Audi looking at Chattanooga for new factory
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- An industry report out of Germany says that building a second auto plant in Chattanooga is gaining ground at Audi. The luxury brand is owned…
Wreck of historic Spanish ship that was attacked in 1748 possibly found in North Carolina
These are remains of what archaeologists at East Carolina State University believe to be La Fortuna, a historic Spanish privateer ship that exploded off the North Carolina coast in 1748 / East Carolina University's Program in…
Hamilton County deputy awarded medal for performing life-saving action
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett awarded one of his deputies for performing life-saving actions out in the field. On March 16, 2025,…
Man arrested in Jackson County after authorities uncover drugs during traffic stop
JACKSON COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) -- A man was arrested in Jackson County after authorities uncovered drugs during a traffic stop. The stop occurred on…
Germs in the Classroom: How to Stay Healthy This Fall
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- As kids head back to school, they’re bringing more than just new backpacks and sharpened pencils. Health experts warn that the start of the school year often ushers in what’s known as the “back-to-school crud” — a…
Humane Educational Society Opens New Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) The Humane Educational Society has officially opened a new low-cost spay and neuter clinic, a project leaders say has been years in the making. “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said…
Suspect in Athens homicide has criminal history as schools exercise caution amid manhunt
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- A suspect is on the run in McMinn County after Athens Police say he shot two men last night, killing…
Bargain Hunters Hit Signal Mountain for World’s Longest Yard Sale
Signal Mountain, TN (WDEF) -- It’s a bargain hunter’s dream—and it’s officially underway. The World’s Longest Yard Sale kicked off Thursday morning, stretching an impressive 690…
TennCare Expands Coverage for Obesity Medications
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is applauding TennCare for expanding coverage to include FDA-approved weight-management medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. This decision comes at a critical…
Hope for Mothers, Help for Babies
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Foundation House Ministries, a Cleveland-based nonprofit, is sounding the alarm after receiving a record number of calls about babies born addicted to drugs. Executive Director Suzanne…
32 dogs rescued from suspected abuse in Catoosa County
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- 32 dogs were rescued from a home in Catoosa County after investigators found signs of animal cruelty. The Georgia Department of Agriculture…
Unarmed Fort Stewart soldiers tackled, subdued gunman who was "shooting their buddies," Army secretary says
Unarmed soldiers rushed a fellow service member who allegedly opened fire at Fort Stewart in Georgia, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said Thursday. Five soldiers were wounded in the shooting, and the suspect, a sergeant at the Army base,…
Murray County authorities make arrest following drug investigation
MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A man was arrested as a result of a drug investigation conducted by the Murray County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). On Monday, August 4, 2025,…
Northwest Georgia woman charged in child sex abuse case
LYERLY, Georgia (WDEF) - Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents have arrested a Chattooga County woman on multiple sex charges. 32 year old Lillian Hughes faces charges of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Bestiality. They were tipped by local investigators that…
OpenAI unveils ChatGPT‑5. Here's what to know about the latest version of the AI-powered chatbot.
A new version of ChatGPT has arrived that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promises will have Ph.D-level smarts. OpenAI on Thursday announced the release of GPT‑5, which it calls its "smartest, fastest…
Rock City updates look, highlights gnomes in new branding
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) -- Rock City has launched a new look that puts its gnome characters front and center for the first time. The rebrand includes…
Tennessee line workers bring electricity to remote villages in Guatemala
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A crew of 15 Tennessee electric line workers helped bring power to a pair of remote villages in Guatemala. The team included…
Eli Lilly weight loss pill shows promise in latest clinical trial, company says
Eli Lilly, the maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro, said it's experimental GLP-1 pill successfully helped adults with obesity lose weight in a Phase 3 trial, as the company moves closer to submitting the drug for approval from…
Extreme water sports comes to Chattanooga
Travis Sims and Shelby Cundiff talk about the South's largest extreme sports festival, The Chattanooga River Games. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The largest extreme sports festival is coming to…
UPDATE: Suspect involved with fatal Athens shooting now arrested
UPDATE (3:18 A.M. Friday): The suspect involved with the fatal shooting in Athens, Tenn. has been apprehended by the Bradley County Sheriff's Department. Carlos Alejandro Quintana was found in a residence in northeast Bradley County. He was taken into custody…
Helton says he is working on Plan Hamilton compromise
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A controversial plan to guide growth in unincorporated Hamilton County could soon be back up for consideration. (more…)
Davis appointed as new Deputy Chief of Corrections
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has named a new…
Students Start New School Year
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Class is officially back in session for Hamilton County students, with schools reopening today, August 6, 2025. District leaders say more than 45,000 students are returning to…
Human Trafficking Hidden in Plain Sight
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Human trafficking is a devastating and hidden crime affecting millions globally. With an estimated 27.6 million victims, traffickers operate silently, blending into everyday life. Victims may be found in…
