Mocs Softball Team Picked to Win the SoCon Title

(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga Mocs softball team is picked to defend its 2024 regular season title in the 2025 Southern Conference Preseason Poll, the league office announced today. Junior pitcher Peja Goold is the SoCon coaches’ pick for Preseason Pitcher of the Year and is joined by four on the preseason teams. Chattanooga claimed its 15th regular season title in 2024. The…

Trial for Amazon Fulfillment Center Shooter Comes to a Verdict

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After three long days of testimony, shocking revelations, and emotional courtroom moments, the fate of D’ante Jones is finally decided.  In court, prosecutors called the shooting a premeditated act of revenge. As shift change was occurring the night of the crime, the courtroom learned that Jones swiftly took a Lyft to retrieve his weapon of choice. …

Murphy makes first public appearance since resignation at hearing

Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy surrounded by supporters following a hearing on Thursday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy made her first public appearance in court this morning in months. This after an investigation was launched into her residency. Celeste Murphy was Chattanooga’s Police Chief for over two years until her residency scandal. She is facing…

Audit finds no wrongdoing in Gateway School cost controversy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County audit report triggered by a reported increase in the price of the Gateway School has been released. Back in October, the Chattanooga Times Free Press had reported the project had doubled in cost to $80 million dollars after being presented as a $40 million dollar project. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said this number…

Thursday Throwback: 1980 Jerry Clower

Before Jeff Foxworthy, Leanne Morgan or Larry the Cable guy, there was Jerry Clower. He was a country comedian from Mississippi. Clower was huge in the 1970s through the nineties. But in 1980, he told us that one of his biggest fans was from right here at News 12 in Chattanooga. We’ve got that story in our Thursday Throwback. Categories:…

Chase Celebrates Grand Opening of Two New Branches in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The company held grand opening events for not just one, but two new branches in the heart of the Scenic City. The celebrations began with a ribbon-cutting at Chase’s Gunbarrel Road branch at 9 a.m. This was followed by another at the Northshore branch at 11 a.m. “This is really an exciting event. I’ve had the…

Soddy Daisy man indicted on child rape charges

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Soddy Daisy man has been indicted on a range of sexual abuse charges involving a minor. James Melvin Grant James Melvin Grant is facing multiple charges of rape of a child, incest, and aggravated sexual battery. According to an affidavit from Hamilton County courts, Grant is accused of multiple interactions with his victims. Authorities…

New animals hop their way onto Ocoee Riverside Farm

Donna and John Warner bring furry friends for the Ocoee Riverside Farm to invite audiences to visit the farm and experience uniquely rare animal encounters. BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Right on the Ocoee River, an 30 acre family owned farm filled with over 125 unique animals invites guests to their farm to experience interactive and rare animal encounters. Throughout the…

Holistic Chef Discusses Dairy-Free and Healthy Alternatives

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With the demand for dairy-free alternatives on the rise, consumers are increasingly seeking options that cater to lactose intolerance, vegan lifestyles, or simply a desire for healthier choices.  This shift is evident across various food categories, from plant-based milks to non-dairy cheeses and desserts.  In the past year, one in three households purchased lactose-free dairy…

2023 Amazon Murder Trial Continues Its Deliberation

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In a significant update today, the trial of D’ante Jones, accused in the fatal shooting outside Chattanooga’s Amazon Fulfillment Center, presented critical evidence and statements to the jury. After a day of hearing from the prosecution, the defendants were given the opportunity to present any new information to the jury.  The jury was able to…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Cleveland High School Welding

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)-  It’s a unique event highlighting high school student’s skills in welding.  We are learning more about this hands-on competition, featuring partnerships with local businesses at Cleveland High School.  The collaboration is just another example of how the community continues to Drive Our Economy Forward. Michael Ritchie, Welding Instructor, Cleveland High School says, “So this is our first…

Term limits for Hamilton County mayor formally proposed

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will term limits be placed on the position of Hamilton County mayor? That is what Mayor Weston Wamp proposed Wednesday to the Hamilton County Commission. Hamilton County is the only major county in Tennessee to not have term limits for its primary executive. The proposal by Mayor Wamp would align the county with the Chattanooga mayoral office,…

Update provided on proposed North River Elementary School

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There was an update provided on the future of a new Hixson elementary school. The proposed North River Elementary School would replace DuPont, Rivermont, and Alpine Crest Elementary Schools on the DuPont site. Wednesday, the Commission learned the architecture firm Franklin Associates has been selected to design the new school. Hamilton County Mayor Wamp says that the…

Commissioners float creating new planning agency separate from RPA

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Some Hamilton County commissioners raised the idea Wednesday of whether or not the county should stay in the Regional Planning Agency. This comes in the wake of recent deferrals of Plan Hamilton, an effort led by the RPA to develop a blueprint to future growth in unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. This has come under much scrutiny…

Urban League and Unum Host Successful Job Fair

In today’s competitive job market, finding the right opportunity can be overwhelming. The Urban League and Unum teamed up again today for a job fair. Event organizers say the event gave attendees the chance to connect directly with Unum, exploring exciting career opportunities in a range of fields. “This is truly an event where you can come as you are….

Chattanooga businessman Rick Davis arrested for passing worthless checks

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Local business Rick Davis has been arrested for passing worthless checks. Rick Davis Davis was arrested on Tuesday night by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He operates “Rick’s Gold and Diamonds” on Brainerd Road. Davis has now been arrested twice in less than a year. He was previously arrested in October of 2024 on charges of…

Cats and guinea pigs rescued from overnight duplex fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A family’s cats and guinea pigs were rescued from a duplex fire overnight. The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to the 1900 block of Rawlings Street at 1:07 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke and popping noises from neighbors. Upon arrival, crews located a fire in a back bedroom of the residence. The occupants were not…

Trial gets underway for 2023 Amazon shooting suspect

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A young life tragically cut short, a community demanding justice, and a courtroom where emotions and evidence stood still all collided this Tuesday afternoon in Chattanooga The heinous crime occurred in August of 2023 where 20-year-old D’ante Jones, the accused gunman, tragically killed 19-year-old Javontae Moon in a senseless act of violence.  Outside the Amazon Fulfillment…

Charlton Liner faces court in ex-wife’s murder case

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Charlton Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of murdering his ex-wife, Karen Liner, appeared in a Bradley County courtroom this afternoon for a bond hearing. The judge ruled that additional evidence was needed before deciding whether bond could be set. Police responded to 911 calls around 9 a.m. Monday, which led them to a home…

Golden Apple Award: Ali Redfoot, Normal Park Upper

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The best teachers are patient, authentic and genuinely care about creating a good learning environment for all their students. That certainly applies to Ali Redfoot. We spent some quality time in her Normal Park upper classroom for this week’s Golden Apple Award. “On behalf of Food City and News Channel 12, we would like to present…