Expect to see a gas price spike from the Ukraine invasion

Steve Ray predicts it will last two or three days

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee (WDEF) – One far-reaching consequence of the conflict in Ukraine is the fluctuation of local gas prices. As Russia invades its neighbor, the price of gas is expected to rise in the United States. And Tennessee is no exception. Midnight Oil owner Steve Ray predicts “I think consumers can realistically expect prices, in the next two to three days,…

Local Community Leaders Push for Flooding Legislation

RED BANK, Tennessee (WDEF) – In response to Tennessee’s risk for flooding, local elected officials, business owners, and citizens have formed the coalition Flood Ready Tennessee. According to the group, communities such as Red Bank could face serious economic and personal costs in the event of a flood. “Our main thoroughfare on Dayton Boulevard is built along and in some…

Murray Co. sends off Lady Indians to second round

CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF) — It was party time in Chatsworth Thursday. The town gathered for a big send-off for the Murray County girls basketball team. The girls boarded the bus for Augusta, where they will face Cross Creek in the next round of the state tournament. Cross Creek is the defending state champs with a 24-1 record this season. But…

U.S. Xpress agrees to teach trucking skills to Chattanooga State studetnts

They will put a Future Ready Institute at their headquarters

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Supply Chain 101 will soon be in session at Chattanooga State Community College. Trucking giant U.S. Xpress is working with Chattanooga State Community College to add a Future Ready Institute at the company’s headquarters in East Brainerd. The company is planning to convert some of its facility into a training ground for students to learn more about…

From The Archives: 1992 stars

We combine 3 stories from February of 1992 about 3 people in our spotlight that month

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – We couldn’t pick just one star for you in tonight’s Thursday Throwback. So we came up with three. Our stars come from the fields of music, politics and the Winter Olympics 30 years ago. And they were all on our minds in February of 1992. One was Olympic skater Christopher Bowman. His father was born in Chattanooga, so…

Not Guilty Verdict in Local High School Rape Trial

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “We the jury find the defendant Romalace Williams not guilty.” After five hours of deliberation, a jury of 12 found Romalace Williams not guilty of rape. The rape charges stemmed from an incident that allegedly happened at Brainerd High School when Williams was 17 and the accuser was 14 in 2018. “I’ve been practicing law for over…

Military retirees express concerns over Russia-Ukraine crisis

Former Naval officers disappointed, believe Putin is taking advantage of President Biden

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — On Thursday afternoon, President Biden imposed harsh economic sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. However, retired two-star Admiral Vance Fry said he believes Putin does not see Biden as a threat and that the sanctions mean “nothing” for the Russian president. “Putin senses a weak President,” Fry said. “Significant changes and penalties and…

Chattanooga Police Department program assisting in mental health calls

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chattanooga Police Department has launched a new program to provide an additional tool in its belt to help serve the community. Lt. Tim Tomisek, with the Chattanooga Police Department, says the department responds to 35-45 mental health-related calls a week.  C.P.D. has launched a Co-Response Unit (CCRU) to assist with mental health calls. CCRU pairs a Crisis…

Luella Eliminates NW Whitfield 64-61 in the State Tournament

Tunnel Hill, GA-(WDEF-TV) Northwest Whitfield could not hold onto a 14 point halftime lead on Wednesday as they lost to Luella 64-61 in the state tournament. The Lions turned the tide in the third quarter with their pressure defense. They out-scored NW Whitfield 27-8 in the third period. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, High School Basketball, Northwest…

Mocs Capture SoCon Title With 83-77 Win Over ETSU

(gomocs.com) JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (February 23) — Sophomore Grant Ledford scored a career-high 25 points and knocked down seven three-pointers to help lift the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team to its second Southern Conference regular season title since 1994 behind an 83-77 road victory over rival ETSU on Wednesday night inside Freedom Hall. Following the win, Chattanooga improves to 23-7…

“Karma’s a …”: Comptroller report on DA Pinkston has Boyd calling for his resignation

County Commissioner Tim Boyd says he's vindictive, but doesn't want a DA in office that violates the law

The state comptroller’s office wrapped up an investigation into the hiring and continued employment of relatives in the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office. The conclusion? D-A Neal Pinkston violated the state’s nepotism policy. When the comptroller’s report found its way to our inbox this afternoon, there were already several statements that followed: from D-A Neal Pinkston’s office to his opponent…

State of Black Chattanooga report released

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga brings attention to disparities among Black residents in city

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga delivered its inaugural State of Black Chattanooga report this afternoon revealing critical data for Black residents in the city. The report revealed various gaps in equality for Blacks in Chattanooga, specifically economics, education and health. Rev. Dr. Ernest Reid of the Second Missionary Baptist Church stressed the importance of knowing Black…

More To The Story: Axe Throwing

Dave Staley learns about the craft axe throwing

EAST RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) – Say, if you don’t mind me asking, have you ever thrown an axe? If not, you could be like Joseph. Joseph might well hit a knot on a tree from 150 yards out. More to the point, he can nail the bullseye with that big knife. And that’s what “Craft Axe Throwing” in East Ridge…

Notre Dame Falls to MTCS 62-49 in State Tournament

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Notre Dame girls basketball team saw their season come to an end on Tuesday evening as they lost in the state tournament to Middle Tennessee Christian School by a final of 62-49. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, High School Basketball, Middle Tennessee Christian School, Notre Dame High School

Bradley Central Bearettes Keep District Championship Streak Rolling

Athens, TN-(WDEF-TV) Streaks have always gained plenty of notoriety in sports, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the streak the Bradley Central girls basketball team has put together. Last night the Bearettes captured their 12th consecutive district tournament title. Keeping the district title streak in tact wasn’t easy last night for Bradley central. McMinn County took’em down to…

Tyner’s Nehemiah Bloodsaw Plays to Honor His Mom

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) – The Tyner Rams play for the district title tonight. One win away from a 20-win season, the Ram Train has been led by breakout junior guard Nehemiah Bloodsaw. However, his success story began with tragedy. News 12’s Angela Moryan has his inspiring story. Said Tyner head coach  E’Jay Ward: “He’s been a big spark. Our success comes a…

2/22/22 weddings at the Ringgold chapel

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) – Not only is today Tuesday, but it’s also “Twos-day.” It’s Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022. If you write that out, it’s 2/22/22 on a Tuesday. Some people used this opportunity to get married at the Wedding Capital of the South, Ringgold. Candace and Josh wanted to get married at 2:22 p.m. at the Ringgold Wedding Chapel of…

Sen. Ossoff talks job training at Dalton State

DALTON, Georgia (WDEF) – U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff visited Dalton State University on Tuesday to talk about Pell Grants. He chose the Dalton campus because they are the only Hispanic Serving Institution in the state of Georgia. Sen. Ossoff says he is working to expand job training programs. Categories: Dalton, Education, Local News Tags: Dalton State College, Jon Ossoff

Golden Apple Award: William Newman, Thrasher Elementary

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, TN (WDEF) – Making Math and Science fun for young children can be a challenge.William Newman has created a variety of activities to keep his fourth graders engaged throughout the year at Thrasher Elementary.  Children can’t wait to come to Mr. Newman’s class each day. Jeff Paulson is the Principal at Thrasher. He says, “Mr. Newman is the…