Miss G’s Owner Detained by ICE

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The owner of popular Chattanooga restaurant Miss G’s has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, prompting concern from longtime customers. Guillermina Solano-Chala, owner of Miss G’s Tortas and Tamales, was pulled over during a traffic stop in Walker County on January 23.  Public records indicate her charges included no insurance, driving without a valid…

Safe Internet Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With kids spending more time online, keeping them safe has never been more important.  Technology is part of daily life, from apps and social media to online games and digital learning, but it also brings risks.  The Better Business Bureau encourages parents to take an active role in protecting their children’s online safety. Monitoring what children…

Golden Apple Award: Janet Robbins, Northwest Whitfield

TUNNEL HILL, GEORGIA (WDEF) – Janet Robbins has a knack for growing things. From the endless rows of flora lining the Northwest Whitfield greenhouse to the young minds inside her classroom, people and plants tend to flourish under Ms. Robbins watchful eye. From the fertile soil sprouts tonight’s Golden Apple Award. “She is an amazing teacher. She does a lot…

Chickamauga Mayor Removed From Office

CHICKAMAUGA, (WDEF) – The Chickamauga City Council voted 4–1 Monday night to remove Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office following a lengthy public meeting. Four council members voted in favor of removal, while one voted against it. Mayor Pro Tem Evitte Parrish closed the meeting after the vote. “That being all the business before the council, the meeting is…

Facility Dogs Now Allowed In Every Tennessee Jurisdiction

Facility dogs will now be allowed in every jurisdiction in Tennessee with a judge’s approval, a new law allows. Passed last year, any victim or witness who has to testify in a courtroom is allowed to request a facility dog to be with them during their testimony with a judge’s approval. They are often used when children have to testify,…

UTC launches new campus safety app

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is partnering with 9-1-1 Cellular to launch a new safety app designed to respond to and help prevent emergencies on campus. The new app, Safe@UTC, gives students, faculty, and staff direct access to safety resources, including campus police, a safe walk feature, and an anonymous tip line. The app connects…

New statement released by Chickamauga mayor over removal hearing

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – As legal proceedings continue surrounding the effort to remove Chickamauga Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office, the mayor’s office has released a statement claiming there is evidence certain individuals considered the case before hearing his defense. Mayor Deck addressed the situation during Friday’s meeting. “I believe ‘We the People,’ and it doesn’t operate like that…

Walker Valley Edges Tyner 60-57

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a battle of ranked teams on Monday night, Walker Valley beat Tyner 60-57. Zion Pinkerton scored 17 to lead the Rams, while Zach Davis tossed in 29 for Walker Valley. The Mustangs were ranked 5th in Class 4A, while the Rams were ranked 9th in Class 2A. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

What’s Right With Our Schools Northwest Whitfield AG Program

TUNNEL HILL, GA (WDEF) – Traditional classrooms are great places to learn, but sometimes students need to get their hands dirty. That’s exactly what happens at the Northwest Whitfield greenhouse. Let’s dig into their award-winning Ag program in this week’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Our community is ag based even that they think about Dalton and they think about…

Mayor Shares Vision for Growth

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to members of the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club Monday, highlighting accomplishments from his first term and outlining priorities for the future as he runs for reelection. During the meeting, Wamp emphasized investing in young people across the county, pointing to expanded opportunities in technical education.  He encouraged families to explore…

Driver Services Center Reopens After Remodel

JASPER, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has reopened its Driver Services Center after completing a months-long remodel aimed at improving customer experience and efficiency.  The center closed in May 2025 for planned renovations and officially reopened Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, resuming regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Updates…

Americans Struggle Getting Reading Started

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Americans want to read more, but screens and digital distractions are making it harder to pick up a book.  Surveys commissioned by ThriftBooks found that while 70% of adults plan to read more this year, 57% say the hardest part is simply getting started.  Half of U.S. adults are also trying to cut down screen time…

Stab Wound, Bitemark Found on Victim Allegedly Killed by Former NFL Player Darron Lee

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office   MORE:  We have also learned the identity of the victim in this case. According to a GoFundMe by a cousin, they say that Gabriella Perpetuo was the victim, saying she had suffered domestic violence and abuse. They say that her parents are in Florida attempting to make arrangements for her funeral as she was living…

Immersive Exhibit Highlights Global Poverty

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Compassion International brought its nationwide Compassion Experience tour to Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga from February 6 through February 8.  The free, family friendly exhibit invited visitors to walk through immersive rooms designed to reflect the daily realities faced by children living in extreme poverty across the globe. The experience featured interactive displays and personal stories…

Valentine Market Draws Weekend Crowds

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Sweetheart Market wrapped up its two-day run at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District, bringing together local vendors, live music and Valentine’s-themed shopping for the community. Hosted by Shop the Market at, LLC, the annual event featured dozens of artisans and small businesses offering handmade crafts, artwork and gift items throughout the historic district.  Shoppers…

Tooth Pain Could Signal More

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tooth pain is easy to dismiss, but dental experts say ignoring it can lead to serious consequences.  Pain, sensitivity, swelling, or infection often signal problems deep inside the tooth that will not resolve on their own.  Delaying care can lead to more damage and more invasive treatment later. Endodontists play a key role in treating these…

Democrat Anna Golladay announces run for 3rd District

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Over the weekend, Democrat Anna Golladay announced her campaign for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District. This evening, she attended a local event in Chattanooga where she met with voters and shared her message and goals for running. Golladay is seeking her party’s nomination to challenge Representative Chuck Fleischmann in the general election. Golladay emphasized that she believes…

One man charged after threatening to shoot himself and his partner

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today around 1:04 p.m., the Cleveland Police Department responded to a reported domestic dispute at 541 Linda Drive Southeast. According to Cleveland Police a female caller said she and her partner got into an argument, when the male subject, identified as Michael Newman, allegedly produced a firearm and threatened to shoot both himself and her. It was…

Venue 1921 opens as East Ridge’s new community gathering space

EAST RIDGE, Tenn (WDEF) – Today, the City of East Ridge celebrated the grand opening of Venue 1921, a new city owned gathering space designed to host a wide range of community events. City leaders joined residents to officially open the facility and welcome the public into the new space. Mayor Brian Williams explained the meaning behind the venue’s name….

National Wear Red Day supports women’s heart health

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Friday, February 6 is National Wear Red Day. The American Heart Association says it is a way to show support for women’s heart health. Colline Miller is the marketing and communications manager for the American Heart Association of Chattanooga. She says, “It’s so important that we raise awareness for women’s heart health because cardiovascular disease is…