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…

Christian Heritage Comes Up Just Short Of Region Title
Sports, Sports - Local Sports News

Christian Heritage comes up just short of region title

WDEF News,

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — After a back-and-forth battle in the first half, North Cobb Christian found distance from Christian Heritage in the third quarter to take a substantial lead in the region finals game Saturday. Despite double-digit performances from Jax Abernathy (21), Braden Koneman (13) and Zundra Jackson (12), the Lions fell just short of a region championship, losing to…

Softball
Sports, Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Brooke Parrott throws fifth perfect game in Chattanooga history

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (UTC Athletics) – Brooke Parrott etched herself into the record books at Frost Stadium on Saturday afternoon against Radford. The junior starter tossed seven perfect innings en route to throwing the team’s first perfect game since 2002 and fifth ever in the history of Chattanooga Softball. The The Mocs defeated Radford 4-0 before falling in the final game…

Mocs
Sports, Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Slow start haunts Mocs men in 80-75 Loss to VMI

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (UTC Athletics) — The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team found themselves in an early hole for the second time this week and suffered an 80-75 loss to VMI in Southern Conference action on Saturday afternoon inside McKenzie Arena. Following the loss, Chattanooga falls to 22-8 overall, 12-4 in SoCon play, and is now just one came clear of…

Tent City
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Pursuit of Happiness spends night in Tent City to aid the homeless

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- President and CEO of the Pursuit of Happiness Michael Gordon and Board Member Troy Rodgers braved the freezing temperatures last night and spent the night in tent city. “The freezing temperature. Not knowing where you’re going to use the restroom. Not being able to charge your phone. Sleeping on that hard concrete, the sounds, the security issues!…

Nation's Top Ranked Team Sunrise Christian In Dr Pepper Classic
Sports - Local Sports News

McCallie’s Dr Pepper Classic Features Nation’s Top Ranked Team in Sunrise Christian

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) McCallie’s Dr. Pepper Classic features the top ranked high school basketball team in America in Sunrise Christian Academy out of Kansas. The Buffaloes are ranked number one by USA Today, and they looked the part on Friday night beating Hamilton Heights 68-33. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Dr. Pepper Classic, High School Basketball, McCallie School, Sunrise…

Red Bank Downs Central 87 52 In District Tourney
Sports - Local Sports News

Red Bank Blasts Central 87-52 in District Semifinals

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Red Bank boys basketball team defeated Central 87-52 in the semifinals of their district tournament on Friday at East Hamilton High School.  Haden Spurgeon led the Lions with 29 points. Red Bank will now face East Hamilt on in the district finals. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, Chattanooga Central, High School Basketball, Red Bank High…

Nw Whitfield Girls And Boys Split Region Tourney Titles
Sports - Local Sports News

Northwest Whitfield Girls Claim Region Title While the Guys Fall Just Short

Rick Nyman,

Tunnel Hill, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Northwest Whitfield girls won their region tournament championship game on Friday at NW Whitfield High School. The Bruins defeated Pickens 36-25, snapping their 21 game winning streak. The Bruins boys basketball team lost in the region finals to Central-Carrollton 61-58. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, High School Basketball, Northwest Whitfield High School