are still investigating the suspect behind the crime, but they do know one thing — a child was kidnapped in the stolen car, as well. Fortunately, Chattanooga police say the child is “unharmed and has been reunited” with her family. Following the car…

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Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - Soccer

Chattanooga Red Wolves Sign Dalton’s Yahir Paez to Pro Contract

Rick Nyman,

(chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com) The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of homegrown talent and Red Wolves Academy prospect Yahir Paez to his first professional contract. Contract pending league and federation approval. Paez, a 19-year-old native of Dalton, GA, is a midfielder who signed an academy contract with the first team in the summer of 2022, making him the third…

Cempa
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Lee Administration Rejecting CDC HIV Funding

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A potential decision by the Tennessee state government might make the ability to get treatment for HIV more difficult in our community. The non-profit Cempa Community Care says they have received word that the state of Tennessee will stop taking CDC grants for HIV treatment and prevention beginning in June. This funding goes to many non-profits…

Tivolithefts
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Tivoli Foundation Searching for Answers Following Vandalism

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tivoli Theatre suffered an attack from suspected vandals late last weekend. Chattanooga police are still searching for the suspects they believe vandalized the Tivoli Center Building on the night of Saturday, January 14th. This is the building that is adjacent to the Tivoli Theatre and historically was known as the Fowlers Building. The CEO of…

Gas Prices
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Gas Prices Increase Fifty Cents since Last Month

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Gas prices have been steadily rising since the beginning of the New Year. According to a report by GasBuddy, prices have risen 26.1 cents per gallon in the past week, which is 53.4 cents higher than what was seen only a month ago. This drastic rise has many speculating about what exactly is causing gas prices…

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Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Mocs Release Football Schedule With Opener Set For Sept 2nd at North Alabama

Rick Nyman,

(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA—The Chattanooga Mocs revealed the 2023 football schedule Monday. There are 11 games on tap with a return to SEC play included as well as two regional non-conference matchups balanced by the 8-game Southern Conference slate. Labor Day weekend sees the Mocs open at North Alabama. This is the third leg of a 4-game series with the Lions which…

School Choice
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

School Choice Applications Closing Soon

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This Hamilton County program offers more options for students to attend schools that better fit their interests and skill sets. Every student is guaranteed a spot at their zoned school. However, School Choice provides more opportunities through a randomized choice lottery application. Jim Boles, Director of Access and School Choice, said “we want to try to…

Holocaust
Featured, More To The Story With Staley

More to the Story with Staley – Holocaust Exhibit

Dave Staley,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It used to be a permanent exhibit in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. Now, it’s a traveling exhibit, and Chattanooga is one of its stops. The Chattanooga Public Library is one of only 50 public libraries in America to host the exhibit. It’s called “Americans and the Holocaust.” Specifically, the exhibit deals with…

Bradley Central Lfo Girls Basketball
Sports - Local Sports News

Bradley Central girls shine against LFO

Brian Armstrong,

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF)-Battle between Georgia and Tennessee. LFO vs Bradley Central Christen Collins drives from behind the arc sees a lane and gets that lay in. Bradley responds with a triple from the corner by Harmonie Ware. Bradley showing size down low as Kimora Fields able to score through contact and this one all Bradley as the bears win 74-43…

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Featured, Local News, Sequatchie County

Sequatchie County Police Arrest Six in Drug Bust

Nick Hill,

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office has arrested six people in a drug bust. Officers say that a two day investigation began when officers pulled over a vehicle on Highway one-11 after witnessing what they believed to be a drug transaction. They discovered suspected fentanyl and marijuana along with two guns, one that was stolen, and cash. Three…

Tivolithefts
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Chattanooga Police Searching for Tivoli Vandals

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Police Department is looking for a group of individuals they say vandalized the Tivoli Theatre. Take a good look at these pictures. The pictures depict three people, all in hoodies, inside the Tivoli. Police say they caused thousands of dollars in damages to the Tivoli. If you have any information on these suspects, contact Chattanooga…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Valentine’s for Veterans: Operation Love – A 34 Year Long Tradition

WDEF News,

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hundreds of people showed up today to make Valentines for Veterans at Red Bank’s Community Center. Link Sparks, the woman behind the campaign Operation Love, has been showing her appreciation to veterans since 1989. Paula Bean has been writing letters to veterans for years. “We want them to know that there are people out there…

Christian Heritage Improves To 17 0 With Win Over Social Circle
Sports - Local Sports News

Christian Heritage Improves to 17-0 After Beating Social Circle

Brian Armstrong,

DALTON, Georgia (WDEF)- Christian Heritage topped Social Circle 75-67 to stay undefeated on Friday night. Christian Heritage standout Jax Abernathy was instrumental in the victory as he had 32 points with 8 steals. Social Circle made a late push in the 4th quarter to make it a one possession game, but Christian Heritage was able to pull away late. Categories: Sports –…

Baylor Edges Rival Mccallie 54 52
Sports - Local Sports News

Baylor Narrowly Beats McCallie 54-52

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- A rivalry like no other in the Chattanooga area saw a basketball game go down to the wire at Baylor survives against McCallie winning 54-52.   McCallie missed two late three-pointer attempts that would have given the blue tornadoes the lead with under 10 seconds left.  It was a back-and-forth affair but, Baylor was able to defend…

Pistolbrace 004
Featured, Local News

New Pistol Brace Regulation Raises Questions

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has released a new rule concerning pistol braces on firearms. Pistol braces were designed for disabled gun owners to help them better handle firearms. They wrap around the user’s forearm to help stabilize the firearms. The ATF does not regulate gun accessories such as pistol braces. However, the…

Jason Kennedy
Featured, Local News, McMinn County

School principal, secretary arrested in McMinn County

MCSO authorities have arrested Jason Kennedy, Brittany Branham for numerous sex charges involving minors
WDEF News,

MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Two staff members at Liberty Christian Academy in Athens, Tennessee, have been arrested for numerous sex charges involving minors. Additional charges have also been made from an ongoing investigation of sexual assault this past August. McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy says authorities have arrested both 46-year-old Jason Kennedy and 28-year-old Brittany Branham. According to a…

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Chattanooga, Featured, UTC

UTC Police Department Hosts Cell Phone Charity Drive

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – UTC’s Police Department is holding a cell phone drive next week for survivors of relationship abuse. The school’s police department is partnering with the 911 Cell Phone Bank and the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. The charity drive starts the 23rd and lasts until the 28th. They are collecting all small electronic devices, including smartphones,…

Hamilton County Health Department
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Syphilis Cases Rise in Hamilton County

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga, as well as the rest of the country, is seeing a significant increase in Syphilis. Over the last year Hamilton County has seen a 65% increase in reported cases. Hamilton County’s Sexual Health Clinic is doing their best to curb infections in our community. Dr. Stephen Miller with HC Health Department says, “It’s very important…
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Salvation Army, Food City to aid Homeless Camps

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Salvation Army Chattanooga Area Command 614 is partnering with Food City to host a food drive lasting from January 23rd to January 27th as part of their Life Navigation Ministry. Starting on Monday the 23rd, donation bins will be placed in participating Food City locations. The food and supplies gathered will stock a mobile truck…