Cole Copeland Making Most of Second Chance With the Mocs

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Cole Copeland started six games as a freshman quarterback for the Mocs in 2017, but then he was suspended the following season for academics. The Bradley Central grad eventually left the team. With his college football career going no where, Copeland worked up the courage to seek a return to UTC. Now he’s making the grades and also starting…

Interim Police Chief and Local Reaction On Weekend Of Gun Violence

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – “They’re all in gangs. They’re violent. They’re young. They don’t have no guidance, no parents,” says Irma Mendoza in response to the nine shootings with three fatalities in Chattanooga this weekend. “Nobody cares about them so they get killed and it’s just like…nothing,” says Mendoza. One of the weekend shootings was outside of 1124 Grove Street. Seven…

Transparency questions over Hamilton County redistricting

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The once-in-a-decade district redrawing for Hamilton County is officially underway, but not everyone agrees with how the process has been handled so far. “(You must) Involve the public more by giving people information before your meeting so that they can be prepared to ask questions at your meeting,” says State Representative, Yusuf Hakeem. The first…

Gov. Kemp commits Covid money to give first responders $1000 bonus

ATLANTA (AP) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says he will use federal COVID-19 aid to pay $1,000 bonuses to every police officer, sheriff’s deputy, firefighter and emergency medical technician statewide. Other workers who will be eligible include prison and jail guards, probation and parole officers and 911 dispatchers. The governor also plans $300 payments to volunteer firefighters statewide. His office…

The Hamilton County Health Department begins administering Pfizer Booster Shots

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn (WDEF) – The Pfizer Covid -19 Booster shot is now available in Hamilton County.  Last week the CDC approved Pfizer booster shots for everyone over the age of 65 and today is the first day the booster shot has been available to residents who fit the criteria-  but if you are wanting a booster- you’ll first need to…

R&B superstar R. Kelly convicted in sex trafficking trial

By TOM HAYS and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — R. Kelly, the R&B superstar known for his anthem “I Believe I Can Fly,” was convicted Monday in a sex trafficking trial after decades of avoiding criminal responsibility for numerous allegations of misconduct with young women and children. A jury of seven men and five women found Kelly,…

Fort Oglethorpe Police looking for suspect in deadly apartment shooting

Update: FORT OGLETHORPE, Georgia (WDEF) – The G.B.I. have arrested two people in connection to the fatal shooting that happened Thursday night in Fort Oglethorpe. The G.B.I says that Malachi Housley and Keishun Rowe, who are both 18-years-old from Chattanooga, were arrested Friday and charged with Felony Murder. The incident happened at the Oglethorpe Ridge Apartments on Cloud Springs Road…

More To The Story: Chattanooga Historical Society

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Historical Society is a relatively new nonprofit. Starting a little over a year ago. It has yet to OFFICIALLY open. There’s still work to be done. Especially securing storage space. But it’s only a matter of time. Chattanooga hasn’t had an historical society for decades. But when it’s set to go, you’ll be able to really…

Calhoun Knocks Off Cedartown 31-7

Calhoun, GA-(WDEF-TV) Calhoun handed Cedartown their first loss of the season Thursday night with a 31-7 victory over the Bulldogs. The Yellow Jackets scored on a half-back pass just before halftime to go up 17-7 at the break. Then on their first possession of the third quarter, quarterback Christian Lewis hit Quin Smith for a 95-yard touchdown. Categories: Sports –…

Central High media class learns about the news and then presents it to the school

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A few familiar faces from our news station were invited to speak to a media class at Central High School today. Partnering with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, News 12’s Chip Chapman and Andy Santoro spoke to the students about the evolving work of local news and journalism. The Sheriff’s office explained how they work side by…

Janet Hinds trial goes to the jury

Defense presented their case on Thursday

UPDATE: The jury will continue their deliberations on Friday. _________ CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – During the fourth day of the Janet Hinds trial, the state rested and the defense began to call their witnesses. It’s been a busy day in the courtroom, as closing arguments were presented- BUT one thing is evident- we will soon know the fate of Janet Hinds….

6 suspects charged in police dog shooting and auto burglaries

Officials offer details on the shooting, chase and arrest from Wednesday

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – Investigators have charged 6 juveniles with auto burglaries and the shooting of a K-9 officer on Wednesday. The crimes and chase happened in Cleveland, while the suspects were picked up later in Chattanooga. It began early Wednesday morning around 1:40 AM when Cleveland Police responded to an auto burglary in progress call at Park Oaks Apartments…

Is there a shortage of monoclonal antibodies in Tennessee?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Monoclonal antibodies seem to be all the rage these days. As of last week, seven states with high COVID and low vaccination rates – including Tennessee and Georgia – accounted for nearly 70 percent of the nation’s antibody orders. And while some are expressing concerns over a lack of supply, Jacob Standefer with Access Pharmacy says they…

$2.2 million giving to Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition to prevent youth homelessness

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- “Couch surfing can lead to being a chronically homeless person,” said Outreach specialist for homeless coalition Dylan Green. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $2.2 million to Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition as a means to combat youth homelessness and prevent 18-24 years turning into chronic homelessness. “It is usually the first step in homelessness…

Janet Hinds trial testimony on her estimated blood alcohol content

Prosecution and Defense present different numbers

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – lt’s been quite the day inside the state of Tennessee vs. Janet Hinds trial. One of the key arguments that occupied most of day three was Janet’ Hinds blood alcohol content. There is speculation from both sides, but a definitive answer is still unknown. In Wednesday’s proceedings we heard more from the state’s witnesses and listened to…

Rep. Hakeem questions Republicans on Black history bill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – “We feel this is something that needs to happen not only for black folks, for people like myself, but for the broader community and white students to bring about that balance and understanding,” says State Representative Yusuf Hakeem. He is asking his Republican colleagues why they won’t review a Black history bill that he put forth back…

K9 Shot Multiple Times, Survives Emergency Surgery

BRADLEY COUNTY, TN (WDEF) – “A lot of the K9 handlers view their dogs, their partners, as their child,” says Sergeant Evie West with the Cleveland Police Department. Joker is a hard-working dog with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office. His handler is Deputy Eduardo Choate. “This K9 specifically has assisted us in apprehending many suspects,” says West. Early Wednesday morning,…