Tennessee Redistricting could go to court

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – State Republicans have released their plan to redraw the political boundaries in Tennessee. “The Democratic master put out a month ago. The Republican match came out yesterday and really no time to study the ammo. Really have input as to potential changes so it was open in an effort to just have the power we’re going…

Emissions Tests No Longer Mandatory

County Residents No Longer Need Emissions Tests for Vehicle Registration

Beginning at midnight, Hamilton County residents will no longer be required to pass an emissions test for vehicle registration. For over thirty years, residents have been required to pay for these tests under the Clean Air Act of 1990. A test is priced at 9 dollars, but some have argued that the tests are most expensive for those least able…

Huge Turnout at Election Commission

Hamilton County Residents Voice Redistricting Concerns

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Election Commission met this morning to discuss redistricting and voting centers. Numerous county residents attended. The crowd of was noted as the largest in recent memory. “We were basically at people just standing. We didn’t have enough seats for everyone that came today. I think we may be looking at what the new normal…

More To The Story: Tai Ji

Dave Staley visits a class to learn how an old martial art is getting new followers

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s an old building in the St. Elmo area of Chattanooga. Inside the walls, Chris Campbell is teaching an old version of martial arts. For the internal system. It’s Tai Ji. Originating in China back in the 1600’s. Chris has lived here in the Scenic City for over 20 years. He’s been a Tai Ji teacher for…

Hamilton County Commission to Vote Next Week on Nepotism Pay

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd has been leading the charge for a change in rules that currently allows local elected officials to pay a direct family member that they employ county funds. “What inspired it was the shenanigans that the DA was pulling about what kind of funds were being used to pay his brother-in-law and wife,”…

Signal Mountain stabbing suspect gets bond

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A woman charged with criminal homicide for the stabbing death of a man inside her home had a bond set today in Hamilton County Court. Rhonda Essenpreis of Signal Mountain was arrested late last month following the stabbing of 69-year-old Randy Otto. Otto was killed at the 3600 block of Scarlet Maple Court. The sheriff’s office says…

Hamilton County Judge Sends Migrant Youth Worker Sexual Battery Case to Grand Jury

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Three female employees of the Baptiste Group were arrested in 2021 on various charges of sexual misconduct against minors staying at their shelter for migrants in Chattanooga. Today, Randi Duarte, Rebekah Perez and Florencia Morales had an opportunity to speak before a Hamilton County Court Judge. “These victims were all in a migrant camp here in Chattanooga…

Golden Apple Award: Lauren Grimes, Dalewood Middle School

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Sixth grade Math the can be challenging. The problems get more complex.You need a good teacher to properly explain the process. Dalewood Middle School’s Lauren Grimes blends high energy with great expectations to get the most out of her kids. Rashaad Williams is the Principal at Dalewood Middle. He says, “Miss Grimes is a phenomenal teacher….

Body found in debris of old Ricky’s Restaurant after fire

Not discovered until 48 hours after the fire

from Chattanooga Fire Dept. CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The burned ruins of the old Ricky’s Restaurant on 4th Avenue has now been roped off as a crime scene.   Fire officials say a body has now been found in the debris.   Firefighters originally missed it when the condemned building burned in the early morning hours on Sunday.   Crews fought…

Much Anticipated Peach Cobbler Factory Hosts Grand Opening

Peach Cobbler FactoryChattanooga, TN (WDEF): Today is the grand opening of the Peach Cobbler Factory. Located on 301 East MLK Boulevard, it is the 7th open location to date in four states. The first Peach Cobbler Factory started up in Nashville. They currently have agreements for fifty more locations in 12 states in the works. The restaurant sells different flavors…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga Christian Surf Club

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – As far as states go, Tennessee is just about as landlocked as they come, but our geographic disadvantage was only a minor obstacle for a highly motivated Chattanooga Christian teacher. Travis “Chaplain” Hutchinson is the Surf Club Sponsor for CCS. He explains, “Every year our school has something called interim where we take kids for a…

Investigation Into Hamilton County Child Rape Crosses State Lines, Public Assistance Needed

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Ryan Andrew Meyung was arrested in December on multiple counts of child rape, aggravated kidnapping and other related charges. An arrest affidavit says Meyung was a motocross stunt rider. Meyung has a YouTube page with dozens of videos, including one where he announces his new business. “I decided to go ahead and start my own business. So,…

TECH BYTE: CES 2022 Spotlights Transportation

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (WDEF) — The Consumer Electronics Show is back in Las Vegas, and better than ever. CES is in person this year, but because of the recent surge in COVID cases, some companies still decided to attend virtually instead. Transportation is taking the spotlight at CES this year. They may not be flying yet, but the future is…

Mocs stay perfect in SoCon, beat Citadel

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (UTC Athletics) — Behind a fantastic defensive effort from Darius Banks, 27 points from Malachi Smith, and a double-double from Silvio De Sousa, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team ran away with an 85-67 victory over The Citadel in Southern Conference action inside McKenzie Arena on Saturday afternoon. Chattanooga has now won its last four games and improved…

‘Crimson Crane’ takes over Fan Central

INDIANAPOLIS (WDEF) — As Georgia and Alabama get ready for Monday’s National Championship, fans from both sides have descended on Playoff Fan Central in the Indiana Convention Center. There, fans can pose with the national championship trophy, test their football skills in different challenges, even see team themed Indy cars. I mean, it wouldn’t be Indianapolis without them. One thing…

Walker Valley Knocks Off District Leader Howard 64-53

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Walker Valley handed Howard their first district loss of the season as they beat the Hustlin’ Tigers 64-53. The Mustangs raced out to a 21-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, and Howard could not overcome the big deficit. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Basketball, High School Basketball, Howard School, Walker Valley High School

Alabama and Georgia Arrive in Frigid Indianapolis For National Title Game

Indianapolis-(WDEF-TV) Alabama and Georgia are turning Indianapolis into ‘Title Town’. The SEC combatants play for the national title Monday in Indy. Both teams landed in town Friday, and News 12’s Angela Moryan was there to greet’em. Angie: A fridge is 17° welcome to Georgia and Alabama to Indianapolis here tonight it might be freezing on the tarmac however Monday is…