Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, US & World News

Military retirees express concerns over Russia-Ukraine crisis

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

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…

Cpd
Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Health, Local News

Chattanooga Police Department program assisting in mental health calls

Brian Armstrong,

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 Knocks Off Northwest Whitfield
Sports - Local Sports News

Luella Eliminates NW Whitfield 64-61 in the State Tournament

Rick Nyman,

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…
Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Mocs Capture SoCon Title With 83-77 Win Over ETSU

Rick Nyman,

(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…

DA Neal Pinkston
Chattanooga, Featured, Government & Politics, Hamilton County, Local News

“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
WDEF News,

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…

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…