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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) McCallie welcomed some of the nation’s top high school basketball teams back to Chattanooga for their annual Dr. Pepper Classic. The Blue Tornado opened on Friday against 13th ranked La Lumiere, and McCallie fell by a final score of 80-40. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Atlanta, GA-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga native and NBA rookie Ace Bailey got to play close to home last night as the Utah Jazz visited Atlanta. Bailey is averaging 11-points a game, but his family support must have inspired him against the Hawks, as he pumped in 20-points. Brian Armstrong caught up with the Jazz guard. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) Top ranked Bradley Central nearly squandered a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter before holding on to beat rival Cleveland 57-55. The Bearettes had to play the final minutes of the game without Clemson signee Kimora Fields, who was ejected after an interaction with a Cleveland player. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
The rendering of the proposed gas station at the intersection of Highways 151 and 136 in Naomi. (From: Walker County Commission) NAOMI, Ga. (WDEF)- New gas stations seem to pop up frequently across the Tennessee Valley. However, one proposal in Walker County is causing a stir in a small community. Naomi is a small community just east of Lafayette. The…
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…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Girl Scout Cookie Season is here, with booths setting up this weekend! New this year are the Exploremores which is a Rocky Road inspired cookie flavor! To learn more about this new flavor, read our previous article. Roxaline Holbrook with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians gives viewers tips on how they can find cookie…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is on Saturday, February 7 and Clumpies is opening early to celebrate! From 9 AM to 1 PM, Clumpies located on Northshore will be hosting their annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! Customers can enjoy breakfast themed ice cream flavors that all pair well with their coffee to create an…
Generative AI is both a hero and a villain depending on the application. On this week’s Techbyte we highlight one area where it could save lives. Over in Hong Kong, typhoons are a common occurrence. They whip through at rapid rates, causing flood damage, wind damage, and general destruction. Researchers in the Chinese territory say they’ve developed an AI tool…
(gomocs.com) – The streak is snapped. The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team ended its four-game skid with a physical and gutty performance during a 79-75 victory over Mercer in Southern Conference action on Thursday night inside an energetic McKenzie Arena. Chattanooga improves to 10-14 and 4-7 inside SoCon play after halting its slide with tonight’s win. Mercer, who entered the…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) If you’ve been on the Silverdale campus in recent years, you can’t help but notice all the upgrades in their athletic facilities. That commitment to athletics showed up on national signing day, as nearly 20 athletes inked college scholarships. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
A rendering of the proposed Rock City gondola. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF)- The proposal by one of our area’s top attractions was back in the spotlight Thursday night. Rock City is looking to add a gondola that would change how many visitors travel to see seven states. The Walker County Commission meeting was at full capacity as folks wanted to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga musician Nick Lutsko is stepping onto the national stage in a big way. Known for his playful internet songs and viral videos, Lutsko is bringing his signature humor and catchy melodies to this year’s Manscaped Super Bowl commercial. Not only did he write the melody, but he also voiced two characters in the ad, giving…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The UAW and Volkswagen have reached a tentative agreement. The UAW says 3,200 workers at Volkswagen Chattanooga have won a tentative contract deal that provides 20 percent across-the-board wage increases, affordable health care, real job security, and more. The agreement holds the following, according to the UAW: Major Wage Increases – 20% GWI Substantial raises that begin to…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chatt Prep running back Marquis Gardner signed with Navy on National Signing Day, becoming the school’s first ever division-one signee. A Naval academy recruiter said Gardner is the first player to sign with their school from Chattanooga in the past 20 years. Gardner accounted for over 2,200 yards in his senior season. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) Since South Pittsburg won a state football title last year, you know they’ve got good players. No surprise the Pirates had a few guys ink college papers on national signing day. Defensive end J.R. Hardrick highlighted the group. He’s headed to the ACC to play for Clemson. Another Pirates signee was defensive end Xavier Reviere, who is…