Possible homeless encampment fire spreads to surrounding woods

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Around 3:30 p.m., Hamilton County 911 began receiving reports from drivers who spotted smoke and flames in the area of Cherokee Boulevard and West Manning Street. Jake Moss, a nearby neighbor, explained what he heard and witnessed. “It was like an explosion, like a pop. We actually saw the big black flame column come up out…

Dunlap fire on Rankin Avenue

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In Dunlap, the Fire Department responded to a call about a fire on Rankin Avenue. The alarm was triggered by a piece of cooking equipment. Firefighters arrived at the scene just minutes after the alarm sounded, but the fire had already been extinguished with the help of a fire extinguisher. A fan was set up to…

Chattanooga Celebrates Black Musical Legacy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This afternoon was an afternoon filled with history, harmony, and heartfelt performances as Chattanooga State hosted “Our Stories, Our Songs, Black Artists Unite.”  The event featured a stunning lineup of musical works by Black artists and composers, celebrating their influence across genres and generations.  The program began at 2:15 p.m. with a pre-concert discussion that included…

The Chattanooga Boat Show is in town

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Boat Show is back, offering buyers the chance to shop, compare, and save thousands on a new boat purchase. This year’s show will feature top brands, including Barletta, Bayliner, Chaparral, Sea Ray, Skeeter, Harris, Starcraft, MasterCraft, NauticStar, Nautique, Cobalt, Crest, Monaco, Sweetwater, Hurricane, Axis, Aqua Patio, Malibu, Supra Boats, SunCatcher, Moomba, Manitou, G3 Boats,…

Chattanooga Zoo’s annual Valentine’s Day celebration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo hosted its annual Valentine’s Day celebration, Hearts and Hisses. This family-friendly event gave guests the chance to participate in a zoo-wide scavenger hunt, create Valentine’s Day cards for both their favorite animals and loved ones, and watch animals interact with themed enrichment activities. Throughout the day, special keeper chats highlighted the zoo’s animal…

UTC Basketball Downs Rival ETSU 78-71; Extends Winning Streak to Seven

GoMocs- In front of a packed McKenzie Arena, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team battled its way to a seventh-straight win after capturing a 78-71 victory over longtime rival ETSU in key Southern Conference action on Saturday night.   Chattanooga (19-8, 11-3 SoCon), on its longest win streak since nine to open the 2020-21 season, completed the regular season sweep of…

Chattanooga Black History Chorale to Debut First-Ever Concert Celebrating African American Music

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) Black History Month is here, and the Chattanooga Black History Chorale is preparing for a special concert celebrating the history of African American music. The performance will feature a mix of soulful gospel, powerful spirituals, and Broadway hits. “It was actually a thought and a desire of mine to put together a choir of all African American…

HCSO responded to school threat against Brainerd High School

UPDATE: The firearm used in the incident has been recovered. The student has been arrested. No further details are available at this time. HCSO CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Friday, at approximately 9:00 am, the staff at Brainerd High School received a threat of mass violence via a phone call. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy (and the…

McMinn Central on a Mission to Return to State Tournament

Englewood, TN-(WDEF-TV) After getting upset in the state tournament quarterfinals last year, the McMinn Central girls basketball team has been on a mission this season. They’ve ripped through most everyone with a 27-1 record. Brian Armstrong dives into the Chargerettes mission to return to state, and play for a gold ball. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

What will reciprocal tariffs mean for Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Thomas Fellows is a local economic commentator and believes these new tariffs will hurt Chattanooga businesses, especially the automotive industry. Fellows says, “If you look at places like Volkswagen Group, Mueller Company, American bicycle group, Novenix, a lot of these companies rely on imported parts and materials from other countries. A tariff would essentially raise the…

Chattanooga Boat Show docks for the weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The boat show is setting up shop at the Chattanooga Convention Center and will be here till Sunday. The Chattanooga boat show is bringing the boats to you.  Michael Porter a sales rep with Erwin Marine Sales says, “This is the only time of year you’re going to have all these different brands and different dealerships…

Hixson man convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Hixson man has been convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Seth Cordell 43 year old Seth Austin Cordell was indicted more than a year ago on charges of sexual abuse, statutory rape and incest. Cordell is set to be sentenced later this spring. He’s also received additional charges when a judge listened to…

Fire crews respond to overnight chicken house fire in Rhea Co.

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two chicken houses caught fire overnight in Rhea County. Crews were dispatched shortly after midnight to 4688 Old Washington Highway for the fires. Rescue squads had to conduct a major tanker operation including several neighboring counties. Crews were released from the scene around 3:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. We’re working to learn what caused…

Bill to shield Georgia carpet industry from forever chemical lawsuits

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF)- A proposed bill regarding who can be sued in the ongoing battle over forever chemicals in Northwest Georgia is garnering some backlash. Georgia House Bill 211 is sponsored by several representatives from Northwest Georgia, would make carpet companies immune from suits blaming them for the spreading of PFAS chemicals which have numerous health concerns. The Fletcher children…

Shocking Road Collapse Leaves Key Stretch of Highway 30 Impassable in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A shocking road collapse has left a key stretch of Highway 30 impassable in Polk County The collapse occurred early this morning near Kimsey Mountain Highway and Sage Hill Road. “At approximately 4:04 a.m., we received a call about a vehicle accident on Highway 30 near Sage Hill Road. Before emergency responders arrived, local fire…

New Tech to Elevate Your Movie Night

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Have you ever wanted the movie portion of your Valentines Dinner and a movie to be a little more private but still awesome? Then look no further than the X-Gimi Mogo 3 smart projector and the accompanying stand.  It’s a portable home cinema!  They were nice enough to send us this demo to play with and while…

Great American Cookies offering last minute Valentine’s Day gifts

Ashton Kowalewski with Great American Cookies join News 12’s Amelia Greer and Chip Chapman for an interactive cookie interview on Valentine’s Day!  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s Valentine’s Day and Great American Cookie has some sweet options for last minute gifts. For Great American Cookie, Valentine’s Day is seen as the “Super Bowl” for the business as many partners resort…