Mother of missing Chickamauga teen with autism wants answers and daughter home
The search continues for a missing teenager with autism, gone for a week after someone pre-paid for a Lyft car and Greyhound bus ticket to North Carolina.
Lawmakers recommendations for action on Refugee Issues in Tennessee
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - A study committee for the Tennessee legislature has approved a final report, including recommendations for new laws. The Joint Study Committee on Refugee Issues was created to investigate the federal government’s immigration program in Tennessee. And it…
Woman charged with murder in drug death
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - A woman has been charged in connection with a fatal drug overdose last fall. 28 year old Hannah Kaiser has been charged with second degree murder. In September, 30 year old Mary McHone died in her home…
Historic bridge gets new home at new Cleveland greenway
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - Cleveland and Bradley County made a special dedication for a historic bridge and walking path. A steel truss bridge is the focal point on a new greenway walking-bike-jogging…
Man fatally shot by police in front of motorists on I 65
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is taking over the case of a man shot and killed by officers this afternoon on the interstate in Nashville. Metro police say it started…
Health Dept. denies publishing patient names
CHATTANOOGA (Hamilton County Health Department) - The Hamilton County Health Department has been notified by community members that false health information is currently circulating online. We want to emphasize that the Hamilton County Health Department operates under HIPAA regulations and…
Southern Champion Tray holds hiring event
The folks at Southern Champion Tray held a hiring event at their Chattanooga location just off Amnicola Highway offering a variety of open positions and shifts.
Cleveland Businessman sees need for Cleveland School improvement
A local businessman thinks the Cleveland City Schools isn't living up to its potential and has a six year plan to improve the standards. The school board chair disagrees.
Controversy over banned Holocaust book in McMinn County
ATHENS, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee school district has voted to ban a Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel about the Holocaust due to “inappropriate language” and an illustration of a nude woman. That's according to minutes from the McMinn County…
Two powerful drugs now adding to US overdose crisis
By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) - Emerging reports show that two little-known drugs are making lethal new contributions to America’s drug overdose crisis. Officials say the two drugs are being seen more often by medical examiners…
Two more schools added to virtual learning in Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Hamilton County has gotten waivers to move two more schools to virtual learning on Friday and some of next week. The new editions are Bess t. Shepherd Elementary and Soddy Daisy Middle. Under the new state law,…
Dedication for historic steel truss bridge
Cleveland and Bradley County made a special dedication for a historic bridge and walking path.
Marion County arrests suspect connected to Mountain Mart gun thefts
JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF) - Law enforcement have been looking for Dustin Stephens for more than a month. On Wednesday, U.S. Marshals, Drug Task Force officers and the Marion County SWAT Team got their man. Stephens has been on the…
Fake poop helps evicted owls settle into new neighborhood
Settling into a new home can be tough for anyone. So scientists have come up with some tricks to make transplanted burrowing owls feel like they are not alone in their new digs, playing owl sounds and scattering fake poop.
Workers overcome by carbon monoxide at construction site
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Four construction workers were taken to the hospital Thursday morning from a carbon monixide case. It started when two people were overcome by carbon monoxide at a construction site for…
Roethlisberger retires at 39: Time to 'hang up my cleats'
The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback announced his retirement on Thursday, saying it was “time to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats” after 18 years, two Super Bowls, countless team records.
US response on Ukraine offers little optimism, Russia says
MOSCOW (AP) — The U.S. rejection of Russia’s main demands to resolve the crisis over Ukraine leaves little ground for optimism, the Kremlin spokesman said Thursday, while adding that…
Wreck snaps power for thousands of customers in east Tennessee
DECATUR, Tennessee (WDEF) - A crash this afternoon in Meigs County knocked out power for thousands of customers. It happened on Highway 58 north above Decatur after 3 PM. Two pickup trucks collided, but…
Georgia speaker pitches new mental health reforms
BLUE RIDGE, Georgia (WDEF) - House Speaker David Ralston introduced his legislation this year that he calls an overhaul of Georgia's mental health care delivery system. House Bill 1013 would reform the experiences in the workplace, clinics and for first…
WanderLinger Brewing Co. commits to product sustainability
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - It's not uncommon for some in Chattanooga to want to end their night with a cold, refreshing beer. But at WanderLinger Brewing Company, the staff is not only committed to…
A week later, still no word on missing 17 year old autistic teen
CHICKAMAUGA, Georgia (WDEF) - It's now been more than a week since a 17 year old girl from Chickamauga went missing. According to her family, Talyn Rae Kernea is autistic and has other cognitive disabilities. Her mom says someone paid…
Hamilton County adds four more schools to virtual class list
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Hamilton County has moved to virtual classes in four more local schools because of rising Covid cases. East Hamilton Middle, East Ridge High, Ooltewah Middle, and Hixson Middle are shutting down classrooms for the next few days.…
Local Judge Puts Emphasis on Mental Health and Recovery Courts
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - In the last five years, overdose-related deaths have nearly doubled in Tennessee. And Hamilton County ranks fourth in the state for overdoses. But some argue that something can be done…
More To The Story with Staley: Read House Anniversary
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - It is still the longest continuously operating hotel in the Southeast. It's recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. It's The Read House. A slice of "Americana" filled…