US researchers test pig-to-human transplant in donated body
Surgeons in Alabama transplanted a pig’s kidneys into a brain-dead man — a step-by-step rehearsal for an operation they hope to try in living patients possibly later this year.
Arresting officer in Floyd County teacher sting proud to get a predator out of schools
Administrators and students at Coahulla Creek High School in Dalton got the surprise they never wanted to hear: a now-former teacher faces charges in a child predator sting in neighboring Floyd County. Police charged 36-year-old Michael David Powers with five…
Crews searching for missing teens on Falling Water Trail
WALDENS RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) - The Waldens Ridge Emergency Services is conducting a ground search on Signal Mountain for two missing teenagers. They are 17 and 18 years old. Officials say the two trail runners got lost when it got…
More schools closing and going virtual because of Covid & illnesses
ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) - In previous years, we called them "flu days." But now the Omicon variant of Covid has made the illness situation even more acute in some area schools. Most say they are having trouble finding enough staff…
CHI Memorial names street in honor of MaryEllen Locher
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Officials with C-H-I Memorial helped officially rename a Chattanooga Street earlier today. Formerly known as Healthy Street, the road was renamed MaryEllen Locher Way. It was renamed after a beloved…
Chattanooga State will add a new building to campus
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - The State Building Commission has approved the construction of a new building at Chattanooga State Community College. It's expected to be roughly 49-thousand square feet, and cost 21-point-9 million dollars. With…
County Commission postpones decision on Nepotism policy
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - This morning, the Hamilton County Commission took up a resolution to stop constitutional officers from using county funds to pay family members. Commissioner Tim Boyd proposed the resolution and wanted to vote on the issue quickly. But…
Uber Statement and Neighbor's Account of Alleged Attack on Driver
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Zachery Richard Johnson was booked Saturday night on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery and carjacking following his alleged attack on an Uber driver…
Push to stop House map carving Nashville has legal obstacles
By JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democrats and voting rights groups have blasted Tennessee Republicans for what they call an effort to dilute the state’s Black vote by carving Nashville into three likely GOP-controlled districts. But opponents…
Henegar man charged with soliciting underage girl
FORT PAYNE, Alabama (WDEF) - Investigators in Alabama have charged a Sand Mountain man soliciting a child. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Investigation's Unit got a tip that 27 year old Bobby Cole Howell of Henegar was possibly having communications with…
Coahulla Creek High teacher arrested in child predator sting
UPDATE: "Mr. Powers has resigned from his position with Whitfield County Schools."-- Whitfield County Schools ________ ROME, Georgia (WDEF) - A teacher at Coahulla Creek High School faces charges in a child predator sting in neighboring Floyd County. 36 year…
Deputy chase ends in fatal crash in Soddy Daisy
SODDY DAISY, Tennessee (WDEF) - An early morning law enforcement chase ended in a fatal crash. Officials with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office say a deputy tried to stop with a missing headlight that was acting suspiciously after 1 AM…
White House: Texas hostage-taker had raised no red flags
The gunman who took four people hostage at a Texas synagogue in a 10-hour standoff was checked against law enforcement databases before entering the U.S. but raised no red flags.
Affidavit: Uber driver calls her brutal sexual assault "agony"
A late night ride this past Saturday had one Uber driver facing the unthinkable: being sexually assaulted while driving a passenger out to Ooltewah. Poilce charged 36-year-old…
Some school systems now closing because of rising illnesses
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - We just saw a holiday and weather shut down most area schools. But now a growing rise in Covid cases and other illness is forcing more closings. Cleveland Schools announced they will be closed on Wednesday…
Golden Apple Award: Sam Sherrill, Boyd Buchanan
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - A strong understanding in Science can set the foundation for a lifetime of logical thinking. Sam Sherrill makes sure his 7th graders at Boyd Buchanan understand the world around…
Ooltewah man charged with raping a female Uber driver
UPDATE: A check of his previous arrests in Hamilton County shows a criminal history going back to 2003. Most are driving offenses, several involving alcohol. He was last charged with DUI in 2018. But none of the previous charges were…
Betty White Challenge Brings Large Donations to Local Animal Shelters
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF): Betty White, often referred to as America's Grandmother, was not only an exceptional actress, but also an avid animal advocate. In honor of Betty and her love for animals, the Betty…
Tennessee sets new record for gun confiscations at airports
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - As air travel rebounded in 2021, so did gun confiscations. In fact, the TSA reports we broke records for the number of weapons they found in carry-on luggage last…
Despite huge volcano blast, Tonga avoids widespread disaster
The blast from the volcano could be heard in Alaska, and the waves crossed the ocean to cause an oil spill and two drownings in Peru.
Singer Sara Evans filed for divorce from ex-Alabama QB before weekend charges
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - Former Alabama quarterback and current sports radio host Jay Barker faces a March court date on domestic violence charges. The 49 year old Barker was arrested after an early morning incident over the weekend. Police investigators say…
Details on how to get at-home Covid tests
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Starting this week, Americans will be able to get at-home COVID tests for free. The news comes amid a national testing shortage. In Hixson, Access Pharmacy is feeling the…
More To The Story: Local teen wins contest to try out a high-end new mobility device
ROSSVILLE, Georgia (WDEF) - 15 year old Joel Westbrook has spina bifida. Every day, he and his Mom, Wendy, strap on the braces. So Joel can get around. He'll use…
What's Right With Our Schools: Hixson Middle AFJROTC
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Those are the core values of the United States Air Force. Now, Students at…