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…

TVA Employees Return to Office

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A change is on the horizon for TVA employees in Chattanooga. After nearly four years of remote and hybrid work, TVA called workers back to the office this morning.  TVA leadership is making the move to bring employees back to the office, citing collaboration and efficiency.  The transition has been met with enthusiasm, as employees look…

One person dead, one injured after car crash on Hixson Pike

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  One person died at a local hospital after being involved in a crash on Hixson Pike Saturday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m., March 1, 2025, the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to a two vehicle crash in the 6400 block of Hixson Pike. Upon arrival, officers located one person with life-threatening injuries. The person was transported…

Chickamauga man arrested for cock fighting, animal cruelty

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Chickamauga man has been arrested and charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty. On March 1, 2025 a deputy with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) was investigating a vehicle blocking a driveway at a residence on Garretts Chapel Road. According to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, 26 dead roosters were discovered strewn across the…

Kroger CEO resigns after probe into his personal conduct

Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen is resigning following a probe into his personal conduct, the grocery chain said Monday. McMullen, who was both the chairman and CEO, is out after a company board investigation found that his personal conduct, “was inconsistent with Kroger’s Policy on Business Ethics,” the company said on Monday. His behavior was unrelated to business, Kroger added in the statement…

Chattanooga firefighters respond to Elena Drive house fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga firefighters were on the scene of a house fire this morning in a neighborhood between Amnicola Highway and Riverside Drive. Crews responded to the 2100 block of Elena Drive after receiving reports from a neighbor who spotted flames coming from the house. Upon arrival, crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) found smoke coming from…

One man arrested after leading authorities on pursuit in stolen vehicle

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man has been arrested and charged after leading authorities on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle. At 8:20 p.m., March 2, 2025, deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) tried to conduct a traffic stop for a suspected stolen Hyundai Elantra on Banks Road. When the driver refused to stop, deputies initiated a…

Tasty Donuts is ready for Fat Tuesday!

Final days of Mardi Gras and Tasty Donuts has the best dessert to celebrate, King Cake! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tasty Donuts owner Tony McInnis and operation manager A.J. McInnis are all “dough-ed” up for Mardi Gras! One of the busiest days of the year, the family business is taking hundreds to thousands of orders for their King Cakes. While…

Bridal Fair brings wedding dreams to life in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 and The Chattanoogan teamed up to host the Tennessee Valley Bridal Fair, bringing future brides and wedding enthusiasts together for a day full of inspiration. From stunning wedding gowns to custom floral arrangements, the event offered everything needed to plan the perfect day. Future brides filled the aisles at the Bridal Fair in Chattanooga,…

For the Culture: Free Haircuts Making a Difference

CHATTANOOGA , Tenn. (WDEF) Janaria McIntosh, also known as Jay, is the passionate founder of For the Culture, an organization dedicated to giving back to the community in ways that are both practical and uplifting. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday, Jay and her dedicated team of volunteers provide free haircuts, hairstyles, and even nail services to those in need. It’s…

Tellico Plains Knocks Off Tyner 76-52

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Tellico Plains raced out to a 16 point lead at the end of the first quarter, and they never looked back in beating Tyner 75-52 in their region tournament quarterfinals on Friday. Delilah Reed led the Bears with a game high 35 points. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: high school sports, Tellico Plains, Tyner

TVA Tree Removal Raises Concerns

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – TVA is cutting down trees near the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, citing federal safety requirements. But residents are raising concerns about the environmental impact and large sawdust mounds left behind.  It’s a sight catching the attention of many near the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant as acres of trees are being cut down leaving towering mounds of sawdust. …

Canada, Mexico tariffs begin on March fourth

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — President Trump says tariffs on Mexico and Canada are about to begin. Economic commentator, Thomas Fellows, believes these tariffs will impact Chattanooga directly. He says that the trucking companies and the warehouses here will be affected. He also adds that produce prices will increase, along with medical supplies and equipment. Fellows also claims Chattanooga’s tourist industry…