UTC Women’s Basketball Team Remains Top Draw in the SoCon

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The UTC women’s basketball team may not always lead the SoCon in wins. But you can bet they’ll always lead the SoCon in home attendance. The Mocs have enjoyed great crowds at McKenzie Arena for years. Chattanooga’s home attendance is not lost on head coach Deandra Schirmer. It’s why she’s here. Said Schirmer:”The reason I wanted to work here…

Wes Moore Named New Girls Head Basketball Coach at Boyd Buchanan

(press release) —Boyd-Buchanan School in Chattanooga has named Wes Moore the Head Basketball Coach of the Lady Bucs. “We are thrilled to have Wes Moore lead our Lady Buccaneers basketball program. With Tracey Walker stepping into the role of Senior Women’s Athletic Administrator, this marks a natural and seamless transition,” said Matt Pobieglo, Director of Athletics. “His experience, leadership, and…

Mocs Dan Earl Named SoCon Coach of the Year

(soconsports.com) — Leading the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team through a historic 2024-25 regular season, head coach Dan Earl was named the Southern Conference Anton Foy Coach of the Year and highlights six total selections for the program as the league office announced the awards, voted upon by league coaches, Wednesday afternoon. In addition to Earl’s top recognition, senior forward transfer Frank Champion was…

Residents react to proposed bill that would shield carpet manufacturers from lawsuits

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- A controversial bill regarding forever chemicals was the subject of a tense hearing in Atlanta. House Bill 211, proposed by several area representatives including Kasey Carpenter of Dalton, would shield carpet companies from forever chemical lawsuits. Carpet companies like Shaw and Mohawk, among many others have been the targets of lawsuits related to forever chemicals here in…

Court appoints Aubrey Preston as conservator in Life Care Centers case

  CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The legal battle for control over Life Care Centers of America has been resolved. On the morning of March 4, 2025, a Cleveland judge agreed to name Aubrey Preston as the conservator for his father, Forrest Preston. The father founded the senior aging facility chain that has now gone nationwide. 91- year old Forrest was…

North River Elementary to enter design phase

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The development of a new Hixson elementary school continues to move forward. The Hamilton County Commission approved a contract with Franklin Associates to design the future North River Elementary School. It would replace DuPont, Rivermont, and Alpine Crest Elementary Schools on the Dupont site. The project has faced some controversy from parents at those schools who do…

Spirit Airlines’ announces 3 new non-stop flights to CHA

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Spirit Airlines has announced its first service at the Chattanooga Airport (CHA) with the addition of three new non-stop flights. The non-stop flights will be to the following destinations: Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) Newark, NJ (EWR) Orlando, FL (MCO) According to CHA, this expansion will utilize Spirits modern Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity of 176…

Salvation Army Hosts Annual Mardi Bras Event

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF)- The Salvation Army hosted their annual Mardi Bras event earlier today. Hosted by the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, the event was all about providing essential undergarments to women in need, while also offering an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. “Realize that sometimes dignity comes in different ways, whether it’s a meal, a warm greeting, or even…

A Fun-Filled Pancake Day at St. Nicholas: A Tradition Celebrated by All

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) —  Students, parents, and staff came together to celebrate Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, at St. Nicholas School, marking a fun-filled day of festivities, community spirit, and educational moments. This annual event, which has become a beloved tradition, not only allows everyone to enjoy a day of fun but also connects them to the history behind this…

Hamilton County Coalition offers free resource fair for Day of Hope

Hannah Dalton from the Hamilton County Coalition joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about their upcoming Day of Hope. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Coalition gets ready to provide community support ahead of Day of Hope on March 10. The Hamilton County Coalition is considered a “wrap around” organizations which focuses on helping the individual completely by…

Shop the Market At springs into a busy year

Shop the Market At’s Robert Davis returns to the News 12 studio to preview this season’s upcoming markets. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Shop the Market At is ready to spring into a new season with their third annual Mystical March market event. Taking on an Irish influence and St. Patrick’s Day theme, Mystical March will have over 75 vendors selling…

Dalton Opens New Soccer Mini Pitch

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Dalton is living up to its nickname, “Soccer Town USA”, with the grand opening of its newest soccer facility.  Today, young athletes and professional players from Atlanta United came together for a special “First Kick” ceremony, marking the official debut of the city’s brand-new “mini pitch” soccer field.  The field, located at the Mack Gaston Community…

Golden Apple Award: Macey Neal, Battlefield Primary School

FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – Some people are just born to teach. Macey Neal is one of those people. She makes sure every student in her Battlefield Primary class feels welcome. That’s essential for building a lifelong love of school, and that’s why we are giving Mrs. Neal this week’s Golden Apple Award. Julie Robbins is the Principal at Battlefied…

Chattanooga man pleads guilty to 2023 manslaughter case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has pleaded guilty to killing a woman more than two years ago. David Wayne Fritts Around noon on January 26, 2023, the Chattanooga Police Department responded to 605 Merriam Street for reports of an unconscious woman. Upon arrival, officers found Young unresponsive, and determined she had sustained gunshot wounds, which ultimately led to…

Tennessee sets new execution date for Harold Wayne Nichols

Serial rapist given death penalty in 1990 for the murder of Karen Pulley

  NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – Tennessee has set a new execution date for Chattanoogan Harold Wayne Nichols. The state set dates for four death row inmates on Monday. Nichols is now scheduled to die on December 11th. He has faced several execution dates over the years. Tennessee put all executions on hold three years ago as the Governor drew up…

Rising stars shine on Jessica Baio’s Unsaid Tour

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rising star Jessica Baio, a 23-year-old singer and social media influencer, is making waves with her Unsaid Tour, bringing songs from her newest album to life. Known for her emotional lyrics and powerful vocals, Jessica has built a massive following online, but performing has always been her true passion. Opening for her is Mary Jo, another…

Bradley Central Cruises Into Region Finals With 101-18 Win Over East Hamilton

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Bradley Central girls scored 122 points in the region quarterfinals on Friday. They hit the century mark again on Monday in the region semifinals with a 101-18 win over East Hamilton. Kimora Fields led the way with 29 points. Bradley Central will now face rival Cleveland in the region championship game on Wednesday. Categories: Sports – Local…

Concerns raised about new Chattanooga PILOT policy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A meeting to discuss tax incentives for Chattanooga businesses faced some criticism Monday. The concerns raised during Monday’s Chattanooga Industrial Board meeting were in regards to the new PILOT policies passed by the Chattanooga City Council earlier this year. Presented by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, these updated policies are designed to incentivize prospective companies who are…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Six Triple Eight Star Speaks at Tyner Academy

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) —  In the movie, The Six Triple 8, Tyler Perry shares the story of an all-black, all-female Battalion in World War II. They took on an almost impossible backlog of mail and packages and made sure everything got where it needed to be. One of the stars of that film recently spoke at Tyner Academy. Her message…

Health Council Addresses Measles Outbreak Concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Health experts in Tennessee are taking proactive steps to address growing concerns over the recent measles outbreak, even though no cases have been reported in the region. The Tennessee Health Department’s Regional Health Council hosted a critical presentation this morning to educate the public and prevent the disease from reaching our communities. Health Officer Dr. Stephen…