ChattTown Skatepark to Close for $4.4 Million Renovation
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — For years, the sound of wheels on concrete and dogs playing nearby has filled this Southside space. But soon, that sound will quiet —…
Timbrel Williams
Articles
Scenic City Fall Softball Tournament Brings $6 Million Boost to Chattanooga Economy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)— Chattanooga’s tourism industry is gearing up for a big weekend as thousands of athletes, coaches, and families head to the Scenic City for the Scenic City Fall Softball Tournament. The event brings nearly 400 teams from 31…
Hamilton County Residents Attend LIHEAP Drive-Thru at City Hall Midtown
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Hamilton County residents stopped by City Hall Midtown this week for a drive-thru event hosted by the Office of Family Empowerment. The event…
Salvation Army Launches Emergency Food Campaign to Meet Rising Local Need
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga has launched an emergency food campaign titled “Feed Hope. Share Love.”, responding to a dramatic increase in…
Chattanooga Honors Longtime Community Center Manager Jim Long Upon Retirement
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Friends, family, and city leaders gathered at the John A. Patten Community Center Thursday to honor Jim Long, the center’s longtime manager, who officially retired after more than 45 years…
Veterans Connect with Employers at Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) — Veterans gathered at Chattanooga State today for a special opportunity to connect with employers who value their service. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development hosted the annual Paychecks for Patriots Job and Resource Fair,…
World Stroke Day: Erlanger and EMS Raise Awareness in Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) — World Stroke Day is here, and local experts are emphasizing the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly. Erlanger Health System and local EMS crews are teaming up to educate the community on how to…
Suspected shooter for double homicide at Barku Plastics dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound
UPDATE: According to police, the suspected shooter, Kyle Crandle died from a self inflicted gunshot wound. Crandle was involved a six hour standoff with police at a home on Westview Lane in Cleveland. That lasted most of Monday afternoon. Earlier…
First-Ever Chattanooga Jazz Festival Brings Music and Community to the Choo Choo
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – A new sound filled the Chattanooga Choo Choo this past weekend as the city hosted its first-ever Chattanooga Jazz Festival. The free, all-day event took place Sunday, transforming Station Street with the vibrant sounds of jazz,…
Senator Bo Watson Kicks Off Re-election Campaign at All-American Bash
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – More than 350 guests, including local and regional GOP members, gathered tonight to celebrate Tennessee’s Grand Old Party at Senator Bo Watson’s All-American Bash. Watson hosted the event, bringing together Republican leaders from across the state. During…
Food Banks Prepare as Possible SNAP Delays Loom
Millions of families across the country could soon see delays in their food assistance as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, faces uncertainty due to the ongoing government shutdown. According to Ghyrn Wakefield, Chief Development Officer at the Chattanooga…
Red Bank Faces $914,000 Budget Shortfall After Property Tax Error
Red Bank(WDEF)- A costly property tax mistake is hitting the City of Red Bank’s budget hard. City officials say the error stems from this year’s countywide property reappraisal. The city’s certified tax rate was miscalculated — set at 89 cents…
New Salem Mountain Festival Celebrates Family, Tradition, and Appalachian Heritage
Trenton, GA -(WDEF)The annual New Salem Mountain Festival brought families and visitors to Lookout Mountain for a weekend filled with music, food, and handmade art. Organizers say the festival is about more than just entertainment — it’s a way to…
Experts Share Tips to Help Parents Stop Bullying Early
October is Bullying Prevention Month, and experts are reminding parents that stopping bullying starts at home. The U.S. Center for SafeSport is encouraging families to take a closer look at how everyday conversations and actions can help prevent bullying before…
Michelle Morrison Dances for a Cause at Murray County’s Dancing with the Stars
Murray County(WDEF)-Michelle Morrison spends most of her days surrounded by horses, running her nonprofit ministry, Broken Heart Ranch, in Chatsworth. But this weekend, she’s swapping her cowboy boots for dancing shoes. Morrison will be one of the local stars performing…
Eleven Arrested in Whitfield County Child Sex Crime Sting
Whitfield County-(WDEF)Eleven men are behind bars following a multi-agency child sex crime sting in Whitfield County. The arrests mark a significant step forward in protecting children from harm and holding those who try to victimize them accountable, Sheriff Pierce said.…
Chattanooga Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride with Vibrant Parade and Festival
October marks LGBTQ+ History Month, and Chattanooga kicked it off in style today. Downtown was alive with color, music, and celebration as the city hosted its annual Pride Parade and Festival. Kristina Siskole, crowned Mx. Chattanooga Pride 2025, encouraged everyone…
Corker Reflects on Chattanooga’s Transformation
Chattanooga,TN (WDEF)-Former U.S. Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker shared heartfelt memories and powerful reflections during his keynote at the Tri-State Summit, hosted by Thrive Regional Partnership. Corker described one of the most emotional moments of his career—the day Volkswagen’s…
Chattanooga Fire Department Warns About Lithium-Ion Battery Safety During Fire Prevention Week
CHATTANOOGA — The Chattanooga Fire Department is warning residents about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices, from phones to scooters after a rise in home fires involving these batteries. Senior Firefighter Allen Green, CFD’s Fire & Life Safety…
UTC Students Celebrate Palestinian Heritage with Flag Day Event
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF)— Students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga marked Palestine Flag Day with a vibrant campus celebration featuring food, music, and art. Organized by the Young Democratic Socialists of America, the event aimed to educate classmates about…
CAIR Calls for Action After Threat Made Against Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Tennessee man is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening a Chattanooga mosque in an email that ended with the words “Hail Satan.” Prosecutors say 50-year-old Robert William Miller sent the threatening message to the Islamic Society…
UT President Randy Boyd Visits Cleveland High Schools to Promote Higher Education
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)— University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd visited Bradley-Central High School on Thursday as part of his statewide “Find Your Future” tour, encouraging students to pursue higher education and highlighting the value of a college degree. Boyd…
Chattanooga Pre-K Teacher Surprised with Statewide Award
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.(WDEF) – Pre-K teacher Tyroneshia Jordan walked into her classroom at the Children’s Academy for Education and Learning expecting a normal day—but instead, she was greeted with cheers, balloons, and a grand surprise. Jordan was presented with the Tennessee Early…
Administrative Staffing Shortages Impact Doctor’s Offices, Report Finds
Have you noticed longer wait times at your doctor’s office or fewer people working the front desk? You’re not alone. A new report from Edge Health shows the problem isn’t just about doctors and nurses—it’s also an administrative staffing crisis…
Chattanooga Native Named Executive Director of The Bethlehem Center
Chattanooga TN (WDEF)The Bethlehem Center, known locally as The Beth, has named Dr. Gerald Ware as its new executive director. A Chattanooga native and former recipient of The Beth’s services, Ware brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in…
Miracle League of Chattanooga Returns for Fall Season
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF)– It’s more than baseball—it’s belonging. This fall, the Miracle League of Chattanooga returns to Rotary Field at Warner Park, inviting athletes of all abilities to step up to the plate. Now in its ninth year, the league…
Songbirds Foundation and Dynamo Studios Merge to Boost Creative Education in Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)Two Chattanooga nonprofits are joining forces to expand opportunities in creative education. The Songbirds Foundation, known for its guitars-for-kids program, has merged with Dynamo Studios, which provides training in audio and video production. Leaders say the combined organization…
EPB Quantum Brings Cutting-Edge Power Grid Technology to Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)Chattanooga is once again positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation. EPB Quantum has announced an expansion of its partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, IonQ, and NVIDIA to tackle one of the nation's most pressing challenges:…
Musicians from Around the World Gather in Chattanooga for IBMA Business Conference and Bluegrass Ramble
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) — The IBMA Business Conference has officially kicked off in Chattanooga, drawing musicians, songwriters, and industry leaders from across the globe for a weeklong celebration of bluegrass music. The five-day event began with the IBMA Business Conference,…
From Goals to Growth: Collegedale Youth Soccer League Kicks Off New Season
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Collegedale Christian Athletic Association kicked off its youth soccer season Sunday morning with a colorful parade of teams, followed by…
New Findings Show Decline in Teen Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts
(WDEF)- The latest national findings reveal a hopeful trend: suicidal ideation and attempts among teens are on the decline. Experts say this shift reflects growing awareness and support around mental health. Open conversations about well-being, early intervention, and teaching emotional…
Rescued Kestrels Released at McDonald Farm
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) -- Two rescued kestrels are getting a second chance at life thanks to the efforts of local wildlife organizations. Earlier this summer, the Chattanooga Zoo took in…
Chattanooga’s Fun Fair Festival Featuring Music, Games, and CitiLimitz
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Families are invited to Chattanooga’s riverfront this weekend for a day of fun, music, and community support. The Fun Fair Festival returns Saturday from 10…
Chattanooga Lookouts Play Final Regular Season Game at AT&T Field, Prepare for New Stadium
CHATTANOOGA,TN (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Lookouts wrapped up their final regular season game at AT&T Field this weekend, giving fans a chance to reflect on decades of memories and celebrate the historic ballpark before moving to a new stadium next…
Downtown Chattanooga Gears Up for World-Class Bluegrass
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Get ready, Chattanooga—the banjos and fiddles are about to take over downtown. At Finley Stadium Thursday morning, the City Center Council welcomed organizers of the IBMA…
Whitfield County Begins Roundabout Construction at Busy Intersection
Whitfield County -(WDEF)Crews have shut down Mount Vernon Road and Houston Valley Road to begin building a new roundabout — a project county leaders say will save lives and money. Whitfield County is handling construction in-house, reducing the price tag…
Norfolk Southern Supports South Chattanooga Trail Project in “Forging a Better Tomorrow” Initiative
Norfolk Southern’s latest “Forging a Better Tomorrow” report highlights projects that are making a tangible difference in communities across the country, including a new development in South Chattanooga. The Clifton Hills Alton Thread Trail is set to stretch 2.6 miles,…
Golf Marathon Raises Support for Veterans Through Folds of Honor
Golfing for a greater cause—one man is hitting the links to honor America's heroes. Jeff Craig is taking on a marathon challenge, playing 126 holes of golf in a single day. It’s all to raise money for Folds of Honor,…
Cracker Barrel Unveils New Logo, Sparking Conversation
WDEF- Cracker Barrel is stirring up conversation after unveiling a major brand refresh for the first time in decades. The chain has rolled out a redesigned logo, removing its…
Giving Back: Ace Bailey Comes Home to Inspire Dalewood Students
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Dalewood Middle School welcomed back one of its own this week as NBA rookie Ace Bailey returned to the halls where his basketball journey began. The school honored Bailey with a special jersey presentation, celebrating not only…