Candy Johnson
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

State of Black Chattanooga report released

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

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…

Axe Throwing
East Ridge, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, More To The Story With Staley

More To The Story: Axe Throwing

Dave Staley learns about the craft axe throwing
Collins Parker,

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 Girls Fall In State Tourney To Mtcs
Sports - Local Sports News

Notre Dame Falls to MTCS 62-49 in State Tournament

Rick Nyman,

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 Keeps Incredible District Streak Rolling
Sports - Local Sports News

Bradley Central Bearettes Keep District Championship Streak Rolling

Rick Nyman,

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
Sports - Local Sports News

Tyner’s Nehemiah Bloodsaw Plays to Honor His Mom

Rick Nyman,

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
Catoosa County, Featured, Local News

2/22/22 weddings at the Ringgold chapel

Collins Parker,

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…

Jon Ossoff
Dalton, Education, Local News

Sen. Ossoff talks job training at Dalton State

Collins Parker,

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

William Newman
Education, Golden Apple Award, Hamilton County, Local News

Golden Apple Award: William Newman, Thrasher Elementary

Andrew Harrison,

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…

Russia Putin
Chattanooga, Dalton, Featured, Local News

Local politicians react to Russia-Ukraine conflict

Both men against Russian aggression, hope for peaceful resolution
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin formally recognized both Luhansk and Donetsk as independent territories from Ukraine, sparking worldwide outrage. President Biden responded with new sanctions on Russia, calling Putin’s actions “blatant violations of international law” on Twitter. In Dalton, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff spoke on the matter, saying that regardless of what happens, he doesn’t want to…

Celeste Murphy
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Mayor Kelly Names New Police Chief Appointee

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The wait to find out who will be Chattanooga’s new Chief of Police is over. This morning, Mayor Tim Kelly announced that Celeste Murphy will be taking the role. Murphy hails from Atlanta, where she worked in law enforcement for over two decades. “Celeste rose through the ranks at the Atlanta Police Department, serving as patrol officer,…

Hamilton County Gop Mayoral Debate
Chattanooga, Elections, Featured, Government & Politics, Hamilton County, Local News

Republicans tee up similar ideas at Hamilton County Mayoral debate; vastly different implementations

The three candidates get animated over how to stop gang violence in Hamilton County
WDEF News,

The Republican field for Hamilton County Mayor is not very large: Sabrena Smedley; Weston Wamp; and Matt Hullander. While they all have similar ideas as to what they want Hamilton County to be, they’re vastly different as to how they’d go about it. Hullander: “Being a conservative, to me, starts with my belief in Biblical values.” Smedley: “I’m the only…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Alleged Uber Driver Rape Case Binds Over to Grand Jury

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – On January 15th, authorities say 36-year-old Zachery Johnson attacked an Uber driver after leaving a Chili’s restaurant on Gunbarrel Road. Today he faced Judge Alex McVeagh in General Sessions Court for a preliminary hearing. The victim testified before the court and audio of the alleged assault from dispatch was played. The victim’s 911 calls during the assault…

Hannah Jones Last Second Bucket Lifts Bradley Central To District Title
Sports - Local Sports News

Hannah Jones Last Second Bucket Lifts Bradley Central to District Title Over McMinn Co

Rick Nyman,

Athens, TN-(WDEF-TV) Hannah Jones hit a lay-in with roughly 10 seconds to play to lift Bradley Central to a 37-36 win over McMinn County in the finals of their district tournament. It was the Bearettes 12th straight district tournament title. Bradley Central built an 11 point lead in the third quarter, but it was erased by McMinn County. The Cherokees…

Featured, Local News, Ringgold

Hate crime trial being held for death of Ahmaud Arbery

Ringgold lawyer, former GA state representative, explains need for federal trial
WDEF News,

Brunswick, Georgia (WDEF) — The men responsible for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery are on trial again, this time for federal hate crime charges. However, all three were sentenced to life in prison, leaving some to perhaps wonder why an additional trial is necessary. McCracken Poston, a criminal defense lawyer in Ringgold, Georgia, and a former Georgia state representative, clarified…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, Weather Overtime

Office of Emergency Management Gives Guidance for Storm Season

WDEF News,

Teaming up with the National Weather Service, our local Office of Emergency Management reminding everyone that this is Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week. During the months of March, April, and May, people in east Tennessee should be prepared for inclement weather. “This is a great time to remind our residents that if you have an emergency plan, look at it,…

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

What’s Right With Our Schools: OLPH Baseball Field

Andrew Harrison,

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Our national pastime is more popular than ever at OLPH thanks to the addition a brand new ball field. It’s the culmination of a long time effort that will soon have bats cracking and gloves popping. Dewarren Lamb is the Athletic Director at OLPH. He says, “We decided that we wanted to have baseball here at…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Health, Local News

Local Reaction to American Medical Association Pushing for Accessible Narcan

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “It is something that happens almost on a daily basis that we respond to someone with a drug overdose where we have to administer Narcan,” says Chattanooga Fire Department Fire Chief Phil Hyman. While the Chattanooga Police Department just reported ten overdose deaths in a two week period, it’s the same story across the country as the…

John Disterdick
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, More To The Story With Staley

More To The Story: 80th Birthday workout

Dave meets a local man who is flexing his muscles on his 80th birthday
Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – This is John Disterdick. He lived in Chattanooga for over 20 years. He’s in Florida now. But he’ll be back in the Scenic City to celebrate his birthday! His 80th birthday. How will he mark his big day? Dig this: come March 12th, John will endure an 8K row, an 8K run, an 80K bike ride, an 800…

Techbyte Epikos 1280x720
Local News, Tech Byte, Technology

TECH BYTE: Apps to Help You Save on Gas

Emily Cassulo,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — We’re all feeling this pain at the pump right now. There are some smartphone apps that can help you navigate these high gas prices, and save some money. The GetUpside Cashback: Gas & Food app helps you save money, and earn some too! You can use it to earn cash back on gas, groceries, and at…