Bradley County man arrested on attempted first degree murder

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Bradley County man has been arrested and charged for Attempted First Degree Murder in Hamilton Richard Lee Thomas County. Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) were dispatched to a home on Flagpoint Drive on March 8, 2025. Upon arrival, deputies located the resident and his girlfriend. While speaking to them, the resident told…

The Chattanooga Convention Center the annual RV show

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Convention Center was the destination for road warriors this weekend as the annual RV Convention takes over downtown. From luxury motorhomes to compact campers, there was something for everyone looking to hit the open road. Alongside the rows of campers, vendors were offering gear and gadgets to make life on the road easier. Mike…

Fourth victim dies in Walker County murder-suicide

UPDATE (3/14/2025):  The off-duty Chickamauga Police Officer who has on scene has died. “Officer Charles “Chuck” Dunn took his final walk, surrounded by love, before giving the ultimate gift—life to others through organ donation.”  -Chickamauga Police Department via Facebook UPDATE:  We’re learning more about the murder-suicide in Walker County that killed three and Charles (Chuck) Dunn / Chickamauga Police Department…

Chattanooga Market offers local flavors and unique finds

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Market is back in full swing, bringing local vendors, fresh produce, and handmade crafts to the heart of the city. The atmosphere was lively earlier today as crowds gathered to explore the diverse booths and indulge in a mix of sweet and salty treats. From tangy local pickles and fresh organic produce to one-of-a-kind…

Homicide investigation underway in Sequatchie County

UPDATE: Authorities have released new details regarding an incident that occurred at 466 Powerline Rd. in Dunlap, TN. According to investigators, Johnathan Belk returned home from a trip and confronted Billy Jean Floyd, who was present at the residence with Belk’s wife, Jada Gholston. Investigators believe that Belk assaulted both Floyd and Gholston, resulting in injuries to Gholston and the…

Mocs Conclude Spring Football Practice

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) While many college football teams are just starting spring practice, the Chattanooga Mocs saw their spring drills come to an end on Friday night. Chattanooga conducted their spring game, which they now refer to as a spring showcase. Northwest Whitfield grad Hudson Gray had a touchdown reception during the scrimmage. Mocs kick their regular season on August 30th at…

Garrison Keeslar is the X-Factor For the Chattanooga Mocs

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Mocs Garrison Keeslar plays basketball like he’s the All-State mayhem guy in those TV commercials. Keeslar wouldn’t mind creating a little mayhem madness this week as UTC battles for the SoCon tournament title. Said guard Honor Huff:”He’s the X-Factor.” Garrison Keeslar is the X-Factor because he does it all for UTC. Said head coach Dan Earl:”And he is…

Tennessee Cracks Down on Plate Flippers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee House of Representatives has passed House Bill 300, a measure aimed at strengthening enforcement against the use of license plate flippers. The devices in question allow drivers to obscure or alter their license plates at the push of a button.  The bill, sponsored by Representative Greg Martin, gives law enforcement the authority to seize…

Former Chatt Prep teacher arrested again, now facing federal charges

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Former Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher Kenya White has Kenya White been arrested again. White is now facing federal charges, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s website. He was recently arrested on sexual exploitation and kidnapping charges from two years ago. The school is investigating why they hired him when he was already on suspension by…

Visit the Zoo but Remember to bring your old Cellphone

Zoos nationwide partner with Eco-Cell to save animal habitats

CHATTANOOGA, TN – This week on Tech Byte we took a visit to our friends at the Chattanooga Zoo where we got to meet George the Giraffe and Thor the Aldabra Tortoise.  The reason for our visit was sparked last year by a visit to the Louisville Zoo where my wife and I noticed a cellphone drop off in the…

CPD arrest a suspect for a shooting on Manor Road

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.  (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Police Department arrested 35-year-old Shamieka Courtesy: CPD Hart after a shooting on the 3900 block of Manor Road. Hart is being charged with aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment, and unlawful possession of a firearm. On February 28, at almost 9 P.M., Chattanooga Police responded to a person shot call on the 3900 block of…

Volunteer firefighters battled Hixson house fire

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded to a structure fire located at 8637 Freeling Varner Road. At 11:00 pm Thursday night, a neighbor heard a popping noise, went to investigate and found a house on fire. The VFD responded to a structure fire located at 8637 Freeling Varner Road. First engine arrived on the scene…

CHI Memorial Awards $60,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits Focused on Health and Well-being

CHI Memorial recently awarded $60,000 in grant money to three local nonprofits working to improve health and well-being in the Chattanooga area. The recipients—Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, The Lighthouse Collective, and La Paz—are each addressing different aspects of community health. Chris Sands, a grant recipient from the 20-26 Community Health Grant, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: “We are grateful…

Tivoli Theatre in Downtown Chattanooga Receives $1 Million Donation for Major Renovations

CHATTANOOGA,TN (WDEF) Downtown Chattanooga’s iconic Tivoli Theatre is undergoing a significant transformation, and the community got an exclusive update on the exciting renovations during the Rotary Club meeting today. The historic theatre, a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s cultural scene, is set to undergo extensive upgrades with a generous $1 million donation from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. This donation will…

‘The Dream’ faces more scrutiny from Beer Board after January shootout

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga nightclub continues to be in hot water after a pair of shootings within the past four months. The Dream on Glass Street in Avondale is facing its second round of sanctions due to these shooting incidents. A security guard for “The Dream” nightclub shooting back at a gunman with an assault rifle. Last month, they…

South Pittsburg high school students learn how to ‘arrive alive’

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF)- South Pittsburg high school students learned about how dangerous distracted driving can be on Thursday. They took part in the Arrive Alive tour, sponsored by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. The tour allows students to step into a vehicle and simulate impaired driving by using a VR headset. The “Arrive Alive” SUV used in a program…

Thursday Throwback: 1985 Scottsboro Blackbirds

It looks like something from an old horror movie. For Our Thursday Throwback, we take a look at the bird menace of northwest Alabama 40 years ago. Flocks of blackbirds plagued a Scottsboro neighborhood making life miserable for the families their. This story did NOT have a happy ending for the birds. Here are two reports from March of 1985….

New Phone Restrictions for Schools

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new push to ban cell phones and other personal devices during class could soon become law in Tennessee.  The state’s House of Representatives passed a bill Monday that would require schools to prohibit students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, or gaming devices during instructional time.  The bill, known as HB 0932, was introduced by…

Man arrested in Chattanooga for shooting in Athens

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga man has been arrested for shooting someone in Athens, Tennessee. The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, near McMinn Avenue. According to the Athens Police Department (APD), one person sustained life-threatening injuries. On the morning of March 5, federal authorities and Chattanooga Police took Caleb Darby into custody. He was transported back to Athens,…

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrests a man for multiple drug trafficking charges

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. (WDEF) – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit have arrested a man with multiple drug trafficking charges. The recent arrest was a development in a case that began in January 2024. Colby Brett Philips was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine after finding 125 grams of the substance in his possession. He was issued a $400,00…

Chattanooga State Community College Celebrates Grand Opening of First-Ever Student Health Clinic

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga State Community College celebrated the grand opening of the first-ever Student Health Clinic. The clinic offers a wide range of healthcare services to students, It’s designed to provide convenient access to healthcare right on campus and will benefit students from 16 different programs at the college. “When students feel supported, they can focus on what…