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…

Lady And The Tramp00000000
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…

Drivingforwardchatt 1280x720
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…

Sr 317 Apison Pike At University Drive
Collegedale, Featured, Local News

Collegedale Police identify truck driver in train collision

The driver is from south Georgia
Collins Parker,

COLLEGEDALE, Tennessee (WDEF) – Collegedale Police are updating their investigation into the train collision Tuesday on Apison Pike. The driver of the truck that was hit by the train was not local. He is 64 year old Jorge Luis Cruz-Vega from Martinez, Georgia. He drove for Starrette Houston Trucking LLC out of Augusta, Georgia. Officials have said that he was…

Utcmocs Logo Text
Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

UTC Mocs football sign 16 players including Cleveland’s D.J. Adams

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- UTC Mocs sign 16 players on early signing day. This group of new recruits includes seven 4-year transfers, one junior college and eight high school signings. Full list: D.J. Adams – 6-2, 165, CB – Cleveland HS – Cleveland, Tenn. Chase Artopoeus – 6-1, 195, QB – UCLA – Orcutt, Calif. Martez Cooksey, Jr. – 5-10, 175, DB…

Mom To Mom Grinch Pie
Mom To Mom

Mom to Mom-Grinch Pie

WDEF News,

Today we are making Grinch pie. We love the Grinch in our family, and what better way to have a wonderful green snack than with pie. And it’s so easy. If you want to know anything about me, is I like easy, and this is it. Basically, all you need is some white chocolate instant pudding, some Oreo pie crust,…

Trion And Dalton Advance To Finals Of Gordon Lee Holiday Tournament
Sports - Local Sports News

Dalton and Trion Girls Advance to Championship Games of Gordon Lee Holiday Tournament

Rick Nyman,

Chickamauga, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Trion girls along with the Dalton boys basketball team both advanced to the championship game of the Gordon Lee Holiday Tournament on Tuesday. Trion beat Gordon Lee 52-45, while Dalton knocked off LaFayette 69-56. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Championship games, Dalton, Gordon Lee Holiday Tournament, Trion Girls

Georgia Coach Mike White 'on Edge" Facing Chattanooga Mocs
Sports - Georgia Bulldogs, Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Georgia Coach Mike White ‘On Edge’ Over Matchup With the Mocs

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga Mocs venture into the big time Wednesday. They head to SEC country to face Georgia. But believe it or not, Dawgs coach Mike White is on edge over the match-up with a mid-major. Said White:”I’m on edge you know. We all need to be on edge because Chattanooga. Their last road game they ended a long streak at Middle…

Golden Apple Award
Chattanooga, Education, Golden Apple Award, Hamilton County, Local News

Daniel Gilbert at CCA wins this week’s Golden Apple Award

He is a math teacher at the Center For Creative Arts school
Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “On behalf of Food City and News Channel 12, I would like to present you with this week’s Golden Apple Teacher Award. ” “Oh my gosh, thank you so much!” DR. JILL LEVINE: He is engaging, he’s high energy, he cares about the kids. He makes math exciting and just comes to school every day with Incredible…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

City arrives at compromise maximum tow truck rates

$25 cheaper than the original ordinance the mayor vetoed
Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Mayor’s Office announces a deal over how much companies can charge for a tow in certain circumstances. The city sets a maximum charge that wrecker companies can charge if they are on the city call list (meaning they tow after wrecks, breakdowns or illegal parking). Operators complained that the rate hasn’t gone up in decades. So…

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Collegedale, Featured, Local News

Neighbors, emergency management respond to Collegedale train collision

Two Norfolk Southern employees received only minor injuries, according to Hamilton County official
WDEF News,

7pm UPDATE: Collegedale Police report the intersection is now back open to traffic. _________________ COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hundreds of first responders were called out to a violent train derailment in Collegedale Tuesday afternoon. Hamilton County’s Amy Maxwell confirmed in a press release that a tractor-trailer was driving west on Tucker Road, carrying a 134-foot concrete truss beam. But the back…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Homeless Man Prepares for Cold Weather

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Extremely cold temperatures are headed our way this weekend, getting as low as 10 degrees. For those without a home this holiday season, keeping warm is their utmost priority. Walter Hairston, a local man who has been homeless for almost eight months, has been struggling. He has been burning hand sanitizer and other alcohol based liquids…

Sr 317 Apison Pike At University Drive
Collegedale, Featured, Local News

Train hits road construction beam delivery truck in Collegedale

The beam was part of the Apison Pike widening project
Collins Parker,

MORE INFORMATION: EMS now says the truck was carrying a single 134 foot concrete truss beam. The driver was waiting for a green light at the railroad crossing when he got caught up on the tracks. That’s when the crossing gates came down on him and the train hit the truck. Latest count has 3 locomotives and ten cars derailed….

Collegedale Train Derailment 122022
Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, Ooltewah

Train Cars Derailed in Collegedale Tuesday Afternoon

WDEF News,

Collegedale (WDEF-TV) – A train derailed at University Drive and Apison Pike in Collegedale Tuesday afternoon. Collegedale Police are asking drivers to avoid the area. This is a developing story.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jennifer Lopes (@jen_lopes)   Categories: Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, Ooltewah Tags: Collegedale, train derailment