Bouffant Salon gets fresh start after over 60 years in business
DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) -- For decades, Bouffant Salon has been a nostalgic stop in Dunlap for haircuts, styles, and conversation. Now after 65 years on Walnut Street,…
Timbrel Williams
Articles
One Year Since Timothy McSears Was Last Seen in Lafayette
Lafayette, GA (WDEF)- It has been one year since Timothy McSears was last seen at his home on McSears Drive in Lafayette. The Walker County Sheriff's Office says McSears was last seen on March 6, 2025, and was reported missing…
Rotary Club of Chattanooga Hears About Global Disaster Relief Efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)— Imagine losing your home in minutes after a hurricane or earthquake. That was the message shared during a recent meeting of the Rotary…
UTC Conference Focuses on Aging Population
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)By 2050, nearly 90 million Americans are expected to be 65 or older — a shift that is already changing the way health care providers prepare for the future. To help address those growing needs, the University of…
Community Members Speak Out on U.S. Action in Iran
Chattanooga,TN (WDEF)- Dozens of people gathered at Miller Park this weekend to voice their concerns over the recent U.S. strikes on Iran and the possibility of escalating conflict overseas. Many demonstrators held signs while engaging in conversations about the growing…
Injured Firefighter Welcomed Home with Outpouring of Support
TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) After spending more than 20 years protecting his community, a local firefighter is now leaning on that same community for support. Jay was…
Bradley Central High School celebrates two new campus upgrades
Cleveland, Tenn. (WDEF)-Bradley Central High School is celebrating not one, but two ribbon cuttings today. The school now has a new secure vestibule designed to enhance safety and create a single point of entry for visitors, adding an extra layer…
Faux Fur Fest Raises Funds for Local Shelter on Valentine’s Day
The Humane Educational Society hosted its third annual Faux Fur Fest on Valentine’s Day, bringing animal lovers together at The Signal for an evening of food, music, and fundraising. Guests kicked off the night with a cocktail hour, mingling with…
Kori Atkins Honored as Chattanooga’s 2025 Youth of the Year
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A local teen is receiving recognition for leadership, academics, and community service. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga named Brainerd High…
Rising Flu Activity Forces Schools and Workplaces to Adjust
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)— Rising flu cases are forcing Grundy County students to move to virtual learning this week. With schools and offices seeing increasing absences due to…
2-1-1 Day highlights vital community helpline across the Chattanooga area
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A simple three-digit number is helping thousands of people in the Chattanooga area get the support they need. Tomorrow marks 2-1-1 Day, a time to recognize the helpline that connects callers to critical community resources when…
Chattanoogans Burn Calories for a Cause at YMCA’s “Superburn” Event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — While many were preparing for the Super Bowl, some Chattanoogans spent their Saturday morning breaking a sweat for a good cause. The Downtown Family YMCA held its second annual “Superburn” event, a 90-minute, team-style workout in…
Hug-A-Cow Day Brings Families Together in Lafayette
LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF)- Families from across the region gathered at the Walker County Ag Center Saturday for the third annual Hug-A-Cow Day, a fun-filled event celebrating farm life, animals, and community. Visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities, including vendors,…
Nonprofit Expands Into Hamilton County Schools to Support Students
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) Sometimes, challenges at home can make it hard for students to focus in school. To address this, Communities In Schools of Tennessee has expanded into Hamilton County, placing staff directly inside schools to support students who may…
Downtown YMCA Hosts “Superburn” Workout for a Good Cause This Super Bowl Weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) The Downtown Family YMCA is turning up the heat this Super Bowl weekend with its second annual “Superburn” event, a high-intensity, team-based workout designed to get participants moving while supporting a good cause. Up to 100 participants…
Dog Killed After Eating Neighbor’s Chickens
Summerville, GA(WDEF)-Summerville resident Corey Allen Lanye has been charged with animal cruelty under a city ordinance after allegedly shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog. According to the Smith family,…
Chocolate Lovers Turn Out for World of Chocolate Expo in Ringgold
RINGGOLD, GA. (WDEF) –Chocolate lovers packed into Catoosa County this weekend for one of the sweetest events of the year. The World of Chocolate Expo took over the Catoosa Colonnade in Ringgold on Saturday, bringing together dozens of vendors offering…
Chattanooga Area Food Bank Calls for Volunteers
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is asking for more volunteers to help meet growing community needs. Extra hands are needed at several locations, including Foxwood, the Amnicola warehouse, and Dalton. Volunteer shifts typically last three to…
Chattanooga Goes Global as Spain’s National Soccer Team Chooses City as Base Camp
Chattanooga is stepping onto the world stage. The city has been selected as the official base camp for Spain’s national soccer team, putting Chattanooga in the international spotlight as one of the world’s top teams prepares for one of the…
Health Risks During Extreme Cold
Hixson, TN (WDEF)-An excessive cold warning remains in effect across Middle Tennessee through Tuesday, and health experts are urging residents to take extra precautions, especially if they take certain medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drugs such…
Tennessee Tech University Launches Master’s in Child Life
Cookeville, TN (WDEF)- The university’s Board of Trustees recently approved the program, which is designed to meet a growing demand from hospitals for specialists trained to support children’s emotional and developmental needs. University leaders say the degree will strengthen pediatric care…
UT Online Programs Earn National Recognition
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is receiving national recognition for its online education programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked UT among the best in the nation for online education in its 2026 Best Online Education Programs list.…
Radon Risks: What Homeowners Need to Know
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF)- Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, could be putting families at risk inside their own homes. Health officials say long-term exposure to radon can cause serious…
Verizon Urges Customers to Prepare “Digital Go-Bag” Ahead of Winter Storm Fern
As Winter Storm Fern approaches, staying connected could be critical for people across the region. Verizon says it is preparing its network ahead of the storm while encouraging customers to take steps now to stay connected if power outages or…
Troopers Urge Caution as Snow and Ice Impact Area Roads
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)Snow and ice are creating dangerous driving conditions across the Chattanooga area, keeping Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers busy as winter weather moves through the region. Troopers say slowing down and preparing ahead of time can make all the…
Chattanooga Declares January 23–31 as Color Chattanooga Pink! Week
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-A splash of pink is taking over Chattanooga this week as the community comes together to raise awareness for breast health. Representatives from the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County mayor’s offices gathered today to issue a joint…
Historic Patten Parkway Buildings Saved as 12-Story Development Withdrawn
Chattanooga’s historic Patten Parkway will remain intact after plans for a 12-story development at 19 Patten Parkway were officially withdrawn. Developer Evelyn Capital pulled its rezoning request following an 8–4 recommendation from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission to deny…
Former CHI Memorial Hospital Officially Transitions to CommonSpirit Name
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)— CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital officially unveiled its new name and branding Wednesday, marking the final step in its transition from CHI Memorial Hospital. Hospital leaders revealed new signage during an outdoor ceremony, saying the rebrand reflects a…
Flu Activity Remains Widespread as Cold Weather Continues
Chattanooga, TN(WDEF)- Flu season is beginning to ease across Tennessee and the United States, but health officials say cases remain widespread as colder weather moves in. Doctors report that this year’s flu season has brought higher-than-normal activity, including more severe…
More Than 20 People Relocated as Workman Road Encampments Are Cleared
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)— City crews cleared several homeless encampments along Workman Road in Chattanooga Friday, forcing more than twenty people to relocate. Advocates on site say many of the individuals had previously been living at the Hooker Road encampment, which…
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate John Rose Stops in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Republican gubernatorial candidate John Rose made a stop in Chattanooga Friday, outlining his priorities for Tennessee if elected governor. Rose spoke to members of the Chattanooga Civitan Club during a lunchtime meeting at the Chattanooga Masonic Center.…
Democrat Shawn Harris running for position vacated by MTG
Dalton, GA (WDEF) - Shawn Harris made the announcement that he was running for Georgia's 14th Congressional District while meeting with supporters, some of whom braved rainy weather to show their support. Backers described Harris as a hardworking, relatable candidate…
Tennessee Drivers Now Required to Learn Bicycle Hand Signals
CHATTANOOGA, TN(WDEF) — A new state law taking effect this month requires all new drivers in Tennessee to understand the hand signals used by bicyclists on the…
CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital Set to Open Soon
Ringgold, GA.(WDEF)-CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital – North Georgia is just days away from opening its doors to patients. “It has been a long time coming—we are so excited,” said Ronelle Sellers, Market Director of Marketing and Communications. “We are extremely…
Local Leaders Hand Out Winter Essentials to Those in Need
Chattanooga, TN - (WDEF) Local community leaders helped keep people warm today by handing out winter essentials to those in need. Volunteers with the nonprofit HomeBass distributed socks, gloves, hats, blankets, and toboggans during a winter drive led by founder…
Asian Lantern Festival Nears Its Final Nights at Chattanooga Zoo
If you’re looking for something fun to do before winter break winds down, the Chattanooga Zoo is giving families one last chance to step into a glowing world of fantasy. The Asian Lantern Festival is nearing the end of its…
Flu Activity on the Rise Across the Tennessee Valley as Hospitals Prepare for Busy Winter
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Flu activity is increasing across the Tennessee Valley, with local hospitals preparing for a particularly busy winter season. Erlanger…
Post-Holiday Shoppers Hit the Mall in Search of Deals
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) - Even though Christmas has passed, shoppers returned to the mall Monday, taking advantage of post-holiday sales and exploring bargains across stores. From the…
Forgotten Child Fund Wraps Up Final Toy Drive of the Season
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-The spirit of giving was on full display across Chattanooga today as the Forgotten Child Fund wrapped up its final toy drive of the Christmas season. Volunteers and first responders spent the day outside several Chattanooga-area Walmart locations,…
CHATT Foundation Honors Lives Lost to Homelessness
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-More than 60 people experiencing homelessness have died in the Chattanooga area this year. On Saturday, the CHATT Foundation gathered with community members to honor their lives and remind the public that each person was known, loved, and…