Linda Moss Mines
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Public Library hosts open lecture on Russia-Ukraine history

Local historian hopes lecture will help residents better understand current crisis
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — For 45 years, Linda Moss Mines hasn’t just taught history. She’s stressed the importance behind it. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many were left simply wondering — why? Mines, the official historian for Chattanooga and Hamilton County, dove into Russia’s and Ukraine’s pasts in a public lecture and connected them to the present. “It really takes…
Featured, Government & Politics, Hamilton County, Local News

Pinkston announces re-election bid, Boyd calls on him to resign

Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – On the day that Neal Pinkston officially announces his re-election bid, a Hamilton County Commissioner asks him to resign. Pinkston issued a release today saying he will seek a second term this spring. In Tennessee, District Attorneys serve 8 year terms, the longest for elected D-A’s in the country. “I did not take your faith in me…

Cave Photo
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Two Men Rescued from Cave after Overnight Search

WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tuesday, the Chattanooga Fire Department reported that Gabriel Vaughn and Robby Dobos were lost in a cave beneath Lookout Mountain. The men were not found until 3:45 Wednesday morning. After learning that two men had gone missing after going caving, several emergency services divisions began searching caves at the base of Lookout Mountain, yesterday evening. Gabriel Vaughn…
Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Chattanooga kicks off ‘housing month’ with new program to aid homeless

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-“The problem is housing supply,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and staff are attempting to expand the supply of affordable housing in the city. Wednesday’s announcement focused on those currently or potentially facing homelessness. The city unveiled the ‘Housing Provider Risk Mitigation Fund’ program, which will provide funding for repairs that are needed after damage…

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Featured, Local News, More To The Story With Staley

More To The Story with Staley – Bear’s Barber Shop

Dave introduces us to community icon, "Bear"
Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s a relatively small barber shop on Alton Park Boulevard here in Chattanooga. But there’s nothing “small” about the owner! “Good morning, Bear’s Barber Shop…..” That’s 74 year old Larry High answering the phone. But everybody knows him as “Bear.” March is always an anniversary month for Bear. Bear High has been here a long time. A LONG…

Addie Porter Brings Bulldog Mentality To The Mocs
Sports - Local Sports News, Sports - UTC Mocs

Addie Porter Brings Bulldog Mentality to the Mocs

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) It’s March first. Let the March Madness begin. Seems the madness is always there for Mocs freshman guard Addie Porter. UTC hopes to unleash her aggressive style in the SoCon tournament this week. If Katie Burrows needs a spark for her team, she knows Addie Porter can ignite it. Said head coach Katie Burrows:”She’s a Bulldog. She’s tough. Mentally….

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

Chattanoogans march in support of Ukraine

Ukrainian Gospel Church sending prayers, supplies back home
WDEF News,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Members of the Ukrainian Gospel Church turned the Walnut Street bridge into a sea of blue and yellow Tuesday night. Youth Leader Assistant Maksim Mikhaylishin said their message not anger and violence, but rather, peace, love, and most of all — prayer. “We have a lot of family, a lot of relatives that are suffering,” Mikhaylishin said….

Marathon Runner Truman Smith
Sports - Local Sports News

Chattanooga’s Truman Smith Runs Marathons All Over the World

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Less than one thousand people, from all across the world, have run a marathon on all seven continents. Chattanooga is home to one. Truman Smith has finished more than 200 marathons, even after life-threatening health scares. News 12’s Angela Moryan has his story. Said Smith: “Finally seeing that finish line, it was overwhelming.” Chattanooga native Truman Smith is one…
Featured, Government & Politics, Local News, Walker County

Georgia State Senate Passes Permitless Carry Bill

Bill moves on to House
WDEF News,

WALKER CO., Ga. — On Monday, the Georgia State Senate passed Bill 319, which would allow eligible people in Georgia to carry a handgun without a license or permit. The bill is an example of constitutional carry legislation, which Governor Brian Kemp vowed to support moving into 2022. “It goes back to the fundamentals of the constitution. Most people believe…

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Bradley County, Cleveland, Education, Weather Overtime

Weather in the Classroom Visits Cleveland Middle School

WDEF News,

Cleveland, TN (WDEF): Weather in the classroom was on the road today to Cleveland Middle School. Meteorologist Bekah Birdsall gave two presentations to four hundred middle schools about being a meteorologist. The sixth grade students have been learning the weather and climate unit. They had lots of questions about tornadoes and severe weather safety. The teachers wanted the students to…

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Education, Golden Apple Award, Local News, Walker County

Golden Apple Award: Gordon Lee Middle’s Lester Galyon

Andrew Harrison,

Chickamauga, GA (WDEF) – Even in the rigid world of of mathematics, there can be more than one way to solve a problem. Good teachers like Lester Galyon realize that. Despite a lifetime of experience in the classroom, he is always  open to trying new things.” Chris Edge is the Assistant Principal at Gordon Lee Middle. He says, “Coach Galyon is…

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Chattanooga, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News

Chattanooga on pace for record level of traffic fatalities

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-“Every traffic fatality that we have worked, speed has been a factor. Each and every one of them,” said Lt. Danny Jones. Chattanooga Police Department says Chattanooga has already had seven fatal accidents, as compared to two at this point in 2021. “We’ve got to have people sit down. If it’s not for anything other than for your…

Mardi Bra
Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Local News

Salvation Army serving women in need through ‘Mardi Bra’

Brian Armstrong,

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is celebrating Mardi Gras by aiding women facing homelessness. This eighth annual Mardi Bra event handed out necessities such as bras, panties, and feminine hygiene items. Salvation Army volunteer, Claudette Andrews,  said these items are rarely donated due to cost and often being overlooked. “They can get what they need here. Things…

Gary Rankin Introduced As Boyd Buchanan's New Football Coach
Sports - Football, Sports - Local Sports News

Legendary Football Coach Gary Rankin Introduced at Boyd Buchanan

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The winningest high school football coach in Tennessee history will be on the sidelines for Boyd Buchanan next season. Gary Rankin was introduced as the Bucs new coach on Monday. He left his power-house program at Alcoa to be closer to family in Chattanooga. Sometimes the reasons for change can be small. For Gary Rankin. It was a grand…

Bob Corker On Ukraine Invasion
Local News, US & World News

Bob Corker says Vladimir Putin has turned himself into a pariah

Collins Parker,

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Former US Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker gave his thoughts on the Ukraine conflict today. Corker said Vladimir Putin has turned himself into a Pariah in attacking Ukraine. He expressed admiration for the nations that have come together to stand up to Russia. But he also expressed concern the conflict will result in civilian casualties and…

Ukraine Missionaries Thumbnail
Catoosa County, Featured, Local News, Ringgold, US & World News

This couple wants back into Ukraine

Ringgold's Henry and Victoria Benach want to take humanitarian aid and gospel literature
WDEF News,

RINGGOLD, Ga. — The war in Ukraine has continued into its fifth straight day. Ukrainian civilians are fleeing to neighboring European countries as the conflict continues. But only a week ago, Henry and Victoria Benach were trying to reach the front lines. “We had a team of about five people, including my wife, and we were taking a lot humanitarian…