Honoring 250 Years: One Soldier Helps Carry the U.S. Army’s Traditions into the Future
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) - For 250 years, the United States Army has stood as a powerful symbol of strength, service, and sacrifice.…
Timbrel Williams
Articles
GE Appliances Invests $60 Million in Georgia Plant, Adding Hundreds of Jobs
LaFayette, GA (WDEF)– Roper Corporation, Georgia’s largest manufacturer of cooking appliances, just got a major upgrade. GE Appliances has invested an additional $60 million into the plant—bringing the total investment to $180 million. The expansion includes advanced automation, new technology,…
IRONMAN Athlete Reunites with Heroes Who Saved His Life at Finish Line
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF)— An IRONMAN athlete who nearly lost his life during the final stretch of the Chattanooga race is alive today—thanks to a team of fast-acting heroes. Jeff Cook was just steps from completing the grueling triathlon when he…
Unity Group of Chattanooga Kicks Off Juneteenth Events Honoring U.S. Colored Troops
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- With Juneteenth approaching, the Unity Group of Chattanooga has launched a powerful series of events commemorating 160 years since emancipation. The opening ceremony paid tribute to the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.), who played a vital role…
Tennessee Donor Services Honors Organ Donors at Celebration of Hope
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Tennessee Donor Services hosted a moving event today to honor the lives of organ donors and the lasting impact of their selfless gifts. The annual Celebration of Hope brought together donor families, transplant recipients, and supporters from across…
Chattanooga Leaders Thank State for Riverfront Investment
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- Community leaders gathered at Ross’s Landing Thursday to thank Governor Bill Lee and state lawmakers for committing $15 million in the state’s 2025–2026 budget to transform…
Spirit Airlines Takes Off in Chattanooga with First-Ever Nonstop Flights to Newark and Orlando
CHATTANOOGA, TN-(WDEF) — With yellow balloons, boarding passes in hand, and excitement filling the terminal, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport celebrated a major milestone this week. Spirit Airlines has officially launched its first-ever nonstop flights from the Scenic City, connecting travelers directly to…
Hamilton County Sets New Record-Low Property Tax Rate
CHATTANOOGA, TN. (WDEF)— Hamilton County homeowners could soon see some relief on their tax bills. Mayor Weston Wamp and Assessor of Property Marty Haynes announced a new certified property tax rate of $1.51 per $100 of assessed value—a significant drop…
AI Tool Helps Families Plan Smarter for Long-Term Care with Decades of Foresight
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- As people live longer, the need to plan smarter for long-term care has never been more urgent — and now, artificial intelligence is stepping in to help. A new platform called Waterlily is using AI to forecast…
LaFayette Abuzz with Celebration at Annual Honeybee Festival
LaFayette,GA (WDEF)- LaFayette was buzzing with excitement this weekend as the annual Honeybee Festival brought out crowds of all ages for a day filled with fun, food, and education. While families enjoyed games, live music, and sweet treats, the heart…
Advocating for the Future of Head Start in Tennessee
Washington For sixty years, Head Start has been a cornerstone of support for families across the United States—especially in Tennessee. Providing early childhood education, health services, and family support, the program has served as a crucial foundation for millions of…
Skate Station Rolls Back Into Chattanooga’s Historic Choo Choo Dome
CHATTANOOGA, TN. (WDEF)— It’s time to lace up your skates and roll back through time, because one of the city’s most beloved retro experiences is making a dazzling comeback. Skate Station has officially returned — and it’s bringing new energy…
UTC Launches New Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program to Meet Growing Demand
With mental health needs on the rise in Chattanooga, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is launching a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program in Fall 2025. The program will train students to diagnose, counsel, and manage medications…
Deborah Norville Says Farewell to Inside Edition After 30 Years
DALTON,GA -(WDEF)For three decades, Deborah Norville has been a trusted face on Inside Edition, delivering news with grace, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Now, after 30 years, she’s saying goodbye. “What I want to say right now is what a privilege…
Five Scenic Routes Offered to Help Chattanooga Drivers Beat Summer Traffic
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Thrive Regional Partnership and the Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance are encouraging drivers to ditch the gridlock and explore five alternate routes to…
Boynton Elementary Honored with Georgia’s First “Student Signature Award”
ROSSVILE, GA-(WDEF) — Boynton Elementary has made history as the first school in Georgia to receive the new "Student Signature Award" from the Georgia Department of Education.…
Chickamauga Down Home Days: A Tradition 51 Years Strong
From live music echoing down the streets to the smell of funnel cakes in the air, Chickamauga Down Home Days is back—and it’s as lively as ever. Sponsored by the Chickamauga Lions Club, this beloved festival has been a hometown…
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police Honor Fallen Officers in Annual Memorial Ceremony
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.(WDEF) — The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Chattanooga Police Department co-hosted the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. During the ceremony, a rose was laid for each…
Authorities Investigating Illegal Dumping of Human Waste in Rhea County
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)— Authorities are investigating an illegal dumping incident involving human waste discovered in the Soak Creek River section of the Piney River Resource Management Area. Officials say the incident was reported earlier this week, prompting an immediate…
Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarships Open for Applications Tomorrow
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Starting tomorrow, families across Tennessee can apply for the state’s first-ever universal school choice program — the Education Freedom Scholarships. For the 2025–26 school…
Ivy Academy Students Win Charter Champion Award for Solar-Powered Backpack Project
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Students at Ivy Academy have earned national recognition by receiving the Charter Champion Award for Community Impact Project of the…
Stone Creek Elementary Earns $25,000 Grant for Energy Efforts, Students Celebrate with Surprises
At Stone Creek Elementary, smart energy choices are turning into real rewards. This week, students received a big one — a $25,000 grant from EPB and TVA through the School Uplift program, recognizing their commitment to saving energy and improving…
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Fundraiser Delivers Big Help to Local Families
A sweet fundraiser brought in big support for local families through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chattanooga. Local McDonald’s Owner/Operators presented a check for $5,526.25 to RMHC Chattanooga, celebrating the success of this year’s Shamrock Shake fundraiser. From February to…
Volunteers Needed for Flag Placement at Chattanooga National Cemetery Ahead of Memorial Day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As Memorial Day approaches, a powerful and solemn tradition returns to the Chattanooga National Cemetery—one that honors the lives…
Megan Johnson’s Health Journey: How TikTok Helped Uncover a Ovarian Cyst
CHATTANOOGA,TN (WDEF)- For four years, Megan Johnson believed she was dealing with *diastasis recti*, a common condition involving the separation of abdominal muscles. Her stomach was persistently swollen, and no matter what she tried, the bulging never subsided. Something felt…
Chihuahuas Stole the Show at Hits 96’s Running of the Chihuahuas XVI
CHATTANOOGA,TN (WDEF)-Chattanooga was full of excitement this past Saturday as Hits 96’s running of the Chihuahuas XVI took over First Horizon Pavilion. Over 100 pint-sized racers competed in the big race, with plenty of fun leading up to the finale…
Rock Your World This Weekend at Chester Frost Park!
Rock lovers, get ready—“Rock Your World” is back and bigger than ever this weekend at Chester Frost Park! With over 25 vendors, educational exhibits, door prizes, and kid-friendly fun, it’s a must-see event for rockhounds of all ages. “This is…
A Century of Memories: Celebrating 100 Years of Lake Winnepesaukah
LAKEVIEW, Ga. (WDEF) -- For 100 years, Lake Winnepesaukah has been more than just a theme park. It's a place where families come together, generations connect,…
Families Demand Action on National Heatstroke Prevention Day
CHATTANOOGA, TN-(WDEF) On National Heatstroke Prevention Day, more than 100 grieving families from across the country joined advocacy group Kids and Car Safety to urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to take swift action to prevent hot car deaths. The…
Bradley County Schools Celebrates Progress and a Bright Future
CLEVLAND,TN(WDEF)-At the annual school address, Bradley County Schools showcased its vision for the future, celebrating key milestones and community support. With $7 million in grants and donations, the district is expanding opportunities for students and investing in long-term success. A…
Tariffs Put Pressure on Chattanooga Market Vendors
UPDATED: Chattanooga,TN- (WDEF)On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Chattanooga Market bustles with the familiar sounds of live music, the scent of fresh food, and the cheerful chatter of shoppers. But behind the colorful displays and warm smiles, many local vendors…
Chattanooga T-Shirts Capture Scenic City Spirit After National Park City Honor
CHATTANOOGA,TN -(WDEF)In celebration of Chattanooga becoming the first National Park City in North America, local brand New South Trading Co. has released a new line of t-shirts showcasing the area’s natural beauty. Designed by co-founders and husband-and-wife duo Ben and…
Hamilton County Coalition Leads Effort to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications This Saturday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — This Saturday, the Hamilton County Coalition is giving local residents an easy and safe way to clean out their medicine cabinets as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event, held in partnership with…
Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater Hosts Sensory-Friendly Screenings This Spring
Chattanooga, TN - (WDEF)The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater is making movie magic more inclusive this spring with special sensory-friendly screenings designed for guests with sensory processing needs. The first film, Call of the Dolphins, will be shown on Saturday, April…
Chattanooga Burger Week Returns with $8 Burgers and Community Spirit
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF)- Burger fans across Chattanooga have something to celebrate—Burger Week is back and sizzling! From April 21 through April 27, more than 25 local…
Beloved Easter Tradition Returns to Collegedale: SonRise Resurrection Pageant Draws Hundreds
COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF)— One of Collegedale’s most cherished Easter traditions made its powerful return this year, as the SonRise Resurrection Pageant once again transformed the campus of Southern Adventist University into a living storybook of the final days of Jesus…
Hug-a-Bunny Brings Springtime Joy to Chattanooga Zoo
It’s a springtime tradition that lets kids and adults alike cuddle up with adorable bunnies—without the long-term commitment of pet ownership. The Chattanooga Zoo recently hosted its beloved “Hug-a-Bunny” event, giving families the chance to enjoy hands-on experiences including bunny…
Explosives Experts Train in Tunnel Hill for Raven’s Challenge
Tunnel Hill, GA (WDEF) — Explosives experts from across the country gathered in Tunnel Hill this week for Raven’s Challenge, a high-intensity training event hosted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The exercise is designed to…
Chattanooga Comes Together for 2025 Autism Celebration Walk
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) — The heart of the city pulsed with purpose today as hundreds of supporters gathered for the annual Autism Celebration Walk, a vibrant and emotional event that brought together families,…
Funding Cuts Impact Local Food Bank
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — (WDEF) The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is facing a major setback after losing nearly $400,000 worth of food deliveries due to recent federal funding cuts. The loss is already being felt in the form of missing essential…