Governor Bill Lee addresses TN rape kit backlog

Earlier this month a Memphis woman, Eliza Fletcher,  was kidnapped and murdered on her morning jog. Cleotha Abston Henderson is the man accused of the brutal attack. Police discovered Henderson was also linked to a rape case in 2021 by state forensic scientists. This begs the question, just how many rape kits are left untested and how many predators are…

Police investigate a barbershop shooting on Brainerd Road

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police are investigating a shooting Friday morning on Brainerd Road. Police got the call about shots fired in the 5300 block before the bend just before noon. A witness tells us it happened at a barbershop there. They found evidence of a shooting, but a 34 year old male had already gone to the hospital with…

TECH BYTE: Business Cards Go Digital

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — If you’re in the market for new business cards, there’s no reason not to make it just as high tech as your other devices. If your business card needs an upgrade, why not get a digital one? That’s what Christian Thomas did. “Ever since TikTok has been adding ads, some things are too interesting, you can’t…

CCS Wins Region Showdown Over Boyd 33-16

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a match-up of top five teams on Thursday night, 5th ranked Chattanooga Christian beat 4th ranked Boyd Buchanan 33-16. Chargers led it 6-3 at halftime.  Bucs blocked a punt to start the third quarter and later cashed in on an 11 yard touchdown pass from Jacob Hutchinson to Caden Johnson to make it 10-6 Bucs. CCS responded with…

Kennedy Ball Brings Exquisite Soccer Skill Set to GPS

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) GPS senior Kennedy Ball has been one of the top soccer players in Chattanooga. It’s easy to see how her skills earned her a scholarship to Arkansas. When you’re last name is Ball, you’re destined to be a sports star right? Said teammate Kayden Wise:”We always make jokes with it whenever we make signs for games and stuff. We…

Tennessee graduation rates on the rise

Hamilton County, Bradley County Schools reflect on growing graduate numbers

NASHVILLE (WDEF) — The Tennessee Department of Education released the graduation rate data for the last school year yesterday and the numbers are climbing. Statewide, 89.8% of high school students graduated on time and 78 districts’ graduation rates improved from last year. Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Penny Schwinn says the graduation rate numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels which show,…

TVA Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to Seven States

Many car manufacturers are moving toward the widespread production of electric vehicles. As electric cars become more common, the Tennessee Valley Authority is establishing a network of charging stations to accommodate EV owners. “We’re developing a charging network across seven states. Our goal is to have 80 locations along major highways and roadways, so you’re never 25 miles of a…

Local food insecurity on the rise; President Biden announces White House plan to address hunger

  Chattanooga, TN  (WDEF) – This week, The White House held a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health for the first time in 50 years. The Biden administration said it aims to end hunger and increase physical activity and healthy eating by 2030. Announcing an $8 million dollar investment towards the goal. According to Feeding America, in Tennessee 1 in…

Ringgold High School Performing Arts program launches new nonprofit initiative: ‘Center Stage’

Ringgold, GA (WDEF) – Last year The Ringgold High School Performing Arts program raised nearly $30,000 for a nonprofit with their performance of “Catch Me If You Can.” The program had so much success, program officials say they’re now making it a regular activity. The RHSPA has announced the creation of “Center Stage.” Each season, the program will select one…

Humane Society Warns Owners about Ongoing Canine Flu Outbreak

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Humane Educational Society is warning pet owners about an ongoing strain of canine flu that is causing many dogs at their shelter to get sick. Canine flu causes several symptoms in dogs including a cough that sounds like a goose honk, sneezing, and a lack of energy among other symptoms. Rebecca Bryan, executive director at the…

CFC Clinch Home Playoff Berth With 2-1 Win Over Albion San Diego

(press release) Chattanooga FC picked up a paramount three points with a 2-1 win over Albion San Diego on Wednesday night. Goals from Brett Jones and Markus Naglestad confirmed Chattanooga’s position as hosts of the NISA semifinals on Sunday, October 30 at Finley Stadium. Chattanooga and San Diego met just a few weeks prior in California, where the boys in…

Howard Finding Motivation in New Jerseys

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Howard has a super motivational word in their nickname…the Hustlin’ Tigers. Now they have even more inspirational words pressed on the back of their new jerseys. Howard coach Dedric Maffett told his players they were getting new jerseys this year, but he didn’t tell them everything. Said defensive lineman Roy Miles:”He told me he wanted to do a retro-look,…

‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper Coolio dies at age 59

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. and ANDREW DALTON AP Entertainment Writers LOS ANGELES (AP) – Coolio, the rapper who was among hip-hop’s biggest names of the 1990s with hits including “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” has died. Manager Jarez Posey tells The Associated Press that Coolio, whose legal name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died at the Los Angeles home of…

Chattanooga celebrates Fr. Patrick Ryan Day

Local Basilica reflects on life, road to sainthood of historic priest

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly declared September 28, 2022, as Father Patrick Ryan Day throughout the Scenic City. Fr. Patrick Ryan served as the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul’s parish from 1872 to 1878, preaching to and serving those suffering from the yellow fever epidemic. He eventually died from the fever, himself, one day before turning 34…

Naples Fire Department shows how deep Ian’s storm surge is

3 feet in the station, deeper outside

(VIDEO FROM TARIN NAGEL/NAPLES FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT) NAPLES, Florida (CBS) – Hurricane Ian covered southwest Florida with the sea as it cut across the state this afternoon. One of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S. knocked out power to 1.6 million people and trapped untold numbers in their homes. The Hurricane center came ashore near Cayo Costa,…

Driving our Economy Forward: Wacker

CHARLESTON, TN (WDEF) – The Wacker Corporation is a major manufacturer of silicon products for everyday life. The company is looking to expand its operations in the Tennessee Valley and has teamed up with Chattanooga State.   Jim Tharp is the Senior Director of Operations at Wacker. He explains, “Wacker is an international company, and we specialize in taking silicon,…

CPD presents weekly crime report update

Police Chief Celeste Murphy says city experienced two shootings over past week

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Police Department held its latest crime update meeting this morning and discussed the past week’s crime report and further crime prevention. Overall, Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy delivered mostly positive news Wednesday morning. Murphy says there were two shootings in the city over the past week. The first occurred Sunday night, resulting in the death…

More To The Story With Staley: BBQ

Dave learns where the money goes for the Jazz and Barbeque event

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Mimi Nikkel and the rest of her organization is getting ready for the big day in October. It is “Love’s Arm’s” fourth annual Jazz and Barbeque Event. A fundraiser to be held on the 27th of next month. Love’s Arm works with women survivors of human trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Money raised will make a huge difference….

Hamilton County announces deal raising Sheriff’s Office starting pay

starting pay for sworn employees will be $50,000

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Hamilton County leaders have worked out a deal to give a pay-raise to new deputies in the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Austin Garrett, County Mayor Weston Wamp and Commissioner Chip Baker worked out the deal. Beginning next week, starting pay for sworn employees will be $50,000. Starting pay for sworn-certified employees will be $51,500. Current officers will also…

Blood Assurance, UTC Team Up for “Bloodanooga”

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  The scene inside the Tennessee Room at UTC’s University Center was “metal” on Wednesday morning. Blood Assurance and the university teamed up for the semi-annual “Bloodanooga” blood drive. The theme of the blood drive was 1980’s metal rock music, inspired by Eddie Munson, a popular character from the Netflix hit show “Stranger Things”. The event usually occurs…