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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Salvation Army Hosts Community Brunch

Over 300 people were served breakfast and backpacks filled with necessities
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 300 people experiencing homelessness or financial hardships were served brunch this morning at the Salvation Army. Local volunteers helped spread the joy of Christmas by distributing backpacks filled with essentials such as hats, scarves, and hygiene products to those in need. The event started at 10 a.m. this morning and ended around noon. Community…

Shallowfordroadcrash
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Crash Shuts Down Shallowford Road

Nick Hill,

Police responding to a violent crash on the 6200 block of Shallowford Road. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Police responded to a violent crash on Shallowford Road earlier this afternoon. Police issued an alert shortly after 2 p.m. that the 6200 block of Shallowford Road at the intersection with Shepherd Road and Noah Reid Road was blocked off. It appears two…

Apisontrain 006
Collegedale, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Crews Working to Clean Up Train Crash Wreckage in Collegedale

Nick Hill,

Crews working to clear out train wreckage on Apison Pike in Collegedale. COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Crews are currently working to clean up last week’s train crash wreckage on Apison Pike in Collegedale. Crews have been out since 7 a.m. this morning and beginning the long straining process of making sure the railroad crossing is clear and safe for traffic to…

Bradley County, Cleveland, Featured, Local News

Teacher and Husband Killed in Christmas Crash in Bradley County

Nick Hill,

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A teacher in Bradley County and her husband are dead following a fatal crash on Christmas Night. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Brittany and Dustin Dillard, both 33 years old, were killed around 6:30 Sunday evening on U.S. Highway 64 in eastern Bradley County. The preliminary report says that they were traveling with three children in…

Ooltewahcrash
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, Ooltewah

Man Injured in Two Truck Crash in Ooltewah

Nick Hill,

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- A crash in Ooltewah injured one person and snarled traffic earlier this afternoon. This was the scene on the 6800 block of Mountain View Road, which is right next to I-75. Witnesses say that a driver of a white Chevrolet Silverado pulled out in front of a utility truck and was t-boned. The Tri-Community Fire Department, who…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Homeless Coalition Give Toys to Children Displaced in Budgetel Evictions

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Evicted Budgetel residents currently residing at a motel in Lookout Valley recieved a surprise this morning.The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition came out to the Super 8 on Birmingham Highway and gave away gifts to those who were displaced by the Budgetel evictions in November. A dozen volunteers came out to help the residents collect gifts.The Coalition says…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Union Gospel Mission Serves Christmas Lunch

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-Despite the cold, the homeless population in Chattanooga had access to a hot meal today. The Union Gospel Mission held its annual Christmas lunch on the lawn of the Bessie Smith Performance Hall. They say that over 250 people were served during such a critical time with not just the weather, but the holidays. Kimberly George-Race, who handles…
Featured, Local News, Walker County

Rossville VFW to host free Christmas dinner for veterans

Husband and wife team, VFW members don't want to see fellow veterans alone on December 25
WDEF News,

ROSSVILLE, Georgia (WDEF) — Christmas Day is almost here. But sadly, not everyone will have a family to spend it with, including area veterans. Fortunately, a local husband-wife team is determined to fix that. While Christmas is often associated with family, some local veterans could be spending the day alone. For Joy and Rodney Pfeifer of VFW 3679, it’s their…

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Local News, Tech Byte, Technology

TECH BYTE: More States Banning TikTok

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A growing number of states, including Tennessee and Georgia, are banning the social media app TikTok from their state government network devices. Even the Peach State’s 26 universities and colleges in the University System are now following suit. “I think it’s probably a smart idea for government buildings and government entities,” said Christina Finley, Tech Goes…

Chatt State Classic
Sports - Local Sports News

Chatt State basketball Classic

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Several games throughout the pass few days and Friday. Thursday’s games included Howard vs Chattanooga Prep boys’ basketball where Chatt Prep won 56-42. Cleveland had a back-and-forth affair edging out East Hamilton 52-50. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Chattanooga State, Classic, local sports news

Driving in winter snow and ice
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Local, state officials warn area residents of inclement weather

Sudden freezing temperatures expected to hit Chattanooga, Hamilton County Thursday night, Friday morning
WDEF News,

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Multiple agencies and organizations are preparing for the worst tonight in the Tennessee Valley, as inclement weather “not seen in decades” is on the way. Everyone from Mayor Wamp’s Office to UTC, EPB and the Hamilton County Highway Department is either advising residents to stay safe or providing service updates on what to expect. Flash…

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Entertainment, Featured, From The Archives, Local News

From The Archives: Christmas Movies in 1986

See the busts and the hits from the holiday season 36 years ago
Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – While your family make hunker down for some serious steaming over Christmas weekend, the tradition used to be of bundling them all up to go to the movies. So we’re taking you back to the year 1986 to see what was playing at Christmas. The stars that year were Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Jane Fonda and Clint…

Thumbnail Hughes James
Featured, Local News, Walker County

Rossville Police Captain Encourages Sexual Assault Victims to Come Forward

Nick Hill,

ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF)- The Rossville Police Department is continuing their investigation into a local softball coach that is accused of sexual misconduct with minors. Last week, James R. Hughes, also known as Pete Hughes, was arrested by the Rossville Police Department and charged with Sexual Battery and False Imprisonment. According to Rossville Police Detective Captain David Scroggins, he began investigating…

Dalton Loses In Finals
Sports - Local Sports News

Dalton falls short in holiday basketball tournament

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Dalton made it to the finals of the Gordon Lee holiday basketball tournament and faced Kings Ridge. In the first half it was a low scoring affair and during multiple stretches of the game neither take could take advantage of the other team not scoring. Dalton lost 39-25. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: basketball tournament,…

Cbs Nye
Entertainment, Featured, Local News

Country Artist Elle King Teases New Year’s Eve Bash

WDEF News,

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Country music stars are taking the stage to celebrate 2023 as part of CBS’ NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH. Riverbend Festival alums Jimmie Allen and Elle King are hosting the TV special along with Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith. Allen and King are singing too. When News 12 asked Elle about her performance, she told…

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Driving Our Economy Forward, Jobs & Economy, Local News

Driving Our Economy Forward: Chattanooga Chamber’s Impact on Businesses

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — When companies are looking to locate their operations in a new location, the local chamber of commerce can provide valuable information and resources. The Chattanooga Chamber talked to News 12 about how they’re driving our economy forward. “The chamber has an economic development arm that really functions as kind of the first point of contact for…

Zelenskyy
Featured, US & World News

Zelenskyy thanks ‘every American,’ sees ‘turning point’

Associated Press,

By ZEKE MILLER, LISA MASCARO and E. EDUARDO CASTILLO Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has paid a defiant wartime visit to Washington to thank U.S. leaders and “ordinary Americans” for their support in fighting off Russia’s invasion. He said that “against all odds” Ukraine still stands and he pledged there would be “no compromises” in trying…
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

New Tyner Academy approved for 96 million dollars

Mayor Weston Wamp says new building will "set a high bar" for public education
WDEF News,

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Wednesday morning, the Tyner Academy Community received an early Christmas gift courtesy of the Hamilton County Commission. It’s one they’ve been asking for for a long time. The commission unanimously voted in approval of the brand-new Tyner Academy, set for a price of $96 million. The wish for renovations to the aging academy building have been…

Tommy Morgan 1
Dade County, Featured, Local News

Suspect who escaped in squad car has now been arrested

Tommy Morgan escaped 9 days ago in Dade County
Collins Parker,

TRENTON, Georgia  (WDEF) – Dade County officers say they have captured a suspect who stole one of their squad cars in his escape. Eleven days ago, 32 year old Tommy E. Morgan was in the back of a deputy’s car under arrest. But the Sheriff’s Office says he somehow managed to force his way through a barrier and into the…

Rape Suspect
Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

Accused rapist on TBI Most Wanted List arrested

Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The TBI reports the arrest of a rape suspect from Chattanooga after more than a decade. Mario Escobar is a native of Guatamala. Chattanooga Police issued warrants for his arrest in 2009. He was accused of raping an underage female three times and then threatening her if she told. Escobar had been on the TBI Most Wanted…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Homeless Coalition Respond to Critical Wamp Letter

Nick Hill,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp sent a letter to the Hamilton County Commission criticizing the placement of certain individuals displaced by the Budgetel Evictions. Her criticism was aimed directly at the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition. In the letter, she says that many of the displaced residents from the Budgetel have previous criminal records. She references a…